Cartier's 2021 Tank Must
Did you know that The Cartier Tank watch was the first rectangular shaped watch ever made? Created in 1917, round watches were the norm. The Tank shape was avant grade then, and today it is a statement. Even Andy Warhol wore his Tank watch all the time, not even to tell time. He refused the wind the watch, but wore it for its elegance. It has been worn by Princess Diana, Jacki Onassis, Cary Grant, Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, and if I could, I would have one too.
The new Tank Must has the zeitgeist of 2021! After more than a century, the Cartier has fused the Tank and Must. On one hand, Tank, essential and dandy, and on the other, Must, a name immortalised at Cartier in the 1970s that revisits the classic conventions of luxury. “The Must watches are part of the Maison’s heritage and legend. They have withstood the test of time thanks to their instantly recognisable style, but also their excellent craftsmanship, which Cartier applies to all its creations right down to the smallest detail.” Pierre Rainero, Director of Image, Style and Heritage at Cartier.
Taking direct inspiration from the Tank Louis Cartier, the design of the Tank Must has been developed while staying faithful to the historic model. Rounded brancards, revisited dial proportions: finesse is the guiding force behind this new design. A watch that dares to return to great classicism down to the smallest detail, with a precious pearled cabochon winding crown and the return of a traditional ardillon buckle on the leather strap version.
A watchmaking classic from the Maison whose sophistication is measured on every level, from its steel strap with curved links, entirely redesigned and interchangeable, to the latest high-efficiency quartz movement- autonomy of around 8 years.
When the Must watch range was launched in 1977, it was made in a vermeil version- a burgundy or all black face with large gold logo. With that - tradition was broken. Now whilst still faithful to that spirit, the Cartier DNA colours have been added: red, blue and green. Steel watches that favour minimalist dials with no Roman numerals or “rail-tracks” and a fully chromatic look with matching straps. Cartier has now made it even harder to chose!
The Louis Cartier Tank has a choice of blue and red, with Roman numerals and gold graphic accents. The blue version is in rose gold, the red in yellow gold. Both come a Manufacture 1917 MC movement with manual winding.
Something you will all be very impressed with is the new watch strap which is made of a material which is 40% plant matter, produced from waste from apple trees in Switzerland, Germany and Italy. The production procedure represents a step forward in preserving the environment by reducing our carbon footprint (6 times less), saving water (up to 10 litres) and energy (up to 7 megajoules, or approximately 200 smartphone charges) compared to the manufacture of a calfskin strap.
Now to choose, if you can!
