The story behind this Cartier Tank Must
Designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, the Tank draws its geometric architecture from a pragmatic observation: that of Renault tanks viewed from above. The side rails evoke the tracks, whilst the central case embodies the cockpit. This transposition of a military vehicle into a timepiece has given rise to an instantly recognisable silhouette. The WSTA0040 model builds on this heritage by retaining the founding aesthetic codes whilst adapting them to contemporary standards. The Tank Must model revives the spirit of the 1970s and 1980s, a period when Cartier successfully offered a more everyday style.
Case, calibre and strap of this Tank Must
This 41 mm by 31 mm model has a modest thickness of 8 mm. The stainless steel case is distinguished by its polished flanges, which frame a flat sapphire crystal. The crown is adorned with the traditional blue spinel cabochon. Beneath the crystal, the silver-coloured dial reveals a subtle flinqué pattern in the centre. The black Roman numerals and the minute track provide a clear layout for reading the time, indicated by three blued steel sword-shaped hands. A discreet date window displays the date at 6 o’clock. The watch is powered by the calibre 1847 MC, a self-winding mechanical movement offering a 42-hour power reserve. The textured black calfskin strap fastens with a steel folding clasp and features a quick-change system. It is water-resistant to 30 metres.
Why this Cartier watch
The appeal of this piece lies in its Extra-Large size, which caters to enthusiasts seeking the classic Tank aesthetic with contemporary proportions. On the pre-owned market, this model combines the practicality of an automatic movement with an iconic design. It is a sound choice for an enthusiast wishing to wear a prestigious watch on a daily basis. The model offers a comfortable and discreet fit under a cuff.
Contents and condition
The watch is presented in its complete original configuration. It comes with its red presentation box, outer box and international warranty card dated March 2025. This example is in very good condition. The steel case shows some slight signs of wear in the form of superficial micro-scratches inherent to normal use. A cosmetic polish can be carried out on request to remove these marks. The leather strap retains excellent structural integrity.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece with a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
