I’d say I’m quite a rational person and that reflects in my way of collecting watches. I usually think and learn about a watch for some time, save money, order the piece etc. But that’s not the story with this one. I knew about the Cartier Tank Must from their release in April 2021 but just when I saw one at an AD last September I knew I wanted one and the next day I bought it. Admittedly, learning that this was a one off production and these watches now go for double the retail price on the grey market also speed up my decision making process. The Cartier Tank Must is still one of my favourite watches so I’m very happy my impulsive side takes over sometimes.

Before the release of the new Cartier Tank Must I didn’t know a lot about Cartier. I had only been collecting watches for about nine months but these pieces really ignited my interest and love for the brand. After browsing the catalogue I decided I wanted to get a Santos but the burgundy Tank Must actually became my first Cartier watch. The Tank Must series, being relatively more affordable, for many people is the gateway into the brand and often many Cartier watches follow. I’m definitely one of those people because of course I still want the Santos, a Pasha, Basculante etc.

I really like what this burgundy Cartier Tank Must is offering: the iconic Tank design of 1917 mixed with the fun and bold colours of the Must de Cartier line of the seventies, all in one modern package. The Tank Must series comes in various configurations; there’s the classic Tank Musts with the roman numerals, the three monochromatic ones and the very innovative and beautiful Tank Solarbeat. With these new Tank Must models the edges of the brancards are more rounded than those of the previous Tank Solo and more in line with the original Louis Cartier design. The Cartier Tank is synonymous with style and is worn by famous politicians, artists and royalty all over the world. This Tank Must offers that classic style but it’s also a lot about fun because of its bright colour. It works great with formal wear but also with jeans and a T-Shirt.

The colourful dials of the monochromatic trio remind of the Must de Cartier models. The red one (the colour of Cartier) was my favorite and also added something new to my collection. All three colours look great though and I envy those who got them all. With only the Cartier logo and small ‘swiss made’ text on the dial, the colour really becomes the star of the show. The absence of numerals and a second hand make it hard to tell the exact time but I really like the minimalist aesthetic. The matching alligator strap enhances the colour statement but I also like to wear it with other straps. The case in stainless steel feels contemporary and fresh and has a beautiful blue cabochon set crown. This Tank Must measures 33,7 x 25,5mm and could be considered small for modern standards. As a rectangular watch it does wear larger and being a classic piece I think it’s the perfect size and suitable for both men and women.

The watch is quartz-powered and as a watch lover I usually prefer a mechanical movement. I think this one having a hand wound movement would have been very fitting but that would have resulted in a much higher price point. With the quartz movement there’s no worries about winding or power reserve, it results in great accuracy and the battery only needs to be replaced once every eight years.The absence of the seconds hand makes it hardly noticeable that the watch is powered by a battery so I don’t mind it all.

In conclusion, I love my burgundy Cartier Tank Must. It’s a classic dress piece that oozes style, fun and is really a statement piece you’ll recognize from across the room. I always feel happy when I put it on and feel lucky I got one. I’m sure this is a watch that I’ll enjoy for many years to come.