After a recent deep dive on the UK perfect replica Tank Louis Cartier, one that you will be able to read very soon, I have a newfound appreciation for what I previously saw as a “pedestrian” watch. Did you know the Tank L.C. was the third Tank design penned by Louis Cartier? The Tank L.C. design is so powerful that people wrongly call it simply “the Tank” and wrongly assume that it dates back to 1917. Look no further than best fake Cartier who released a 100th anniversary collection of Tank L.C.s in 2017. In reality, the Tank Normale dates back to 1917 and the L.C. didn’t come out until 1922.
Anyway, for vintage Tank L.C.s, one of the clear lines in the sand is the reunification of high quality copy Cartier in 1972. Prior to this date, watches sold in Cartier Paris were made in partnership with Edmond Jaeger and have a distinct look as well as frankly superior craftsmanship. Stamped with an “EJ” hallmark on the case and deployant clasp, these Tanks are also much rarer than their younger counterparts. From 1960 to 1969, for example, Cartier Paris produced about 1,100 watches per year, of all shapes and sizes. Beyond rarity, comparing these pre-unification Tanks to those made just a few years later, as a part of the 1972 Louis Cartier Collection, the EJ-made UK luxury replica watches just ooze charm from the dial texture to the block printed Cartier branding and hand-struck hallmarks.
This particular example is in great condition for a non-dustproof, non-water-resistant-in-any-way wristwatch from 1969. While full of charm, these earlier cheap super clone Cartier dials are particularly prone to aging. This one has some flaking or discoloration near the bottom but overall has a great look. The case is in great condition with deep and readable hallmarks – to many collectors, if these are lost or polished over, the watch is nearly unbuyable.