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Must de Cartier - Then and Now
BQ guides

The mere mention of the name “Cartier” effortlessly brings to mind the iconic jewellery and watch brand. Originating in the mid-1800s, Cartier has solidified its position as one of the most globally recognized luxury brands. Its influence transcends the realm of watch enthusiasts, making a substantial mark in the wider consumer market, particularly within the leather goods and watch industries.

Cartier is universally acknowledged as a symbol of success and impeccable taste. Despite some watches in their collection retailing for hundreds of thousands of pounds, it’s essential to highlight that not all Cartier timepieces come with a stellar price tag.

With options priced under £5,000, these timepieces allow enthusiasts to step into the world of Cartier and experience the brand’s craftsmanship and elegance without a substantial financial commitment – enter the Must de Cartier collection. 

Cartier - Must de Cartier

The Must collection was inherently designed to serve as an entry-level option within the Cartier Tank line. In the 1970s, the company underwent significant changes in ownership, with each of the three controlling branches being sold, marking the end of Cartier’s family ownership.

It was during this period that Vermeil Tank watches became widely available at Cartier boutiques. The Must de Cartier watches were based on the Tank Louis Cartier design and were crafted from silver, specifically gold-plated silver, a technique known as Vermeil.

This use of Vermeil allowed Cartier to create a luxurious appearance by overlaying a layer of gold onto a silver base, combining the elegance of gold with the structural properties of silver. The Vermeil Must de Cartier Tank watches, as well as the Ronde Must de Cartier watch from the Must de Cartier collection became popular for their affordability while still maintaining the iconic Tank design and Cartier’s reputation for quality and style.

Tank Must De Cartier

The iconic Cartier Tank de Must is a timepiece that effortlessly fuses timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. Meticulously crafted, this beautiful model showcases the distinguished Tank design, symbolizing Cartier’s rich heritage and commitment to innovation. The Cartier Tank, originally unveiled in 1917, revolutionized horology by adopting a distinct rectangular shape inspired by the formidable tanks of WWI. 

Its enduring popularity stems from its seamless integration of classic aesthetics with modern functionality.

This specific model features a sleek stainless steel case, radiating a refined allure that is both versatile and enduring. The closed caseback ensures durability, while the sapphire crystal glass provides exceptional scratch resistance, preserving its pristine beauty for years to come.  The burgundy dial, complemented with a stainless steel case, and matching burgundy strap ensure this watch is a perfect choice for both men and women. 

Must de Cartier Ladies Watch

The Must de Cartier ladies watch represents a refined timepiece that encapsulates the essence of Cartier’s timeless design. The vermeil case, crafted from gold-plated silver, adds an element of luxury and sophistication, elevating the watch’s overall aesthetic. The leather strap enhances both comfort and style, creating a seamless connection between the timepiece and its wearer.

With a case size of 33mm, this Cartier watch strikes a balance between a subtle elegance and a noticeable presence on the wrist. The moderate size ensures versatility, making it suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear. The Roman numeral dial, set against a white background, imparts a classic and traditional appeal, embodying Cartier’s commitment to enduring design principles.

The plain bezel adds a touch of understated elegance, allowing the focus to remain on the harmonious blend of elements within the watch’s composition. The meticulous attention to detail is further exemplified by the closed caseback, contributing to the timepiece’s durability.

Overall, this Must de Cartier model harmoniously combines classic features with modern sensibilities. It pays homage to Cartier’s rich heritage while maintaining relevance in the contemporary world.

CARTIER TANK MUST WSTA0052

Cartier Must - A New Generation

The Must de Cartier Tanks from the last century aimed to offer a glimpse into the Cartier brand at a more accessible price point. In contrast, the new Tank Musts deliver an undiluted expression of Cartier’s distinctive character. Unlike its predecessor, there are no indications on the dial or the case that label it as an “entry-level” model. Wearing it doesn’t evoke any sense of impostor syndrome; instead, it proudly embodies the essence of Cartier’s design heritage.

In this new iteration, Cartier has opted for simplicity, steering away from complications and precious metals that don’t inherently enhance the enjoyment of the watch. The emphasis is on pure design, allowing the iconic Tank shape and Cartier’s unmistakable aesthetic to take centre stage. This deliberate choice underscores the brand’s confidence in the enduring appeal of its design language, suggesting that true luxury lies not only in complexity but in the elegance of simplicity.

The new Tank Must collection represents a contemporary approach where the focus is on the essential elements that define Cartier’s character. By keeping things simple, Cartier has managed to offer a watch that resonates with both the brand’s rich heritage and the preferences of modern watch enthusiasts.

 
 

Cartier - It's a Must!

Cartier is renowned for its iconic designs, timeless elegance, and a rich heritage in the world of luxury watches and jewellery. Many consider Cartier to be a symbol of sophistication and style. Whether it’s the classic Tank model, the elegant Santos, or other collections, Cartier has consistently delivered exceptional craftsmanship and design, making it a sought-after brand for those who appreciate luxury and refinement.  Here at BQ Watches, we stock an extensive collection of Cartier watches.  If you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact one of our helpful staff who will be more than happy to help source your ideal timepiece. 

Browse our Watches

So if you are looking for a truly special timepiece, BQ Watches should be your first call. We stock a carefully curated selection of all the top brands, so you are sure to find your next timepiece quickly and easily. 

  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2012
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £3,950
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £4,950
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £4,950
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2001
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £4,250
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2001
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £4,250
  • CARTIER TANK FRANÇAISE W51008Q3

    CARTIER TANK FRANÇAISE

    • YEAR2001
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £4,950
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2001
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £4,250
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 3217

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2017
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £5,250
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2384

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2005
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £3,950
  • CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE 2403

    CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

    • YEAR2005
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £8,250

Get in Touch With the Team at BQ Watches

BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!

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