For years Must de Cartier watches were more or less ignored by enthusiasts, but a funny thing happened on the way to obscurity – they became collectible. This didn’t escape Cartier’s notice, and the company decided to celebrate the renewal of interest in them by releasing new Tank Must models in early 2021. There was a slew of new models with the brightly colored dials that were the signature of the original Must de Cartier Tanks, but there was also something unexpected: the Tank SolarBeat.
The heart of the SolarBeat is a new Cartier quartz movement, powered by light, which Cartier says should run for at least 16 years before its rechargeable battery needs to be replaced. The only parts of the dial which let light through to the photovoltaic cell underneath, are the numerals. This is a neat trick – it probably doesn’t hurt that the watch only has to update the positions of the hour and minute hands, so energy costs for actually moving something are pretty low.
Aesthetically, it means that you have a dial which is indistinguishable from a traditional Tank Louis Cartier dial, right down to the secret signature.
For the full story go to: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-cartier-tank-must-solarbeat
0:00 Start
0:40 History of the Cartier Tank
1:41 The solar-powered movement
2:52 Versatility of the Cartier Tank
3:27 Value?
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34 comments
Also i would like the option of an automatic Tank with no date and seconds hand.
Reasons?
- teething issues maybe
- the battery will last 16 years .... and after 16+1
will Cattier be able to follow up with battery replacement?
I am curious about this piece as an everyday watch. I work in an office, but do wash dishes, clean the house, experience rain showers etc. Do you think the 30m water resistance is enough? Is the Solar movement less prone to be affected by being knocked around?
Thank you
My dad set 3 criterias.
1. Solar powered or quartz
2. Rectangular
3. Not too big.
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