Vintage Cartier Tank Louis 78086 Paris Dial Double Owl

     A vintage Cartier Tank Louis with a desirable 'Paris' dial. This example was originally produced in Switzerland and retailed in France in the 1970s. It is being offered with it's original 18kt yellow gold deployment buckle with matching hallmarks. It's case measures 23x30mm and was considered the men's size at the time. In my humble opinion it can easily be worn by either gender and looks fantastic no matter the occasion. It's one thing for a design to remain relatively unchanged for over 100 years. To stay relevant that entire time? That says something. This example features a double owl hallmark on the 11 o'clock lug denoting that the case was originally manufactured in Switzerland and imported into France. At that point in time, the watch was fitted with a Paris dial and sold in the flagship store in Vendome. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Cartier 

MODEL: Tank Louis

REFERENCE: 78086

SERIAL: 78086xxxx

YEAR: 1980's. 

DIAL: The original, lacquered, white enamel dial is in fair shape. There is one scratch on the dial at the 11 o'clock our marker and a couple of imperfections near the "E" and "R" of "Cartier" signature. There is also various spots of staining near the parimeter of the dial. It's important to note that the photos are taken under high magnification in order to accurately depict condition of the watch. However, under normal viewing distances the only imperfection I can discern is the some of the scratch at 11 o'clock (because difference in color) and the slight imperfections noted at the Cartier signature. 

CASE: 23mm width x 30mm height solid 18kt yellow gold. The case is very strong. The original brushed finishing on the case back can be appreciated. The stock number is crisp. The hallmarks are well defined and deep.  These case dimensions is the vintage "mens" size however could easily be worn by woman as well. It is completed by its original, oversized, pointed, blue sapphire cabochon crown. The oversized pointed version of this crown is more uncommon than the normal sized or rounded oversized counterparts. 

MOVEMENT: Cartier caliber 78-1. The service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets, runs and keeps good time. It was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that the watch is keeping time within 3 seconds per day and has an amplitude of 276. The watch can be serviced for approximately $325 plus parts (if needed). If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BRACELET/STRAP: The watch will come on the pictured Teju Lizard grain strap. Complete with period correct gold plated Cartier buckle. 

ACCESSORIES: Period correct gold plated Cartier buckle. 

BOX/PAPERS: No. 

WARRANTY: None unless the watch is serviced first. 

BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $7,200 shipped.