Cartier - Cartier Tank Louis 1601 Platinum Pre-CPCP - Very Rare - Unpolished
The Cartier Tank has achieved iconic status in the world of watch design and, with the exception of a few distinctive variations, has maintained a consistent aesthetic throughout its extensive production history. The first commercially available Tank Normale was introduced in 1919, having been inspired by the treads of the French Renault FT-17 tank used in WW1. Throughout the decades, Tank watches have been documented on the wrists of notable figures from Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol. Today, Cartier feels more relevant in the worlds of fashion, music and popular culture than ever before.
This seldom seen Tank reference 1601 is cased in the most noble of metals - platinum. This model can be looked at as a stepping stone for Cartier's now coveted CPCP line (Collection Privée Cartier Paris), which consisted primarily of limited production pieces that collectors now hunt. The watch also features blued hands and a "Swiss" signed wavy textured guilloche dial. This particular dial displays incredible preservation with no chips or blemishes to note of under magnification. The case is also in remarkably clean and unpolished condition with deep and crisp hallmarks. If you been looking for a collector grade and seldom seen Cartier tank, this piece truly boasts condition, scarcity and embodies understated elegance.
Dial: Absolutely stunning preservation. There are no chips around the edges which is common to see for many Tanks of this era.
Bezel: Extremely light signs of use with no distracting blemishes.
Hands: Mint.
Case: Appears completely unpolished with deep and crisp hallmarks. Very light signs of use. Correct crown.
Bracelet: Two piece Cartier gator strap in black with 18k white gold Cartier Deployment buckle.
Crystal: Clear.
The movement is running nicely on our timegrapher and comes with our 1-year mechanical warranty.