
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tank Louis, Made with Bueche-Girod
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- Product 10049147502868
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 10049147502868)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Tank Louis - Made w/Bueche-Girod - *Unpolished* (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 10049147502868), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 — Collectors Corner NY
The Cartier Tank has achieved iconic status in the world of watch design and, with the exception of a few distinctive variations, has maintained a consistent aesthetic throughout its extensive production history. The first commercially available Tank Normale was introduced in 1919, having been inspired by the treads of the French Renault FT-17 tank used in WW1. Throughout the decades, Tank watches have been documented on the wrists of notable figures from Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol. Today, Cartier feels more relevant in the worlds of fashion, music and popular culture than ever before. On offer is a rare Tank Louis, circa 1970s, one of the Cartier watches produced in conjunction with Bueche-Girod. Interestingly, the dial texture of this piece is a matted variant that isn't prone to cracking like the majority of lacquer dials in this period. It features a "Swiss" signed dial and the "elongated" cabochon crown which many collectors argue is more attractive. This piece has remained in absolutely stunning vintage condition. The case appears completely untouched with deep, crisp hallmarks. It comes accompanied with a plated but correctly shaped pin buckle and supple leather strap in brown. Anyone who can appreciate the charm of a top condition vintage piece will find this example to be a true standout from the pack.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
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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