Cartier Tank Must XL automatic 41 x 31 mm Full Set 2021

The origins

The tank attracts as much as it fascinates. It was Louis Cartier himself who, at the beginning of the XXth century, devoted himself to formal research aimed at integrating the hour circle into the line of the bracelet, purifying it and, finally, integrating the design of the attachments to the case into the extension of the bracelet. Inspired by the design of a military tank seen from above, the watch is governed by this clear graphic principle: the stretchers for the tracks, the case for the interior of the vehicle. A new fundamental principle emerges from this formal rapprochement: the design of the case attachments is now integrated into the extension of the bracelet without interrupting the rhythm.

Developed by Cartier in 1917, the Tank was not launched until 1919. Between November 15 and December 26, 1919, six pieces were listed in stock; by January 17 of the following year, none remained. The Tank never went out of style. In fact, it has become a symbol of timelessness and elegance that transcends eras and cultural milieus. In the course of its centenary, this style icon has appeared in various forms: Cintrée, Chinoise, Obus, Basculante, Asymétrique, Américaine and even Louis Cartier.

The history of Tank Must

Intemporal, self-confident and pure in design, the Tank watch captures the spirit of the times. More than a hundred years old, it reinvents itself with the Tank Must. Tank and Must are the meeting of two legends of the House of Cartier: Tank, essential and dandy, and Must, an appellation born at Cartier in the 1970s, which revisits the codes of luxury.

Tank Must is great watchmaking chic within reach of the greatest number. A Maison signature whose design and movements are constantly evolving, driven by Cartier's watchmaking vocation to always progress.

The model

Directly inspired by the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Must watch evolves its lines as closely as possible to its historical model. Rounded shoulders, rethought dial proportions: finesse is the leitmotif of this new design. A watch that dares to return to great classicism, down to the smallest detail, with the preciousness of a mother-of-pearl winder adorned with a cabochon synthetic spinel.

This watch is therefore an XL model, with a case measuring 41 x 31 mm and a thickness of just 8.4 mm. It features a sublime silver flinqué dial with a light sunray finish. The iconic sword-shaped blued steel hands are also present. The whole is protected by a flat sapphire crystal and comes on a custom-made matte navy blue alligator leather strap with a Cartier folding clasp.

Inside the watch is the 1847 MC caliber, a reminder of the year in which the Maison was founded. This self-winding mechanical movement was designed and developed by the Maison Cartier's engineers and watchmakers. Measuring only 3.8 mm thick, it allows for slim and elegant watches. It has a 42-hour power reserve.

The package

This Cartier Tank Must is in very good condition. This 2021 model is a first hand and will be delivered to you Full Set with its iconic red case, and its user manual and original warranty card. This model has been authenticated and checked by our watchmaker and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty.