Cartier Tank Normale 78092

This is the Cartier Tank Normale reference 78092. The history of the Cartier Tank is one that barely needs any introduction, given that it has been covered excessively. The origins of the Tank began in 1917, inspired by war machines of the same name. Given the success of the original Tank, Cartier began to vary the offering to leverage on the success of the model. Among the many Cartier timepieces, the Tank is arguably their most recognizable model alongside the Santos.

While most associate the model with the Tank Louis, it would be highly remiss to talk about the Cartier Tank without mentioning the Tank Normale as the Normale was the very first commercially available Tank from Cartier’s catalogue in 1919 after the first Tank prototype was gifted to General John Pershing in World War One.

While subsequent Tanks were dressy and elegant, the Normale was more utilitarian in aesthetic. Defined by the distinctive “brancards” flanking either side of the dial, the original Normale featured several notable design cues that have come to be associated with later iterations of the model such as the blued steel hands, blue cabochon crown and railroad minute track surrounded by Roman numerals – features that are still prevalent in Cartiers today.

A model that has only been sparingly revisited across the decades from the famed Louis Cartier Collection in the 70s to the Prive reissue in 2023, the Normale is often overlooked for other references within the Tank family. While other Cartiers may better embody the elegance of the brand, the importance of the Normale should never be understated as a foundational piece in the brand’s history.

This Cartier Tank Normale is in good vintage condition. The case shows no sign of prior polish with well defined lugs and thick case sides. There are noticeable hairlines on the bottom left of the bezel from prior wear but the case remains free of any major dings or dents. The caseback is in excellent condition with deep and legible engravings. The Mark III Paris dial has signs of spidering clearly seen under a loupe. The watch retains its original 18K yellow gold deployant buckle and is in full working order.

Brand Cartier

Model Tank Normale

Reference 78092

Movement Manual Wind

Case 23 × 30

Case material Yellow Gold

Bracelet material Leather

Year circa 1970s

Condition Very Good

Accessories None. Watch Only.

Limited No