SIGNED CARTIER, LONDON, TANK LOUIS ‘ULTRA-THIN’ MODEL, NO. 9644, THE MOVEMENT SIGNED JAEGER-LECOULTRE, THE CASE AND BRACELET CLASP WITH MATCHING LONDON HALLMARKS FOR 1971

The Cartier Tank needs almost no introduction, it is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and desirable wristwatches in the world. Like all great design, its simplicity, beauty and elegance has transcended transient fashions over the decades. Indeed, the timelessness of the Cartier Tank brings to mind the words of the great Yves St. Laurent: “Fashions fade, style is eternal”. Naturally, several variations of the classic ‘Tank’ have been made since it was first introduced in 1918. One of the rarest and very seldom seen is the present London-made Tank Louis ‘Ultra-Thin’ model. With London hallmarks for 1971, it comes from the period when Cartier’s London workshops were producing quite remarkable beautifully crafted handmade versions of Cartier classics with a distinct aesthetic. Today, Cartier’s London-made timepieces have great cachet and are the models that are most hotly pursued by collectors.

The present Tank Louis ‘Ultra-Thin’ measures only 4.5 mm. thick, giving the watch a breathtakingly chic persona, moreover, it is fitted with a stunning and probably original 18k gold ‘herringbone’ pattern woven gold bracelet, the deployant clasp is stamped with full London hallmarks for 1971, matching the hallmarks stamped on the interior of the watch case. The movement is by Jaeger-LeCoultre, absolutely correct for a London-made Cartier watch of this period. The association between Louis Cartier and Edmond Jaeger began in the early years of the 20th century and even after Jaeger’s death, the collaboration between Cartier and Le-Coultre carried on for decades. Jean-Jacques Cartier was still using LeCoultre movements for his watches in the 1950s, 60s and 70s because he always considered them the best.

One of the great rarities among all Cartier Tanks, this London-made Tank Louis ‘Ultra-Thin’ from the dawn of the 1970s with matching gold bracelet can be considered as an important addition to any collection. Consigned by a distinguished gentleman of renowned taste, it is a watch that would certainly be hard to beat in terms of style, exclusivity, significance and provenance.