£3,150.00
In stock
The Cartier Tank Must de Cartier represents the pinnacle of horological artistry, embodying a design philosophy that transcends traditional watchmaking. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this timepiece is a testament to Cartier’s unparalleled ability to transform a functional instrument into a sublime work of art that captures the essence of elegance and innovation.
Featuring a distinctive design inspired by the geometric lines of a military tank, the watch seamlessly blends historical inspiration with contemporary sophistication. Its iconic silhouette tells a story of architectural precision, where every line, curve, and proportion is carefully considered to create a harmonious visual experience that speaks to both the watch’s rich heritage and its timeless appeal.
Condition: Excellent condition
Includes: Original box and papers
Warranty: Valid until 2030
Shipping: Free UK delivery
The Tank watch is a profound narrative of design evolution and cultural significance, born in 1917 from Louis Cartier‘s revolutionary vision. Inspired by the geometric lines of military tanks observed during World War I, this groundbreaking design immediately challenged conventional watch aesthetics, introducing a radical approach that would influence design across multiple disciplines and become a cultural icon embraced by artists, intellectuals, and style pioneers.
The watch’s design philosophy is rooted in a simple yet profound concept: the case represents the tank’s cabin, while the brancards (side bars) symbolise the vehicle’s tracks. This architectural approach transforms the watch from a mere timekeeping instrument into a wearable sculpture that challenges and redefines aesthetic boundaries, with each iteration from the original 1917 model to the Must de Cartier of the late 1970s telling a story of continuous refinement and artistic exploration.
The Tank’s enduring appeal lies in its revolutionary design language that transcends temporal boundaries. Unlike trend-driven accessories, the Tank watch represents a pure form of design that speaks to fundamental principles of proportion, balance, and geometric harmony, drawing inspiration from the structural lines of a military tank to transform an instrument of war into a symbol of artistic refinement.
Artists and design icons from Andy Warhol to modern-day celebrities have been drawn to the Cartier Tank’s pure aesthetic. Warhol famously remarked that he didn’t wear the watch to tell time, but because it was the most beautiful watch in the world. A testament to its transcendent design that communicates sophistication through restraint, making each line and proportion a carefully considered expression of modernist design principles.
The 1847 MC calibre is a demonstration of Cartier’s technical prowess and commitment to in-house watchmaking excellence. Named to commemorate the year Louis Cartier was born, this calibre showcases several remarkable technical innovations, with an automatic winding mechanism that ensures consistent power delivery and a 40-hour power reserve providing practical everyday reliability.
Unlike mass-produced movements, each 1847 MC is meticulously finished, with attention to details that reflect traditional Swiss watchmaking craft. The movement’s design prioritises both performance and aesthetic beauty, with carefully decorated bridges, refined finishing, and precise engineering that make it not just a functional component, but a miniature work of mechanical art that represents the perfect marriage of technical innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
The Tank watch’s significance extends far beyond traditional horological boundaries, representing a radical re-imagining of what a watch could be, transforming from a mere timekeeping instrument to a cultural artefact that reflects broader artistic and design movements. Each iteration, from the stretched case of the Tank LC in 1921 to the monochromatic Must de Cartier dials of the late 1970s, has captured the evolving design sensibilities of its time.
This continuous reinvention while preserving fundamental design principles is what makes the Tank truly extraordinary. It is a design that listens to its time without being enslaved by temporary trends, demonstrating an ability to remain contemporary while maintaining its core design DNA, a delicate balance that few design objects achieve, making it a true icon of watchmaking and design history.
Modern luxury is no longer about ostentation, but about thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and narrative. The Cartier Tank Must Extra-Large epitomizes this contemporary understanding of luxury, with its value lying not in excessive ornamentation, but in its refined simplicity, technical sophistication, and rich historical context that reflects a nuanced approach to personal style.
The interchangeable strap system and versatile design reflect an understanding of modern lifestyle needs, allowing the watch to adapt seamlessly between formal and casual settings. It becomes more than an accessory, it’s a personal statement of taste and sophistication that communicates the wearer’s appreciation for design, heritage, and the subtle art of understated elegance.
The synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel on the beaded crown is a microcosm of Cartier’s design philosophy, representing the brand’s commitment to detail, gemological expertise, and ability to transform functional elements into points of aesthetic interest. Carefully selected and shaped, the spinel is not merely a decorative feature, but a narrative element that echoes the watch’s geometric principles.
By choosing a synthetic spinel, Cartier demonstrates a nuanced approach to luxury that prioritises design integrity and ethical considerations over traditional material choices. The stone becomes more than a mere adornment, it is a subtle yet powerful statement about modern luxury’s evolving values, embodying the brand’s sophisticated understanding of design, functionality, and aesthetic expression.
For any purchases online, we offer a 14 day refund as long as they are returned exactly as sold. Any purchases in person are final.
Unless explicitly stated, all product images and videos are of the timepiece advertised and no stock images are used. All images and videos on this webpage are copyright of MVS Watches and copying, downloading or using elsewhere without prior consent is strictly prohibited.
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