WHY WE CURATED IT:
We often think of vintage Must de Cartier Tanks as the most affordable Cartiers today. But not enough is said about their historical importance in saving the brand. The 3 decades post-WWII (late 40s to late 70s) was economic boom time in France with a growing nouveau riche clamouring for Cartier watches and luxury goods. But by the late 70s, things were slowing, and super-accurate yet inexpensive quartz watches were the double whammy. La Maison’s solution was to produce accessible versions of its illustrious solid gold Tank Louis Cartier, but employing simple quartz calibres and scaling back on precious metals. It worked. The brand sailed through the storm, unlike much of the Western industry. The late-version Must we have here is the exquisite black dial without indices… the classiest, most versatile and restrained of iconic dress watches, in thick 20-micron gold plated 925 silver, LM sized. Superb condition, with original Cartier extras.
CONDITION:
9.5/10, with scant signs of use. Flawless dial, hands, and crown cabochon. Mild scuffing on the crystal in the lower left quadrant. Light hairlines on caseback with deep sharp engravings/hallmarks. Original Cartier strap is used but with plenty of life remaining. Original Cartier buckle near-pristine. Movement in excellent health and is quartz-accurate.
DIMENSIONS:
23.5mm width excl. crown
30.8mm length incl. lugs
5.7mm thickness
17mm lug width
Visual dial width ~17mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference
CRYSTAL:
Mineral glass
CASE:
925 silver, 20-micron gold-plated
CASEBACK:
Screws on caseback
WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches
STRAP:
Original black lizard Cartier strap with original Cartier buckle (16mm)
CALIBRE:
Cartier Cal. 81 (Ebel base), 2-hander quartz
COMES WITH:
Watch, original Cartier buckle, original Cartier strap, original Cartier box, Cartier hang tag
PRICE:
MYR10,500
TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!
