Cartier Tank Louis Mini Mother-of-Pearl “Sunrise” Watch

Model: Tank Louis Mini “Sunrise”
Movement: Quartz
Circa: 1990s
Case: 16mm
Case Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
Dial Material: Mother-of-pearl


A rare interpretation of one of Cartier’s most celebrated designs, this Tank Louis Mini “Sunrise” transforms the Maison’s restrained icon into a miniature work of jeweled artistry. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the delicate 16mm case is illuminated by rows of factory-set diamonds along the signature brancards and a diamond-set crown. At its center is the watch’s most distinctive feature: an iridescent mother-of-pearl dial arranged in a stylized rising-sun motif, with polished gold sword-shaped hands completing the composition.

The unusual dial gives the familiar Tank architecture an entirely different character. Radiating bands of gold and mother-of-pearl catch and reflect the light, creating a graphic sunburst that shifts subtly with the angle of the wrist. Cartier dispenses with the Roman numerals and chemin-de-fer minute track traditionally associated with the Tank Louis, allowing the luminous dial, gold hands and diamond-set case to carry the design. The watch is complete with its deep blue leather strap.

Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, the original Tank became one of the defining wristwatch designs of the 20th century, its strong geometry inspired by the forms of First World War armored vehicles. The Tank Louis Cartier followed in 1922, refining the original with elongated proportions and softly rounded brancards and taking its name from Louis Cartier himself. This 1990s Mini “Sunrise” carries that historic design language into a distinctly jewelry-driven form, pairing the architectural purity of the Tank Louis with the precious materials and imaginative dial work for which Cartier is equally renowned.