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The Tank Must Watch
A watch steeped in history
For over a century, the house of Cartier has embodied elegance and innovation in the world of luxury watchmaking. Among its most famous creations, the Tank watch occupies a special place. It was in 1917, at the height of the First World War, that Louis Cartier designed the first Tank watch, inspired by the clean, powerful lines of the Renault tanks seen at the front. This avant-garde, geometric and minimalist design broke with the codes of the time and quickly became a timeless symbol of Art Deco style.
In 1977, Cartier decided to breathe new life into this legendary model by launching the Tank Must, a contraction of “Must de Cartier”, a more accessible range that aimed to democratize the world of the house without sacrificing its prestige. It was a successful gamble: the Tank Must seduced a new generation of watch lovers, while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original model.
Emblematic features of the Tank Must
Cartier's Tank Must is distinguished by its straight lines, rectangular dial and parallel stretchers that elegantly extend the strap. Sleek yet sophisticated, it is instantly recognizable thanks to its Roman numerals, sword-shaped blued hands and crown adorned with a spinel or sapphire cabochon.
Modern versions of the Tank Must introduce innovations while respecting the DNA of the House. These include models with monochrome colored dials (red, blue, green) and solar-powered movements (“SolarBeat”), a technical feat that illustrates Cartier's commitment to sustainable innovation.
A watch that has become a symbol of style
The Tank Must has won over watch lovers, fashion icons and artistic personalities alike. Worn by such iconic figures as Andy Warhol, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, it symbolizes unostentatious elegance, a form of discreet, refined luxury.
It is this ability to stand the test of time while remaining modern that makes the Tank Must an emblematic model for the House of Cartier. It embodies both the brand's heritage and its desire to innovate, offering watches adapted to contemporary expectations, without ever denying their history.
Why choose the Tank Must de Cartier?
Investing in a Tank Must means opting for a timeless watch, both classic and daring, capable of sublimating all styles, from the most casual to the most formal. It's also part of a prestigious watchmaking tradition, where every detail is designed to reflect the excellence of Cartier.
To discover the entire Cartier collection, explore our selections of luxury men's watches and Cartier women's timepieces, as well as our other iconic models such as the Ballon Bleu or the Cartier Santos.