Sold RARITY ALERT! Tank Louis Cartier Large 81052 complete

Nuno Mendes

Gold Member
I understand the word rare and for all it's worth on CWC, most watches listed as rare have at one point or another come up at least a few times. Since I joined in 2016, I have only seen a Tank Louis Cartier come up for sale just once.

Up for sale is a neo vintage 1980s 18kt solid yellow gold Tank Louis Cartier large model reference 81052. This is a Canadian purchased, Canadian owned and serviced timepiece purchased originally in 1985. Making it exceptionally rare, truly coveted and special is that this is an absolute complete kit consisting of an outer box sleeve (although not in the best shape), original open fold inner box and watch holder, original Cartier certificate, original Cartier warranty and original Cartier booklet with full service history. This rare Louis features a cal.81 quartz movement, exceptional and fully original white spider dial, screw lug bars, traditional blued sword hands and cabouchon, 18kt solid gold caseback and original 18kt solid gold pin buckle. Even the plexi crystal with its non visible but notable imperfections with a fingernail sweep inspection is original. This watch has been lightly polished just once in its life which is noted in the record booklet as having been done through Cartier directly. This is a remarkable find and to find another complete Canadian kit such as this is a long shot on its own.
I have sourced a nice and eclectic collection of strap options for this watch, all custom and sized to fit my 7 inch wrist with some room to spare if your wrist happens to be a bit larger. All options completely change the look of the piece and give it a new personality vibe with each swap. 2 Liger Epsom (forest green and taupe), 1 non padded black alligator, 1 Aaron Bespoke grey alligator with matching stitch (my name embossed on the back but easily removed), and 1 Aaron Bespoke blue epsom with patina stitch. I am fully aware of the fact that by parting with this gem I may never find an equal but I have made the decision to move on from it. The joy that owning this watch has brought me, I have not experienced with any other piece. In such turmoiled times with our neighbors to the South, I truly hope the new owner gets as much pride from not just wearing a rare Tank Louis, but a fully Canadian version of it.

A new Tank Louis small quartz will set you back $13,700 plus taxes while a large Tank Louis quartz will be over $15k plus taxes, both minus the charm and character of the one being offered here. ;) Don't even get me started on the mechanical version prices!

Cheers,

Nuno

Specs
Caliber: Cal. 81 Quartz Movement
Case Width: 23.5mm
Lug Width: 17.5mm
Buckle Width: 14mm
Thickness: 5.6mm
Lug to Lug: 30.96mm


Asking $9990
 

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