Description

The Cartier Tank Normale Ultra-Thin Ref. 838 “Grande” is a noteworthy piece in the long lineage of Cartier watches, combining elegant design with a rich historical legacy and a qualitative Jaeger LeCoultre caliber

Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier began as a jeweler and later expanded into watchmaking. The Tank collection, introduced in 1917, was inspired by the tracks on the Renault tanks used in World War I. Designed by Louis Cartier, its rectangular case and clean lines quickly became iconic. The Tank Normale, introduced in 1919, was the first iteration and set the tone for decades of Tank designs, including the Ultra-Thin models.

The Cartier Tank Normale Ultra-Thin was introduced in the Paris boutique in 1963 and represents one of the central pieces of the new collection which consisted of three Cartier icons, the Tank Normale, the Tank Louis and the Tank Cintrée.

This tank Normale was offered in three sizes, small 7-line calibre, medium 8-line calibre, and the large 9-line calibre, which is the model proposed here, also known as Model 838, taking its name from the Jaeger LeCoultre calibre that animates it

Ref. 838 represents a refinement of the original Tank Normale. Its ultra-thin profile is indicative of Cartier’s pursuit of sleek elegance and it is immediately recognisable from the more common 1973 ref. 78902 by the thinner case with no side screws

The original 18kt gold case measures 22.8 x 30.3 mm x 5.3mm, glass included. Its construction is characterized by flat brancards and a balanced mix of brushed and polished surfaces that emphasize simplicity and precision. The serial number dates this particular watch to 1964, the french “eagle head” gold proof-mark is still clearly legible and the case shows only light traces of use

The Ref. 838 is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber P838, a hand-wound ultra-thin mechanical manufacture-grade movement. This caliber was a product of the collaboration between Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, with Jaeger specializing in the creation of thin, reliable movements for luxury watches which allowed Cartier to achieve the ultra-slim profile of the Tank Normale while maintaining precise functionality.

The watch has the iconic Paris Roman numeral dial with chemin de fer (railroad-style) minute markers, the traditional aesthetic of the Tank collection. The sword-shaped blued steel hands add a touch of contrast and legibility. The dial is original and untouched and shows only a light and even time patina

The watch is paired with an original black alligator strap, secured by its original original pink gold folding clasp. This combination of materials and finishes complements the elegance of the case and emphasizes the watch’s vintage heritage.

The Cartier Tank Normale Ultra-Thin Ref. 838 is a compelling timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts of horological history. Its refined design, technical ingenuity, and historical significance make it a distinguished piece in the Tank lineage. 

If you’re considering adding a Cartier icon to your collection, this represents both a timeless style and a valuable piece of Cartier’s legacy, this watch will be delivered with our authenticity guarantee and a 6-month warranty