An exceptional and highly collectible vintage Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Paris wristwatch, reference 78086, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and distinguished by a beautifully aged “spider” dial with the desirable Paris signature.
This is a particularly characterful example of the classic Cartier Tank, combining the unmistakable proportions of the Louis Cartier case with the kind of naturally developed dial patina that collectors increasingly value. The fine network of age-related crazing across the dial—commonly referred to as a spider dial—has developed organically over time and gives this watch a completely individual appearance. Paired with the “Paris” designation on the dial, the result is a notably rarer and more collectible configuration than a standard later-production Tank dial.
The watch retains all of the defining Cartier design elements: an elegant rectangular 18K yellow gold case, bold black Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, a chemin-de-fer style inner minute track, and the signature beaded crown fitted with a blue cabochon-style stone.
Model & Case
Maker: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis Cartier Paris
Reference: 78086
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Case Shape: Rectangular
Case Dimensions: Approximately 23.00 mm × 30.00 mm
The case displays the slender, refined proportions associated with the Tank Louis Cartier, with gently rounded brancards framing the rectangular dial. Wear to the gold case is consistent with age and use and contributes appropriately to the vintage character of the piece.
Spider “Paris” Dial
The white dial features:
Black Roman numeral hour markers
Blued-steel sword-shaped hour and minute hands
Cartier signature
“Paris” printed at the lower portion of the dial
Fine age-related dial crazing throughout, creating the desirable spider effect
The spidering is an important part of the watch’s vintage appeal. Rather than appearing flat or newly restored, the dial retains the aged surface character that developed naturally over decades. The “Paris” signature is a particularly desirable detail because it is associated with earlier Cartier production and the maison’s historic Paris identity, rather than the later, more standardized dial configurations seen on many Tank watches.
The dial has not been restored, and its aged surface remains an important part of the watch’s identity.
Movement
The watch is powered by a traditional manual-winding mechanical movement, entirely in keeping with the classic Tank Louis Cartier format.
It was recently serviced in August 2026 by Otto Friedl in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is offered with the remainder of Otto Friedl’s two-year service warranty.
This recent servicing is a significant practical advantage for a vintage mechanical Cartier, allowing the next owner to enjoy the watch with greater confidence while retaining its period character.
Crystal
The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal.
There is minor wear to the crystal face, consistent with normal use. Please review the photographs carefully for condition.
Crown
The watch features Cartier’s signature beaded winding crown, set with a blue cabochon-style stone, an immediately recognizable design element associated with the Tank collection.
Strap & Buckle
The watch is currently fitted with a black aftermarket leather strap and aftermarket gold tone buckle.
The strap and buckle are not Cartier.
Box & Accessories
The watch is accompanied by an authentic Cartier presentation box.
The box is not original to this specific watch, but is a genuine Cartier box and presents the watch beautifully.
Also included is documentation relating to the recent Otto Friedl service and two-year service warranty, with the remaining warranty period transferring with the watch subject to the servicer’s terms.
Condition
Overall condition is very good for a vintage Cartier of this age, with wear consistent with normal use and age.
Notable condition points include:
Naturally developed spidering/crazing to the dial
Minor wear to the sapphire crystal
Surface wear and light marks to the 18K yellow gold case consistent with age
Aftermarket black leather strap
Aftermarket buckle
Authentic Cartier box, not original to the watch
Recently serviced August 2026
Appraisal
The watch is accompanied by an independent appraisal dated September 25, 2026. The appraisal assigns a replacement value of: CAD $18,275 plus applicable taxes
Summary
Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis Cartier Paris
Reference: 78086
Case: Solid 18K Yellow Gold
Case Size: Approx. 23 mm × 30 mm
Dial: White Paris-signed spider dial
Hour Markers: Black Roman Numerals
Hands: Blued-Steel Sword Hands
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical
Crystal: Sapphire
Crown: Beaded Crown with Blue Cabochon-Style Stone
Strap: Aftermarket Black Leather
Buckle: Aftermarket / Non-Cartier
Box: Authentic Cartier Box, not original to watch
Service: Otto Friedl, Vancouver – August 2026
Warranty: Remainder of 2-Year Otto Friedl Service Warranty
Appraised Replacement Value: CAD $18,275
A superb example of one of Cartier’s most enduring designs, elevated by its Paris-signed spider dial, solid 18K yellow gold case and desirable vintage character. The naturally aged dial gives this 78086 an individuality that cannot be replicated, while the recent professional servicing makes it particularly appealing for a collector looking for a vintage Cartier that is both visually distinctive and ready to enjoy.
