The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier is the most historically faithful expression of Louis Cartier's original 1917 design, produced as a direct homage to the founding Tank reference and considered by many collectors to be the purest distillation of the Tank concept. Named in honor of the designer himself, the Tank Louis Cartier emphasizes the original proportions — relatively slender brancards, a hand-wound movement, a crisp guilloché or lacquer dial with Roman numerals, and blued-steel sword hands — while employing contemporary materials and finishing standards. Produced predominantly in yellow and white gold, the Tank Louis Cartier has been a cornerstone of the Cartier Privée and CPCP (Cartier Privée Collection Préservée) offerings, with some special editions produced in platinum or with skeletonized movements. Pre-owned Tank Louis Cartier references in yellow gold on leather strap represent the classic collector configuration, appreciated for the warmth of the gold against the refinement of the dial. The model is frequently cited by journalists and collectors as the ideal dress watch — succeeding entirely on proportions and craft rather than complication. DeMesy & Co. in Dallas has authenticated pre-owned Tank Louis Cartier references for collectors since 1987.