Watches & Wonders 2021

Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat, you must have it!

Being creative, starting fashion trends instead of following them, having the power to decide what is hot and what is not in an allegedly unmovable world... all of that is an everlasting gift. That’s what Cartier’s DNA is made of. Generation after generation, the brand’s two permanent trademarks remain: astonishment and amazement! The Tank Must SolarBeat is a prime example. Find out more below.

By Frank Declerck

No need to beat around the dial, this very Tank came out as a big surprise. Cartier’s Tank Must SolarBeat was the jaw-dropping piece at the Watches & Wonders 2021 digital show. Consider this: the often-called “Jeweler of Kings and King of jewelers”, the one that embodies old-school watchmaking and quality calibres, the Maison renowned for the creative shapes of its cases… is presenting a solar-powered watch! A revolt? No, a revolution! As well as a stroke of genius.

Montre Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat TM
Cartier’s newest creation runs like clockwork.
Montre Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat TM
It is impossible to tell apart the Cartier’s SolarBeat from another Tank Must.

CARTIER TANK MUST SOLARBEAT CARRIES ON THE CREATIVE TRADITION

Everyone knows that Cartier’s brilliant CEO, Cyrille Vigneron brought a breath of fresh air to the brand in only a couple of years. Surprisingly, he did it by using the modernity of older designs. Was it a risky bet? Yes and no. Yes, in a sense, it was because scandalmongers were quick to talk about dressing something old as something new. However, Vigneron foresaw the comeback of vintage trends and brought back pieces that were already in everybody’s minds. Better still, improved calibres were beating inside these historical designs thanks to the newest technological innovations.
Throw in the development of an unprecedented customer service (such as free revision) and easier use (interchangeable bracelet with detachable link), and the watch’s success was guaranteed.

100% SWISS, PHOTOVOLTAIC CARTIER CALIBRE

With that being said, it is easy to see what the sacred Tank icon of the brand can gain from a calibre that makes you go cuckoo. The SolarBeat movement is 100% Swiss, and Cartier exclusive. The results speak for themselves as the battery is charged thanks to photovoltaic cells hidden under the dial and has a lifespan of 16 years without any outside intervention! And the battery can easily be charged with sunlight as well as artificial lighting.

Montre Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat TM

SPORT AN ELEGANT TAN WITH A MUST ON YOUR WRIST

Cartier’s genius is found in the way sunlight can reach inside the case. Invisible perforations in the Roman numerals allow the light to pass through. It might seem unbelievable but it is true and it explains how this Tank Must SolarBeat looks exactly like a traditional Tank Must. Even down to the secret signature.

AN ECO-FRIENDLY BRACELET ON TOP THAT!

Believe it or not, there is still more to be said about this wonder, as it is also eco-friendly on top of everything else. The watch comes with Cartier’s brand-new “vegan” bracelet, which is produced using waste from apples. This is one incredible feat as the strap is like traditional leather in every other way, because not only does it look like traditional leather, it also feels the same and offers the same level of comfort. Even better, its production procedure enables to divide the carbon footprint by six and to save significant amount of water as well as energy (up to 7 megajoules or about 80 smartphone charges). Is there anything left to say? Yes, that the price will convince you – € 2,620 for the large steel model and € 2,490 for the small one.

What if this watch was paving the way for a new definition of luxury?

Montre Tank Must SolarBeat TM
The Tank Must SolarBeat, the revolution according to Cartier.

Tank Must SolarBeat Watch TM

Rectangular steel case, thickness: 6.60 mm
Crown set with a blue synthetic cabochon spinel
Black, blue or green non-animal strap
Large model: € 2,620
Small model: € 2,490

Available in September 2021

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