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Cartier Tank Louis in 18k Yellow Gold White Dial ref 2442, late 1990 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Cartier Tank Louis in 18k Yellow Gold White Dial ref 2442, late 1990

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Cartier (maker)
Date
late 1990
Country of origin
France
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
18k yellow gold
Dimensions
Case 29.5 mm
Stock no.
W-3794
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3794)
Catalogue title (original)
Cartier Tank Louis in 18k Yellow Gold White Dial ref 2442 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3794), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated late 1990. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 29.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Founded in 1847 in Paris by jeweler Louis-François Cartier, Cartier evolved from a small Parisian atelier into one of the world’s most influential names in jewellery and watchmaking. Renowned for its refined aesthetics, technical innovation, and close ties to European royalty, Cartier became synonymous with timeless elegance and sophisticated design throughout the 20th century. Introduced in 1917 by Louis Cartier, the Cartier Tank remains one of the most iconic and important wristwatch designs ever created. At a time when most watches still relied on traditional round pocket-watch forms, the Tank introduced a radically modern rectangular case with clean lines and perfectly balanced proportions. Its design was famously inspired by the aerial view of military tanks used during the First World War, translating industrial geometry into one of the most elegant watch designs ever conceived. Offered here is a lovely Cartier Tank Louis Ref. 2442 in a 22 x 29.5 mm 18k yellow gold execution. The case is in great condition and features the classic blue cabochon-set crown. The traditional Cartier white dial displays black painted Roman numerals, along with the hidden Cartier signature at the X marker — always a charming detail to discover. The watch is further fitted with Cartier’s signature blued, non-luminous hands. The watch is paired with a handsome Bulang & Sons leather strap and fitted with an 18k Cartier pin buckle. Power comes from a quartz movement that has been fully checked by our watchmaker, with a fresh battery recently installed. Specifications: Cartier Tank Louis reference 2442 22x29.5 mm 18 k Yellow Gold case Serial 1219xxxx dating to the late 1990’s White dial with ‘hidden signature’ in X numeral Blue steel hands Bulang and sons Leather strap , 18 k gold Cartier pin buckle fitted Quartz driven movement Fully checked by our watchmaker, fresh battery fitted

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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