The Cartier Tank Must is a contemporary iteration of the Tank silhouette, featuring a stainless steel case with a beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel. This model is powered by an efficient quartz movement, which offers significantly extended battery life compared to standard quartz calibers. The aesthetic adheres to classic Cartier design codes, incorporating a silvered dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and painted Roman numeral hour markers.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Minor Visible Wear Production: 2023 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 25x34mm Thickness: approx. 8mm Lug Width: approx. 19mm
Case: Stainless steel mirror finished case, minor wear Bezel: Steel rounded brancards, mirrored finish, minor wear Dial: Silvered dial, printed Roman numerals and tracks Hands: Sword-shaped, blued-steel hands
Crown: Steel push-pull cabochon crown, minor wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, minor wear Bracelet: Black strap, minor wear Caseback: Steel solid screwed caseback, minor wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche