Since it’s inception in 1917, the Cartier Tank model has integrated top-tier craftsmanship with avant-garde design, appealing to individuals with a penchant for decorative yet utilitarian timepieces. To reinvigorate this recognizable watch, Cartier introduced its Tank Must iteration in 1977, amalgamating two Maison signatures in a celebration of heritage with a keen eye toward a contemporary clientele.
The Tank Must has been given an exciting update for 2021, allowing additional chapters to become part of this model’s renowned history. Looking to the 1980s for inspiration, three monochromatic colourways are making a splashy debut, where red, green, and blue dials and matching straps amount to a striking simplicity. Furthermore, an absence of Roman numerals or other indices offer a more streamlined aesthetic that allows the timepiece’s vibrancy to take centre stage.
In a true feat of innovation, Cartier has incorporated its SolarBeat™ movement into the standard Tank Must model, the first watch to benefit from a photovoltaic dial technology. The Maison has included its QuickSwitch patent, which allows a wearer to change a strap at home, while also unveiling an inventive and sustainable bracelet manufactured with 40 per cent plant matter derived from apple harvest waste in Europe.
Lastly, the Louis Cartier Tank model—named after its legendary creator—is also being reintroduced with refined flourishes. Sourcing inspiration from integral chromatic elements of the brand’s DNA, these new options come in a lustrous navy with pink gold and a vivid wine colour with yellow gold, classic pairings with an undeniable appeal.
Scroll through the gallery for a closer look at the iconic Tank models.