Here we have a rare and special Cartier Tank ‘Mini’ which was produced in Paris in the late 1970s. It has the 18ct yellow gold classic Tank case which is paired with the classic bright white dial with the exaggerated radial roman numerals. The track is simplified with the dash markers on the hours. Below 12 is the ‘Cartier’ signing with the famous ‘Paris’ text to the base. The hands are thermally blued, of Sword style. It has the original curved glass sitting above the dial. To the right-hand side is the classic crown which is set with the rounded Sapphire Cabochon. The rear of the case features the defined Lynx hallmark for 18ct gold with the double head of Helvetia and Cartier stamp. Between the lugs it has the ‘750’ signing with hallmark at 12 and the Cartier ‘C’ stamp at 6 o’clock. The gold screw through bars hold the strap in place seamlessly. The movement is the AS 1722 which is a manually wound 17 jewel calibre with shockproofing, which has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time. The which comes on a custom leather strap which was made to fit the original 18ct gold Cartier deployment clasp. It is signed ‘Cartier’ and marked as 18k with the 0.750 mark and French Eagle head control mark. It also has the Cartier symbol stamp.

This is the model which inspired the recent re-release of the Tank Mini (ref WGTA0352). For less money, why not get the original Parisian made, mechanical example?

In the late 1960s Cartier Paris introduced the first ‘Mini’ Tank, measuring just 23mm in length by 15.5mm wide (compared to the lady’s tank which measured 20mm x 28mm).

From 1967 Paris Made examples were signed below six o’clock with the famous “Paris” text.

The ‘Mini’ dropped the chemin de fer minute track due to lack of space, instead going with dash markers. The model featured the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 840 or 846 in the late 1960s until the late 1970s. In the late 1970s the movement switched to the AS 1722 which is found in this example.

The Tank Mini from this era is highly prized due to the craftsmanship, design and historical significance of the model.

The watch is in strong original condition, with its 18ct gold deployment buckle. All aspects of the watch are original, except the strap. The original strap is heavily worn and is included with the watch. All hallmarking and signing to the case is clear and defined. It maintains the brushed finish to the top and bottom central strip, with the polished sides and lightly brushed finish to the rear.

The watch is modelled on a 15.88cm wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.

Dial:
The dial is in strong original condition with no discolouration. The signing is good and clear. There is marking to the top where the dial edge meets the case and one section of missing paint, which is beyond the visible section of the dial when cased.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in very good condition with the bright thermally blued tone.

Glass:
The glass is original and is in good condition with no marking.

Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with the defined edge and unblemished Sapphire cabochon.

Case:
The case is formed of 18ct yellow gold. It has the lightly brushed finish to the top and bottom. It has surface scratching to the polished sides as expected with age. It shows signs of wear but is an honest, naturally worn example.

Case back:
The case back is in strong original condition. The hallmarking and signing are well defined. The brushed finish is visible to the rear.

Strap:
The watch is on a replacement leather strap which has been custom made to fit the original 18ct Cartier deployment clasp. It comes with its original leather strap which is heavily worn. The strap will fit up to a 15.24cm wrist diameter.

Movement:
The movement is AS1722 movement. It is manually wound and has a jewel count of 17.

It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within +40 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a 0.0 m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 15.5mm
Case width with crown: 18.5mm
Case length: 16mm
Case length lug to lug: 23.25
Case depth: 6.5mm
Strap width: 11mm