Cartier Must de Cartier Quartz Tank 13 Rue de la Paix Guilloche Salmon Dial Limited Edition Sterling Silver
Released in 1917, the Cartier Tank was designed by Louis Cartier after he was inspired by the shape of the Renault tanks he saw on the Western Front during WWI. Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of horological design to ever be created, the Tank’s rectangular shape, svelte proportions, and timeless aesthetic have enabled it to earn a top spot within the horological hall of fame. Amongst the plethora of models that belong to this iconic collection is perhaps the purest distillation of its design, the Tank Louis Cartier.
Introduced in the early 1980s following the success of Cartier’s collaboration with Dupont on a collection of co-branded lighters that ended up securing Cartier’s financial future, the Tank Must de Cartier collection is a diffusion line that leveraged the Cartier Tank Louis’ iconic silhouette and Cartier’s legendary branding in a more affordable package so as to offer customers the same look as before but at a more palatable price tag. While the Tank Louis, which the Tank Must is based on, is made of 18kt yellow gold, the Tank Must collection primarily uses a sterling silver case that is then electroplated in 18kt yellow gold, resulting in a far more economical watch without sacrificing aesthetics. Offered here, we have the Must de Cartier Tank ref. 2414 in bare sterling silver, with a stunning salmon dial that was launched in 1999 as a limited edition release of 100 pieces. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Cartier Paris’ flagship location on 13 rue de la Paix, which is referenced by the number 13 that finds itself at 12 o’clock on the ref. 2414’s dial, this watch serves as a reminder of Cartier’s single-most important location.
THE DIAL Boasting a stunning salmon dial with a gorgeous guilloche pattern, the ref. 2414 is clearly not a standard variant from the Must de Cartier collection. Indeed, its 13 numeral at 12 o'clock, a reference to 13 Rue de la Paix, highlights this even further.
THE CONSTRUCTION While most variants from the Must de Cartier collection feature yellow gold-plated silver cases, the ref. 2414 bares no electroplating, instead with Cartier opting for exposed sterling silver. A rare material for watchmakers to use.
THE CASEBACK With its dial boasting an obscure reference to its status as a special edition, the ref. 2414 also included an engraved caseback celebrating its anniversary status and 13 Rue de la Paix - Cartier's Parisian flagship location.
