Reference 78086 belongs to the Collection Louis Cartier, the line the Maison introduced in the early 1970s alongside the Ellipse, the Gondolo and the Cristallor, a reinterpretation of Cartier’s core shapes for a new decade.

Within it, the Tank Louis remained the purest expression of Louis Cartier’s own 1922 design: the same rounded brancards, the same architectural balance, now produced for a new generation of collectors.

This example, in solid 18k yellow gold, dates to the early 1970s, placing it among the earliest series produced under this reference. It retains its original dial signed “PARIS”, the earlier of the two known signatures, predating the “Swiss” execution found on most examples serviced by Cartier over the years. This is the MK2 execution of the Paris dial, identifiable by its pointed ‘A’ and the absence of the hidden Cartier signature within the numerals, a print variation collectors will notice immediately. The dial shows honest wear consistent with its age, without affecting the legibility of the printed Roman numerals.

The case remains in good condition. It is fitted with the elongated cabochon-set crown found only on the earliest executions of the 78086, later replaced by the rounder, more common version. It currently sits on a generic leather strap with a Cartier-style buckle, not original to the watch.

The watch has just been serviced by our watchmakers.