Watch reference library
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier W1529756 “TLC”
In production 1996 to present.
The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier W1529756, known as the TLC, is a 33.7mm x 25.5mm 18k yellow gold watch with the quartz movement, water resistant to 30 meters, made 1996 to present.
Specifications
- Nickname
- TLC
- Case size
- 33.7mm x 25.5mm, approximately 6.6mm thick (large model)
- Case material
- 18k yellow gold
- Bezel
- None, rectangular case with no rotating bezel
- Dial
- Silvered grained dial with painted black Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, date aperture at 3 o'clock
- Movement
- Quartz movement
- Power reserve
- Not applicable, quartz movement
- Water resistance
- 30 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
- Bracelet
- Alligator leather strap with 18k yellow gold ardillon buckle
The story
Louis Cartier designed the first Tank in 1917, reportedly inspired by the aerial view of Renault tanks used on the Western Front, and the design entered commercial production in the early 1920s. The Tank Louis Cartier name and rounded-lug case shape used on this reference were formalized as their own line within the Tank family in 1996, named for the founder to distinguish the round-lugged, integrated-case design from other Tank variants such as the Tank Americaine or Tank Francaise. Reference W1529756 is the large model in 18k yellow gold with a quartz movement, a configuration Cartier has kept in continuous production as part of the core Tank Louis Cartier lineup. The dial layout, with its printed Roman numerals, blued sword hands, and a single date aperture at 3 o'clock, follows the same visual language established by the earliest Tank Louis Cartier pieces, including the beaded, cabochon-set crown. Within Cartier's current watch catalog, the Tank Louis Cartier line spans quartz and mechanical movements across several sizes and metals, with the large yellow gold quartz reference serving as one of the more accessible entry points into solid gold Tank ownership.
What to check before you buy
Confirm the gold hallmark and weigh the case if precise gold content matters, since Cartier also produces visually similar Tank Louis Cartier models in rose and white gold that share the same case dimensions. Quartz Tank Louis Cartier watches need only periodic battery replacement rather than a full movement service, but have the movement checked for moisture ingress if the watch has been stored for a long period without use. Because the strap is leather rather than integrated metal, expect original straps on older examples to need replacement, and check whether the buckle is stamped with the correct gold content to match the case.
Buying or selling a W1529756?
Selling one? Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for an offer within hours, or ask for one below. Moda pays by wire or Zelle within 24 hours of receiving the watch, on its own insured label. Rather sell it yourself? Post it in the Moda watch groups and run the listing through the Post Checker first. Buying one from someone you don't know? Moda's middleman service inspects the watch at Moda HQ and the buyer pays the seller only after approving the condition report. When it ships, it goes fully insured through ShipIFS, the shipping vendor Moda uses for its own watches.
Moda Watch Club is the Moda group for luxury watches, and Moda Watch Club: 10K & Under covers watches below that line. Both are free to join with a join code.
Common questions
Is the Tank Louis Cartier automatic or quartz?
Reference W1529756 uses a quartz movement. Cartier also offers mechanical Tank Louis Cartier models in other references that use in-house automatic or hand-wound calibers.
Why is it called the Tank Louis Cartier?
The name honors Louis Cartier, who designed the original Tank in 1917, and the Tank Louis Cartier line uses the rounded-lug case shape associated with his early Tank designs, formalized as its own line in 1996.
What size is the large model?
It measures 33.7mm by 25.5mm, a size Cartier classifies as the large model within the Tank Louis Cartier range.
How water resistant is it?
It is rated to 30 meters, sufficient for everyday wear but not for swimming.
Does the crystal scratch easily?
No, it uses a sapphire crystal, which resists scratching significantly better than the mineral crystals found on some older or lower-tier Cartier quartz watches.