Confessions Of A Collector: Why I Must Have The Cartier Tank Must

It isn’t really up for debate that the most iconic piece from Cartier is the Tank. Its square shape has seduced women and men across the globe without distinction. From Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol, the Tank has always been at home on the wrist of the most famous and influential people. So it's only natural that, at some point, collectors like me feel the need to own one.

Life as a collector of fine timepieces will always come with the occasional yet inevitable feeling of regret after you fail to take advantage of that one chance you had to obtain a watch you fell in love with straight away. For me, it was the first time I put my eyes on a mint-condition Must de Cartier Tank Louis from 1970. The yellow-plated gold case and vibrant red dial almost made me fall out of my chair the second my brain comprehended what my eyes were seeing. The timing, however, wasn't right for me to have it, and I had to pass on it, very regretfully.
 

But alas, the Must de Cartier Tank Louis has yet to cease haunting my dreams, and I have been looking for similar ever since then. I almost gave in to a regular Tank last year, but my instincts kept me on-mission. “Don't do it, not yet” became my mantra.
 

Fast forward to Watches & Wonders 2021, and to my delight, Cartier relaunched the Tank Must in three different colors. It is even available in the same iconic shape and color as the vintage version with which I fell so deeply in love. 
 

I understand that not every household is lucky enough to share a passion for watches like the Maison de Shanks, but that is a quine shame. Because, as I was going over the countless press releases associated with Watches & Wonders, figuring out our schedule for the week, I stumbled onto the Cartier press materials. Stunned, I yelled across the apartment, "Cartier is bringing back the Cartier Tank Must in RED!" And the response I got from my partner was one of equal excitement. True bliss.
 

But why must I have the Must? Read on!

If you're looking for something a bit fancier, Cartier is also launching the Tank Louis Cartier watch with the brand’s iconic rail-road dial and matching gold accents. Available in either a lush burgundy and 18K yellow gold case or rich blue with 18K rose gold case, these Tank Louis Cartier are powered by the manual winding manufacture calibre 1917MC and will be available in limited quantities.