Cartier Tank Louis, manual winding with "Paris" dial

Early 1980s Cartier Tank Louis, 18k solid gold with "Paris" dial.

One of the first wristwatches ever, debuting in 1917 and designed by Louis Cartier, the Cartier Tank's sleek, enduring design has remained a favorite of celebrities, world leaders, royalty, and other persons of note for over a century. Inspired by the Renault tanks on WWI battlefields, the elongated rectangular shape features clean lines extending from lug to lug, and soft, curved edges. The watch has Cartier's signatures: distinctive blue steel sword hands, a sapphire cabochon on the crown, and the classic white roman numeral dial with a minute "rail-track". 

Watches with dials signed "Paris" under the VI (6:00) marker were produced in Paris and sold through Cartier's Paris or London boutiques in the 70s and early 80s. The 70s marked a significant shift in the house's history: the consolidation of the Paris, New York, and London branches (split post Pierre Cartier's death in 1964), and the shift to Swiss production of their watches. During this transition period, limited numbers of watches were still produced in Paris. Later Tanks are signed "Swiss Made", and generally sport quartz movements. The "Paris" signed dials with a mechanical movement represent a pivotal moment in Cartier's history, and are often favored by vintage Cartier collectors. 

Replacement leather watch strap, Cartier vermeil buckle. Engraved on the back- engraving can be removed. 

Movement: Mechanical winding
Case width: 18 mm
Bracelet length: 5.75" - 6.75"
Materials: 18k solid gold
Watch in very good vintage condition, strap shows wear