The Cartier Tank Must Small Model (Ref: WSTA0042) 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 a high-autonomy 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 / 10 | Great Condition, Minor Visible Wear Production: 2022 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 22x30mm Thickness: approx. 7mm Lug Width: approx. 15mm
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