Cartier Tank Normale Ref. 66014 'Ladies' - White 'Swiss' Dial Unpolished w/ Box & Papers

The Cartier Tank was one of the first wristwatches. Full stop! Inspired by the Renault Tanks used on the battlefield in WWI — yes, true story. Revolutionary at the time, Louis Cartier took inspiration from the profile of the treads on a period Renault tank, and based the case on them by way of the of brancards doubling as the lugs themselves. Over the course of the 20th Century, the Tank became the watch to wear. Silent movie stars like Rudolph Valentino, artists like Andy Warhol, and even Jackie Kennedy were all fans of the signature timepiece from the King of Jewelers and the Jeweler of Kings. An icon indeed in the truest sense of the word. The model was first introduced in a few different case shapes which bore different names that intertwine with the inspiration behind them. Perhaps the most significant, well-known, and debatably desirable of these first pieces, the Tank Louis Cartier, was introduced in 1922 and was named after Louis Cartier himself. When people think of a Cartier Tank, theres a good change that this is the model that comes to mind. This is not one of those watches. The piece that we have here is a riff on the original design from circa 1919, now called the Tank Normale. This 'ladies' size example dates to circa the 1980s and features the correct proportions as the 'full-size' models, just in a slightly smaller 24mm x 18mm case. This example is offered in outstanding, gently worn condition, with an unpolished case exhibiting strong factory finishing throughout and even a light 'rosy' patina developing. Inside, the glossy white dial is seemingly flawless, with crisp black printing and a blued-steel 'sword' handset. It is powered by a quartz movement and comes fitted to its original burgundy leather strap with a gold-tone 'Ardillon' buckle. Furthermore, it is accompanied by a box and its guarantee booklet dated 5/18/87. A beautiful neo-vintage package by any standards, as well as a piece worthy of the iconic nomenclature that it bears.