Cartier Tank pre-Must - Manual

Cartier Tank Must, same but different.

Description

The Tank Must, often in vermeil (gold-plated silver), is well known for its original dial and materials. This Must, beyond its vermeil case, could be confused with a Tank Louis. Indeed, it takes up the stylistic characteristics of its predecessor, just as elegant and refined: black Roman numerals on a white background, railway line, blued hands. Its smaller size accentuates the finesse and discretion of the model, ideal for a feminine wrist. We will also notice the originality of the cabochon.

Another significant characteristic: the mechanical movement.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Large, medium, small, solid gold, gold plated, classic dial, colored lacquered dial, on simple or colored leather... It doesn't matter, Françoise loves the Tank, all the Tanks! If Françoise particularly appreciates colored lacquered dials, she immediately fell under the spell of this one, which brings together the best of both worlds: the contained budget of a Must, its similarity with the Tank Louis, the mechanical movement.

Whether monochrome or decorated with geometric patterns, with or without indexes, small or large, you will always find a Tank Must that matches your personality. Françoise also appreciates being able to offer a version very close to the original but with the singularity of the pre-Must model.

History

The first so-called Normal Tank, designed in 1917, gave way, in 1922, to the Louis Cartier Tank, the design of which remains unchanged.

The “Must de Cartier” collection was launched in 1973 by Robert Hocq and Alain-Dominique Perrin, appointed General Director of this new entity. This creative line not only allowed Maison Cartier to expand its offering but also to offer a more accessible and offbeat range, thus democratizing the luxury sector while retaining its codes. 

After lighters, pens and even leather goods, it was the turn of the Must watch to appear in 1976/77. The vermeil Tank is the first to make its debut with the words “Must de Cartier” and the two “C”s on the dial. Although the first models were made with a manual movement, quartz quickly became established on these everyday, easy-to-wear watches.

Unlike Cartier watches in yellow gold, those in the Must line, in silver, vermeil or steel, offer a very wide variety of cases and dials. Sometimes colorful, sometimes embellished with geometric patterns, these designs give a new lease of life to classic models.

Its more rounded lines and revisited design are reminiscent of the Tank Louis Cartier with a twist !