Cartier Tank Normale "New York" - w/ deployment buckle.

     Talk about a rare bird alert - I have to get back to making those videos by the way. Today I present to you a Cartier Tank Normale retailed in the New York boutique all the way back in 1966. 
     Before we get into the watch it self lets talk a little bit about the price. Over the last couple of days I have gotten multiple inquiries about why "its so high." You see this is no regular tank Normale. Most of you, like the many messages I have received, are probably thinking its your run of the mill reference 78092. Its not. 
      This watch predates the time period when Cartier started introducing standardized references. That came after the merger and began with the introduction of the Louis Cartier Collection in 1973. Prior to that date, Cartier acted (somewhat) as 3 distinct but similar houses: Cartier London, Cartier New York, Cartier Paris. |
      The predating of the merger in 1973 is important not only from a Cartier philosophy standpoint but also just in terms of production and sheer rarity. To get you to understand just how drastic the difference is between Pre and Post 1973 Cartier consider this: There were approximately 3,000 Tank Normales produced from 1973-1983. From 1919 to 1969 Cartier Paris produced less than 6,000 total TANKS. Not normales - all tanks. That's right. Cartier produced >50% normales in a 10 year span than Cartier Paris produced total tanks in just over 5 decades. What about Cartier New York you say? Even fewer. 

Currently, at the time of this writing, I do not see another Cartier Tank Normale retailed from the New York house from this era for sale. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Cartier

MODEL: Tank Normale

REFERENCE: n/a

SERIAL: 48xxx

YEAR: 1966

DIAL: An original pre 1973 merger Cartier dial. The original white dial has aged to beautiful patina reminiscent of old printed newspapers. It features the signature fat block roman numerals that has aged to exhibit the classic perforations that the dials have come to be known for. There is chipping of the dial in the lower left hand corner that is common on these. The dial does exhibit some damage- sword drag that is visible from the 7 to 10 o'clock hour marker. 

CASE: A solid 18kt yellow gold case. The case measures 20x28mm and was manufactured in France before being shipped to the New York boutique for sale. The case has been polished in the past; however, the original chamfers on the lugs are still visible and can be appreciated. The French hallmark on the midcase is crisp and defined. The original brushed finishing can be appreciated on both the case back and midcase. The case is completed by the watches original blue sapphire cabochon crown. 

MOVEMENT:  A Cartier marked European Watch & Clock (EWC) movement. The caliber is a Lecoultre based 168. It has been serviced by Cartier themselves in the past however the date of that service is unknown. The watch does run but timekeeping has not been checked. The watch can be serviced for $350 plus any parts that might be necessary. If serviced the watch will come with a one year mechanical warranty dated from the completion of the service. 

BRACELET/STRAP: Will come with watch and deployment buckle; no strap. The deployment buckle does not allow for any adjustment; therefore the strap needs to be custom made for the client. 

ACCESSORIES: None. 

BOX/PAPERS: No. 

WARRANTY: None unless the watch is serviced first. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $23,000 shipped.