WHY WE CURATED IT: The importance of Must de Cartier Tanks is often overlooked. They were one of the main contributors to the survival of Cartier some 50-odd years ago when the boom of post-WWII France faded, and with it, demand for luxury goods. 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 925 silver instead, and mostly with Swiss quartz calibres. This runaway success kept Cartier’s watch business afloat, unlike much of the European industry. This version is in the SM size, with a classic “Lemon Roman” dial. A forever icon of elegance!
CONDITION: 9/10, with minimal light hairlines. Original “Swiss-only” lacquer dial is super clean with some subtle spidering as reassuring indication of period correctness. Hands are pristine. Some tiny microscopic marks on the crystal visible only under specific lighting and angles. Caseback engravings/hallmarks deep and crisp. Aftermarket strap lightly used but appears like new, with original Cartier pin buckle. Movement in excellent health and quartz-accurate.
