The Cartier Tank is quite possibly the most iconic rectangular wristwatch, matched only in its longevity and enduring appeal by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Capitalizing on the popularity of the Tank, Cartier has reintroduced the Tank Must de Cartier name as an entire model family at Watches & Wonders 2021.

Initial Thoughts

The Tank Must de Cartier was born in 1977, in the throes of the quartz crisis. The Must de Cartier was the jeweler’s answer to the upheaval within the industry – it marked the first time the Tank was produced at an industrial scale and was also the first time the model was not produced in precious metal. The Tank Must de Cartier borrowed the shape of the Tank Louis Cartier – whereas the brancards of the 1917 original were flat, those of the Tank Louis Cartier are gently rounded.

I am a fan of the new collection. Not only is the Must de Cartier probably the most recognizable of the Tank range, but the new watches are handsome and a surprisingly good value proposition. The new Tank Must de Cartier is a comprehensive family that is sure to become a bestseller – not only is there a model at every price point, from entry-level steel to more glitzy diamond-paved variants, but the models are also available in a dizzying number of sizes and movement configurations.

Tank Must de Cartier

The classic silver-dialed model with Roman numerals, railroad minutes track, and blued steel hands is available in steel in three sizes: small, large, and extra-large. The two smaller models are identical aside from the positioning of the Cartier secret signature, 7 o’clock in the large size, 10 o’clock in the small size.

Three case sizes are available. From left to right: extra-large, large, and small, shown on the steel bracelet

The Extra-large model is powered by the caliber 1847 MC, Cartier’s entry-level in-house movement with 40 hours of power reserve. This model also has central seconds and a date aperture at 6 o’clock, courtesy of the movement, and features additional refined touches that include guilloche stamping on the dial and a beaded crown (the crown of the other two sizes is merely knurled). The small and large sizes are available as with a traditional quartz movement with a stated autonomy of 8 years – gem-set variants with brancards paved with brilliant-cut diamonds are also available (0.48 ct in the large model, 0.46 ct in the small model).

Diamond-set variants of the small and large models are also available

The Tank Must de Cartier can also be had on an interchangeable steel bracelet equipped with Cartier’s proprietary QuickSwitch system.

Environmentally conscious

The small and large Tank Must de Cartier models are also available wit Cartier’s brand new SolarBeat movement, a photovoltaic movement that has a lifetime of 16 years. The idea to use photovoltaic cells to energize quartz calibers is not new – Citizen is likely the best-known example in the industry and has been using this technology for years in their Eco-Drive range. However, this marks a first for Cartier. Cartier opted for perforated Roman numerals that allow solar energy to reach the photovoltaic cells under the dial without compromising the design of the dial.

The small and large models are also available with a brand-new photovoltaic movement and environmentally friendly straps

In keeping with the environmentally-conscious theme, the SolarBeat Tank Must de Cartier models are fitted with a strap composed of 40% plant matter from waste from apples grown for the food industry. Cartier claims that the strap results in a significantly reduced carbon footprint and lower water and energy consumption in the manufacturing process.

Cartier Care

The new Tank models are eligible for registration in the Cartier Care program, which entails a warranty extension to up to eight years. As a commemorative offer to celebrate the new arrivals, Cartier is offering a “complementary maintenance and service to any owner of this watch, regardless of the year it was created” – it is unclear from the press release if this offer applies only to Tank Must models or to all Tank models. Presumably, this complementary service will not be offered forever, so Tank owners are advised to act on the offer sooner rather than later.

Key Facts and Price

Cartier Tank Must Small Model
Ref. CRWSTA0042 (steel on calfskin strap)
Ref. CRWSTA0051 (steel on steel bracelet)
Ref. CRW4TA0016 (steel with diamonds)
Ref. CRWSTA0060 (steel on black non-leather strap with SolarBeat photovoltaic movement)
Ref. CRWSTA0061 (steel on green non-leather strap with SolarBeat photovoltaic movement)

Diameter: 29.5 mm by 22 mm
Height: 6.60 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire

Movement: Quartz or SolarBeat photovoltaic movement

Strap: Calfskin, stainless steel bracelet with QuickSwitch system, non-leather strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: From September at boutiques and retailers
Price: Starting from US$2,480 for steel on leather strap, to US$6,000 for diamond-set model

Cartier Tank Must Large Model
Ref. CRWSTA0041 (steel on calfskin strap)
Ref. CRWSTA0052 (steel on steel bracelet)
Ref. CRW4TA0017 (steel with diamond setting)
Ref. CRWSTA0059 (steel on black non-leather strap with SolarBeat photovoltaic movement)
Ref. CRWSTA0062 (steel on blue non-leather strap with SolarBeat photovoltaic movement)

Diameter: 33.7 mm by 25.5 mm
Height: 6.60 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire

Movement: Quartz or SolarBeat photovoltaic movement

Strap: Calfskin, stainless steel bracelet with QuickSwitch system, non-leather strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: From September at boutiques and retailers
Price: Ranging from US$2,610 for steel on leather strap to US$6,850 for diamond-set model

Cartier Tank Must Extra-Large Model
Ref. CRWSTA0040 (steel on calfskin strap)
Ref. CRWSTA0053 (steel on steel bracelet)

Diameter: 41 mm by 31 mm
Height: 8.37 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire

Movement: 1847 MC
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 40 hours

Strap: Calfskin or stainless steel bracelet with QuickSwitch system

Limited edition: No
Availability: From September at boutiques and retailers
Price: US$3,550 (strap); US$3,900 (bracelet )

For more, visit Cartier.com.