Tank family · 18 references Cartier

Tank Louis

Name: Cartier Tank Louis
Brand: Cartier
Availability: InStock

25.5mm Popular Model

Low $8,995

Median $10,695

High $12,925

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The Tank Louis Cartier is the Tank with its edges softened: rounded brancards—the long case sides that frame the dial—give its rectangular outline a gentler character. Introduced in 1922, it remains a particularly satisfying expression of Cartier’s design, with Roman numerals, a railway minute track and blued hands doing more than any dial ornament could.

For a first example, the traditional Roman-numeral dial is the natural starting point; the stripped-back colored-dial versions offer a distinctly different mood. Choose a hand-wound model if winding is part of the pleasure, or quartz if you want less daily involvement. On older examples, pay particular attention to the brancards: heavy polishing can blur their rounded profile and leave the two sides uneven. Also distinguish the solid-gold Tank Louis Cartier from the gold-plated Must de Cartier Tank; similar dial furniture does not make them the same watch.

Case Size25.5mm

What owners love

The softly rounded gold case is a big part of what makes the Louis feel different from other Tanks. It sits close to the wrist, slips easily under a cuff, and is comfortable enough that owners often forget it is there.
The Roman numerals, railway minute track and blued hands reward looking closely without making the dial feel busy. Owners often find that the watch works just as naturally with a T-shirt as with the formal clothes they originally bought it for.

Common Criticisms

The polished gold case picks up fine scratches readily, particularly along the exposed sides. Owners who like keeping those surfaces pristine can find everyday wear frustrating.
On the hand-wound versions, the small cabochon crown can be fiddly to grip. The daily winding ritual is pleasant for some owners, but less so if you have larger fingers.

Tank Louis

What owners love

Common Criticisms

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