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Rendered in solid 18k yellow gold, this Tank Louis Cartier embodies the purest expression of the design conceived by Louis Cartier more than a century ago.
The Tank Louis Cartier, or simply Tank L.C., is among the most iconic and sought-after watches in the world. The Cartier Tank traces its origins to 1917, when Louis Cartier drew inspiration from the stark geometry of the Renault FT-17, the twin parallel brancards echoing the vehicle's treads, and the case standing in for its cockpit. In 1922, the Tank Louis Cartier debuted as the Tank à Bords Arrondis, or “Tank with Rounded Edges,” before taking its designer's name in 1924.
Many Tank variations have appeared since, but none is more emblematic of Louis Cartier's aesthetic than his namesake. A core selection of Tank L.C.s endured from 1922 onward, but the 1973 launch of the Louis Cartier Collection — a lineup of 12 watches that included the Tank L.C. — helped standardize production in the years that followed. The Tank L.C.'s appeal continued to grow in the public eye as celebrities, including Yves Montand, Andy Warhol, and Princess Diana, adopted it as their watch of choice.
The reach of the design widened further with the affordable Tank Must, which debuted in 1977. Modeled after the Tank L.C., the Tank Must helped establish the softly rounded rectangular profile as one of the defining watch designs of the late 1970s and 1980s, a silhouette that remains instantly recognizable today.
The quartz reference W1529856 is a true Tank Louis Cartier, constructed from 18k yellow gold in the 29.5mm x 22mm case dimensions of the small model. Cartier's familiar signatures remain intact, including a silver-grained dial with Roman numerals and a chemin de fer (“railway”) minute track, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a sapphire cabochon set into the beaded crown. Protecting the dial is a mineral crystal, a longstanding feature of the Tank L.C. chosen in place of sapphire because it produces fewer reflections and shadows, providing a clearer view of the watch face.
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This watch is in good condition, showing expected wear from normal use, including scratches, scuffs, and dings. The case screws show noticeable marring and gouging from previous screwdriver work. The movement is running properly with all functions operating as intended. While the date of the last battery change is unknown, the battery will be replaced prior to shipment if it is depleted at the time of sale. Additional photos are available on request.
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This watch comes as a complete set with its original box and sleeve, instruction manual, care guide booklet, and warranty card. The purchase date was not written on the warranty card, but according to Cartier's website, the warranty expired on April 10, 2019. Given the two-year coverage period, this dates the purchase to 2017.
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Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis Cartier
Reference: W1529856
Size: Small model
Year: 2017
Case width: 22mm
Lug-to-lug: 29.5mm
Case thickness: 6.35mm
Case material: 18k yellow gold
Dial color: Silver
Movement: Quartz (Cartier caliber 057)
Complications: None
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap/bracelet: Brown alligator strap with 18k yellow gold ardillon buckle
Lug width: 16mm
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