Cartier Tank Louis Ultra-Thin/“Extra-Plate” Ref. 96019, circa 1975 – “PARIS” Dial, Perfect Condition, Cal. Piguet 21

Designed by Louis Cartier in 1917 and inspired by the silhouette of Renault FT tanks seen from above, the Tank is one of the first wristwatches in history – and certainly one of the most influential. Its rectangular shape with integrated lugs, its white dial with painted Roman numerals, its railway track minute markers, and its blued-steel sword hands compose an aesthetic vocabulary that has become timeless. The Tank "Louis Cartier", a variant with softened angles introduced in 1922, is its purest and most iconic expression.
In 1973, the house launched its first collection: twelve iconic models, all in 18-carat gold, which standardized Cartier's watch production for the first time and transferred it to Switzerland. Among these references is the Tank Louis “Extra-Plate” ref. 96019, equipped with a legendary extra-thin caliber based on the Frédéric Piguet 21 – one of the thinnest manual movements ever produced – which allows for a remarkably reduced case thickness.
The example we are presenting, produced circa 1975, features a dial signed "PARIS" at 6 o'clock. This signature is the most sought-after in the production, as opposed to dials signed "SWISS" sold outside France, or "SWISS MADE," which generally indicate a replacement dial. For Cartier collectors, this "PARIS" signature evokes the origin and soul of the jewelry house of the Rue de la Paix, and lends the piece a particularly desirable character.
The 18-carat yellow gold case, measuring 23.5 × 30 mm, is in superb condition. The white dial features perfectly crisp black Roman numerals, an intact minute track, and its original blued-steel sword hands. The beaded crown is set with the traditional blue sapphire cabochon, here in a particularly appealing and pointy version, lending it a certain vintage charm. The watch is completed with a black crocodile leather Cartier strap and its gold-plated Cartier pin buckle, as well as a vintage Les Must de Cartier red presentation box.
The ultra-thin caliber has undergone a complete overhaul by an experienced watchmaker and operates within the strictest tolerances.
A Cartier Tank Louis Extra-Plate with a "PARIS" dial, in a configuration and condition that will delight admirers of the Parisian house looking for a particularly elegant iteration of this mythical model.

This Cartier Tank Louis is preserved in superb overall condition.
The rare original dial, with its characteristic typography and sought-after "PARIS" signature at 6 o'clock, is free of chips, cracks, or scratches. It is a uniform creamy white.
The ultra-thin case is superbly preserved. The engravings on the case back, as is very often the case with reference 96019, are done by hand and therefore somewhat shaky. Nevertheless, they remain perfectly clear, as do the impeccably defined French import gold hallmarks.
The original winding crown retains its particularly pointy cabochon, which collectors seek on reference 96019.
The Cartier black crocodile leather bracelet is in perfect condition, as is the Cartier yellow gold plated ardillon buckle.
The hand-wound mechanical movement, Cartier calibre based on Frédéric Piguet 21 ébauche, has recently undergone a complete overhaul by one of our watchmakers and operates within the strictest tolerances.
A reference example!

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