The Cartier Tank Louis was introduced in 1918 and is one of the most iconic watch models ever produced, adorning the wrist of many notable people over its lifetime. Overall the Tank is a classic, elegant model that can be worn by both men and women everyday and sustain a lifetime, if not generations to come. It's also a favourite of mine and I wear one everyday myself!

This particular Tank Louis is a mechanical example in 18k solid gold, and likely dates to the late 1970s. The watch features all the quintessential Tank DNA like classic white dial with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, cabochon sapphire crown and the like. The case is signed Cartier, numbered, and hallmarked, and houses inside a 2512-1 manual wind calibre signed Cartier. This watch was made for export to the Brazilian market, as shown by the "β 091 AM ZF MANAUS" markings to the case back, and this also likely explains the Swiss-signed dial. Cartier watches exported to Brazil often had their case numbers changed or tweaked, hence why the reference to the case back reads "88086" as opposed to "78086" - another quirk of vintage Cartier! The watch is twinned to a brown leather strap with a period gold-plated Cartier pin buckle.

The overall condition of this example is good and the watch is ready to strap to the wrist and enjoy. The dial is in excellent condition, retaining a bright, glossy finish, and the case in good condition with some light scratches and wear commensurate with age. There are a couple of light dints to the case back as often picked up with age. The glass is in excellent condition and free of marks. The strap is in excellent condition.