A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Cartier Tank Louis with fine “beads of rice” bracelet. Perhaps one of the most iconic watches of all time (and certainly one that has been desired by and worn by some of the most celebrated figures of the 20th Century to this current day). In fact, it feels that this special gem of watch design is actually entering into a renaissance in its desirability and collectibility. When initially launched all the way back in 1922, even the most ardent Cartier employee would have been hard pressed to imagine the watch would still be in the line and as popular as ever over one hundred years on.

The watch has all the details that Cartier lovers flock to the brand for – the Roman numeral dial with the hidden signature at the seven o’clock position, chemin de fer minute track, sword blued steel hands and a blue sapphire set winding crown. The “Swiss” signed dial is in excellent condition with no signs of crazing or damage from moisture or dirt, as can often be the case with these watches that can suffer from not being very tightly sealed. The case shows no signs of polishing and is in excellent condition, with all of the stamping and unique Cartier reference numbers still visible on the case back. Model reference number 88105.

The watch is powered by a quartz, ETA produced movement. This is a fairly rudimentary, but reliable, movement that powered the vast number of Cartier watches from the mid 1980’s through to the early 1990’s.

The watch sits on a fine and beautifully made solid eighteen carat yellow gold mesh style bracelet, seamlessly joining the case and opened through the traditional Cartier deployant clasp on the back center which is seamlessly integrated into the bracelet. The inside of which is fully stamped with Cartier control marks and gold assay marks. This bracelet is not fixed to the watch itself. It is held on by two long screws that run through the lugs of the watch, meaning that if there was a desire to have it on a leather band, this is wholly possible. The bracelet currently measures approximately seven inches in length. It can be sized down if required. These elegant and exceptionally comfortable to wear bracelets are hard to find, and add another level of beauty to an already special piece of watch making history.

Overall, this is a wonderful example of the classic Cartier icon. It has the added benefit of this soft and very wearable gold bracelet. A watch that worked for the likes of Jackie O. and Andy Wahol is one that cannot be left out of any serious watch collection.