
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tank Louis ultra thin cream dial ref 96019 in 18 k yellow gold, 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- yellow gold
- Stock no.
- W-3441
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3441)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Tank Louis ultra thin cream dial ref 96019 in 18 k yellow gold (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3441), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: yellow gold. 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
The Cartier Tank needs no introduction—but just in case: it's not only one of the oldest and most enduring watch designs in history, it's also one of the most sought-after models on the market today. Designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, the Tank has become an enduring icon of elegance and style. This example is a classic and elegant Ultra Thin Cartier Tank Louis, showcasing all the hallmarks of the brand—including a slightly cream-colored dial with painted Roman numerals and a railroad minute track. The watch features blued hands and a blue cabochon-topped winding crown. Both the dial and case are in lovely condition, with the dial also featuring a discreet Cartier signature at 7 o’clock and is signed SWISS at the 6 o'clock side. The standout feature of this piece is its movement. While the common Ref. 78086 typically uses the basic ETA-based Caliber 78-1, the 96065 and 96019 references—like this one—are more coveted for housing the ultra-thin, Cartier-branded Piguet 21 movement. This refined movement gives the Tank its “Ultra Thin” or Extra-Plate nickname, making it a top choice for collectors seeking a slimmer, more elegant profile. The watch is fitted with a fine black leather strap and an original 18k Cartier pin buckle. It has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is running beautifully. There’s a lot of love for Cartier Tanks at the moment, and we have a strong track record of sourcing and selling them. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like more information or assistance! Specifications: Cartier Tank Louis Reference 96069” Ultra Thin” 18K yellow gold case – 30x23.5mm Serial , 960190xxx dating to the 1970s White , turned to a slight cream dial with painted black Roman numerals , signed Swiss Blued hands Blue cabochon-topped winder Hand-wound Cartier branded Piguet cal. 21 movement Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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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