Cartier Must de Cartier Tank Vermeil “Lemon Roman” SM Ref. 71615 (circa 1970s)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
The importance of Must de Cartier Tanks is often overlooked… instrumental in saving Cartier 50 years ago when the economic boom of post-WWII France faded, and with it, demand for luxury. At the same time, cheap mass-produced quartz watches were flooding in from Asia. Cartier’s solution? Make accessible versions of the (otherwise full-gold) iconic Tank Louis but in gold-plated silver (so still fully precious metal), with Swiss quartz calibres. This was a runaway success and kept Cartier’s watch business afloat, unlike much of the European industry. This historical piece is in the SM size, with a “lemon Roman” dial and blued sword hands. Vintage aficionados will find this example particularly fetching with its rainbow patina on parts of the case; unique, as only the natural passage of time can craft.

CONDITION:
9/10, with light hairlines. Hands, original unreplaced crystal, and original “Swiss-only” dial are clean. Dial has extremely subtle spidering, a lot less than normal for the age and visible only under magnification. But you know it’s there as reassuring proof of unreplaced originality. Lovely rainbow patina on parts of the case, coveted by vintage connoisseurs. Can be removed in minutes upon request but it’d be a shame as it developed naturally over decades! Caseback engravings/hallmarks deep and crisp. Aftermarket strap used but still plenty usable. The original Cartier buckle has light hairlines. Movement in excellent health and quartz-accurate.

DIMENSIONS:
20.5mm width excl. crown
28mm length incl. lugs
5.8mm thickness
15mm lug width
Visual dial width ~15mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm

CRYSTAL:
Mineral glass

CASE:
925 silver, 20 micron gold-plating

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, per vintage watches

STRAP:
Aftermarket brown leather with original Cartier buckle (14mm)

CALIBRE:
Cartier Cal. 057, 2-hander quartz

COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap, Cartier buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!