{"product_id":"cartier-tank-louis-ref-81052-in-18k-yellow-gold-swiss-only-dial-caliber-qz690","title":"Cartier Tank Louis ref 81052 in 18k yellow gold, Swiss only dial, caliber QZ690","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product__description rte quick-add-hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaker: Cartier\u003cbr\u003eModel: Tank Louis \u003cbr\u003eReference: 81052\u003cbr\u003eCase Material: 18k yellow gold\u003cbr\u003eYear: 1980's\u003cbr\u003eSerial Number: 810520022\u003cbr\u003eDial: white; original \"Swiss\" only dial\u003cbr\u003eCase Dimensions: 31mm by 23.5 diameter; 5.4mm thickness including crystal\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: Quartz caliber QZ690\u003cbr\u003eService history: September 2025, new battery installed\u003cbr\u003eBracelet\/Strap: original Cartier black leather strap (pictured and in worn condition) and Cartier gold plated pin buckle\u003cbr\u003eLug Width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003eBox\/Papers: original Cartier box only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1917, inspired by the new Renault tanks which were in use on the Western Front, Louis Cartier designed the Tank. Its lines and proportions are therefore similar to those of tanks found on First World War battlefields; rectangular with its strap seamlessly integrated into vertical sidebars called \"brancards\". In existence for over 100 years, the Tank is a truly timeless watch and its no surprise that it has been worn by celebrities long before watch companies had \"Brand ambassadors\". Cartier continues to include the Tank Louis Cartier in its current collection, which speaks to the enduring appeal of this classic dress watch from the Paris maison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"460\"\u003eThis Cartier Tank Louis reference 81052 dates to the 1980s. Measuring 23.5mm in width, it offers an elegant and discreet presence on the wrist -faithful to the Tank’s original philosophy, the dial is free of unnecessary complications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003eThis example is presented in excellent overall condition. The case remains unpolished, preserving its original lines, edges, and proportions. It is fitted with an original “Swiss only” dial, a particularly important detail for this reference. The ref. 81052 Tank Louis was the final model to feature a lacquered dial before Cartier transitioned to more durable materials in later production. As these white lacquer dials are prone to cracking over time, many examples on the market have been replaced with later “Swiss Made” dials. Consequently, original Swiss-only dials are increasingly scarce and highly sought after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1564\"\u003eThis example retains its original Swiss-only dial, which remains clean and free from major blemishes. There is light, even cracking visible across the dial—typical of lacquer dials from this era—but nothing excessive. Rather, it adds authentic vintage character and confirms the dial has not been replaced. The black painted Roman numerals are exceptionally well preserved. The blue steel hands and the blue sapphire cabochon crown are all original and remain in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1566\" data-end=\"1830\"\u003ePowering the watch is Cartier’s quartz caliber 690, which is functioning well and has recently been fitted with a new battery. The watch is accompanied by a gold-plated Cartier pin buckle, its original black Cartier leather strap (showing wear), and a Cartier box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShips from Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Special Dial","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52801139015955,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/6765\/4419\/files\/DSC04460_c219916b-870b-4726-b7ae-e46a9803818e.jpg?v=1765613373","url":"https:\/\/specialdial.com\/products\/cartier-tank-louis-ref-81052-in-18k-yellow-gold-swiss-only-dial-caliber-qz690","provider":"Special Dial","version":"1.0","type":"link"}