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Cartier Tank Paris Dial Reverso (Ref. 2582), 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Cartier Tank Paris Dial Reverso (Ref. 2582), 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Cartier (maker)
Date
1970s
Country of origin
France
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 32 mm
Stock no.
Product 8403274694839
Credit line
Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8403274694839)
Catalogue title (original)
1970s Cartier Tank Paris Dial Reverso (Ref. 2582) (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8403274694839), 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. Recorded dimensions: Case 32 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 — Huntington Company

History and Significance The Tank Reverso is one of the more intriguing and lesser-seen evolutions within Cartier’s Tank lineage. Produced in limited numbers during the 1970s, this reference blends the classic Tank proportions with a reversible case construction, offering both practical protection and a subtle mechanical curiosity. While the Reverso concept is most closely associated with Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier’s interpretation stands apart through its unmistakable Paris-era design language and refined execution. This example features a Paris-signed dial, placing it firmly in a period collectors continue to prize for its design purity and smaller production runs. The 24 by 32 mm case wears elegantly, maintaining the Tank’s traditional rectangular balance while offering a slightly more substantial presence than earlier mid-century references. These watches were never mass-market pieces, and surviving examples in honest, well-preserved condition are increasingly difficult to find, particularly when the original deployants are intact. Writer’s Thoughts The proportions are excellent, the dial is crisp and perfectly balanced, and the reversible case adds just enough intrigue without turning the watch into a novelty. On the wrist, it feels thoughtful and intentional, like something chosen carefully rather than impulsively. The fact that it comes with the original deployant clasp only reinforces that sense of completeness. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. This watch is offered in honest condition. Specifications Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Reverso (Ref. 2582) Year: 1970s Case Material: Gold case with integrated reversible construction Case Size: 24 x 32 mm Dial: White Paris-signed dial with black Roman numerals Crystal: Mineral crystal Movement: Manual wind Strap/Bracelet: New leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle and original Cartier deployant clasp Contents: Watch and original deployant clasp Condition Case: Gold case shows light, honest wear with well-defined lines and appears to retain its original geometry. Crystal: Crystal is clean with no dents or scratches observed. Dial: Paris-signed dial is crisp and well preserved with clean printing and no visible damage other than the 1 o'clock numeral. Hands: Original blued hands are in excellent condition with even coloration. Strap/Bracelet: The new leather strap is unworn. Buckle/Clasp: Original Cartier deployant shows light surface wear consistent with age and functions properly.

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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