Cartier Tank Quartz LM With box

Cartier Must de Tank – Quartz, 23 mm (1990s)

There are few shapes in watchmaking as instantly recognizable as the Cartier Tank. Its story began in 1917, inspired by the clean geometry of military tanks seen from above — a radical design that redefined what a wristwatch could be. By the 1990s, the Must de Cartier line had taken that icon and given it new life: refined, elegant, and designed to be worn every day.

This 23 mm example perfectly captures that era. The gold-plated vermeil case holds a crisp ivory dial adorned with Cartier’s signature Roman numerals and blue sword hands. A cabochon sapphire crown punctuates the form — small details, but the kind that make Cartier unmistakable.

Inside beats a quartz movement, a hallmark of the Must collection, chosen for its slim profile and dependability. It keeps perfect time, but more importantly, it keeps the Tank’s design pure — uninterrupted, minimal, quietly confident.

Details

• Model: Cartier Must de Tank Quartz

• Decade: 1990s

• Case size: 23 mm gold-plated vermeil

• Movement: Cartier quartz

• Dial: Ivory with Roman numerals, blued hands

• Crown: Blue cabochon

• Strap: Original Cartier leather strap with original buckle

• Accessories: Comes with original Cartier box

• Warranty: Supplied with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind

• Condition: Very good. Light, honest wear with a small area on the caseback where the silver base is faintly visible — nothing that distracts from its overall presentation.

Why it matters

The Must de Cartier was born from a simple yet bold idea: that good design should be timeless, and accessible. This piece stands as a bridge between eras — carrying the DNA of the 1917 Tank into the modern world, without pretense or compromise.

It’s the kind of watch that pairs as naturally with a linen shirt as with evening wear; that doesn’t need to announce itself, yet always gets noticed. Subtle, slim, and sophisticated — it’s not just a watch, it’s a small statement of enduring taste.