An exceptional and highly collectible vintage Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Paris wristwatch, reference 78086, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and distinguished by a beautifully aged “spider” dial with the desirable Paris signature.
This is a particularly characterful example of the classic Cartier Tank, combining the unmistakable proportions of the Louis Cartier case with the kind of naturally developed dial patina that collectors increasingly value. The fine network of age-related crazing across the dial—commonly referred to as a spider dial—has developed organically over time and gives this watch a completely individual appearance. Paired with the “Paris” designation on the dial, the result is a notably rarer and more collectible configuration than a standard later-production Tank dial.
The watch retains all of the defining Cartier design elements: an elegant rectangular 18K yellow gold case, bold black Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, a chemin-de-fer style inner minute track, and the signature beaded crown fitted with a blue cabochon-style stone.
Model & Case
Maker: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis Cartier Paris
Reference: 78086
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Case Shape: Rectangular
Case Dimensions: Approximately 23.00 mm × 30.00 mm
The case displays the slender, refined proportions associated with the Tank Louis Cartier, with gently rounded brancards framing the rectangular dial. Wear to the gold case is consistent with age and use and contributes appropriately to the vintage character of the piece.
Spider “Paris” Dial
The white dial features:
Black Roman numeral hour markers
Blued-steel sword-shaped hour and minute hands
Cartier signature
“Paris” printed at the lower portion of the dial
Fine age-related dial crazing throughout, creating the desirable spider effect
The spidering is an important part of the watch’s vintage appeal. Rather than appearing flat or newly restored, the dial retains the aged surface character that developed naturally over decades. The “Paris” signature is a particularly desirable detail because it is associated with earlier Cartier production and the maison’s historic Paris identity, rather than the later, more standardized dial configurations seen on many Tank watches.
The dial has not been restored, and its aged surface remains an important part of the watch’s identity.
Movement
The watch is powered by a traditional manual-winding mechanical movement, entirely in keeping with the classic Tank Louis Cartier format.
It was recently serviced in August 2026 by Otto Friedl in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is offered with the remainder of Otto Friedl’s two-year service warranty.
This recent servicing is a significant practical advantage for a vintage mechanical Cartier, allowing the next owner to enjoy the watch with greater confidence while retaining its period character.
Crystal
The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal.
There is minor wear to the crystal face, consistent with normal use. Please review the photographs carefully for condition.
Crown
The watch features Cartier’s signature beaded winding crown, set with a blue cabochon-style stone, an immediately recognizable design element associated with the Tank collection.
Strap & Buckle
The watch is currently fitted with a black aftermarket leather strap and aftermarket gold tone buckle.
The strap and buckle are not Cartier.
Box & Accessories
The watch is accompanied by an authentic Cartier presentation box.
The box is not original to this specific watch, but is a genuine Cartier box and presents the watch beautifully.
Also included is documentation relating to the recent Otto Friedl service and two-year service warranty, with the remaining warranty period transferring with the watch subject to the servicer’s terms.
Condition
Overall condition is very good for a vintage Cartier of this age, with wear consistent with normal use and age.
Notable condition points include:
Naturally developed spidering/crazing to the dial
Minor wear to the sapphire crystal
Surface wear and light marks to the 18K yellow gold case consistent with age
Aftermarket black leather strap
Aftermarket buckle
Authentic Cartier box, not original to the watch
Recently serviced August 2026
Appraisal
The watch is accompanied by an independent appraisal dated September 25, 2026. The appraisal assigns a replacement value of: CAD $18,275 plus applicable taxes
Summary
Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis Cartier Paris
Reference: 78086
Case: Solid 18K Yellow Gold
Case Size: Approx. 23 mm × 30 mm
Dial: White Paris-signed spider dial
Hour Markers: Black Roman Numerals
Hands: Blued-Steel Sword Hands
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical
Crystal: Sapphire
Crown: Beaded Crown with Blue Cabochon-Style Stone
Strap: Aftermarket Black Leather
Buckle: Aftermarket / Non-Cartier
Box: Authentic Cartier Box, not original to watch
Service: Otto Friedl, Vancouver – August 2026
Warranty: Remainder of 2-Year Otto Friedl Service Warranty
Appraised Replacement Value: CAD $18,275
A superb example of one of Cartier’s most enduring designs, elevated by its Paris-signed spider dial, solid 18K yellow gold case and desirable vintage character. The naturally aged dial gives this 78086 an individuality that cannot be replicated, while the recent professional servicing makes it particularly appealing for a collector looking for a vintage Cartier that is both visually distinctive and ready to enjoy.
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