Cartier Tank Louis Paris Dial – 18K Gold Ref. 78086 – 1980s
A truly iconic vintage treasure, this Cartier Tank Louis is a standout from the 1980s—featuring the celebrated ‘Paris’ dial, solid 18K yellow gold construction, and a rich history rooted in Cartier’s Parisian heritage. It’s a superbly preserved piece of horological artistry, now complete with its original Cartier Paris box, original alligator bracelet, and Paris-signed papers (no warranty card), making it an extraordinary and well-documented example.
Key Features & Historical Context
Model: Cartier Tank Louis Paris
Reference: 78086
Year: 1980s
Case: Solid 18K Yellow Gold, lightly polished with hallmarks and serial numbers clearly visible, an indicator of both authenticity and careful ownership.
Dial: Absolutely pristine ‘Paris’ dial, bearing the highly desirable "Paris" signature above 6 o'clock. The dial is the finest example we have encountered—crack-free, ultra-bright white, and free of blemishes.
Crystal: Sapphire crystal ensuring clarity and long-term durability.
Movement: Cartier manual-wind caliber—faithful to traditional craftsmanship, offering a tactile, satisfying winding experience.
Strap & Accessories
Bracelet: Original Cartier alligator leather strap, showing light wear but maintaining its structure and elegance.
Clasp: Original 18K Yellow Gold Cartier deployment clasp, beautifully preserved and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Box: Comes with the original Cartier 'Paris' presentation box—a rare and highly collectible addition.
Papers: Accompanied by Cartier 'Paris' papers (no warranty card), offering wonderful documentation for provenance.
Condition Overview
This Tank Louis is in exceptional vintage condition. The case exhibits only the lightest signs of careful wear, with crisp hallmarks and a beautiful luster. The dial, a critical focal point for collectors, is immaculate—the best we have seen—without any cracks, hairlines, or discoloration. The movement is functioning smoothly, reflecting the meticulous care it has received over the decades.
Why This Watch Matters
Perfect Paris Dial: Among the cleanest and brightest Paris-signed dials seen, elevating this piece far beyond typical vintage examples.
Original Bracelet, Box, and Papers: Finding a Tank Louis with all original accessories intact, especially Paris-specific papers and the Paris box, is exceedingly rare and highly desirable.
Cartier Heritage: A direct link to the golden era of Cartier’s Parisian craftsmanship, embodying the Maison’s celebrated elegance.
Well-Documented Provenance: With original accessories and condition documentation, this is a collector-grade opportunity.
Final Thoughts
This is not merely a vintage timepiece—it’s a testament to Cartier’s vision, Parisian artistry, and enduring taste. A remarkable find for any discerning collector, enthusiast, or connoisseur of historic horology.
