Aside from its name, there is absolutely nothing normal about this stunning Cartier Tank.

The Tank Louis is often thought to be the ‘original’ Cartier Tank that spawned many related models, but the Tank Normale is the actual grandfather of the Tank family. The least known among the Tank siblings, the Tank Normale was released to the public in 1919 and featured an elegant yet at the same time utilitarian design that was, and still is, easily recognizable due to its angular case with vertical crossbars.
The Tank Normale is pretty difficult to find and has only been produced in small numbers, especially in white metals. This exquisite and rare reference 78093 dates back to the 80's and features an 18k white gold case with a unique diamond setting. Usually, diamond set Tank models only feature diamonds on the vertical side bars (known as the brancards, which is French for “stretcher”). Yet, on this piece not only the brancards are set with diamonds but also the horizontal bars of the case. If that weren’t enough, the watch is delivered on its original and rare 18k white gold brick-style Cartier bracelet with the iconic deployant clasp.

The watch measures 20 x 28 mm and comes with the original ‘Cartier Paris’ signed enamel dial, indicating that the watch was sold in Cartier's legendary flagship boutique at the Place Vendôme. The dial, of course, features Cartier’s well-known painted black Roman numerals, painted railroad minute track, and blue sword hands. Normally diamond set Cartier watches have a crown topped with a diamond. This model has a blue sapphire, which is unusual but correct as it was also featured like this in an official '80s Cartier catalogue. This exceptional and historically important Tank Normale is in impeccable condition with sharp lines and a tight bracelet.