Cartier Tank Must XL

[Lol-x]

(photos from the web)

The Cartier Tank Must XL is a point of difference in the Cartier Tank Range.

The Cartier Tank "Must" historically and typically had/has a quartz movement. However, the XL comes with an automatic movement which is a Cartier in house movement which is used in higher priced Cartier models. The calibre 1847 MC is notable as having:

A. Automatic self winding in both directions.
B. 23 Jewels
C. 28,800 BPH
D. Cartier specifies -3/+7 seconds per day accuracy
E. 42 hour power reserve
F. 8 year Cartier warranty (3 years more than Rolex)
G. Watchmaker friendly for after market servicing
H. Swiss made by Richemont Group.

The case is stainless steel which gives it a lower price point but is harder than precious metals against scratches and dings. Unlike some previous Cartier Tank models with mechanical movements there is no uncomfortable bubble on the caseback and the watch still only measures 8.4mm thick.

The case dimensions are 41x31mm and the only other Tank which approximates this size/shape (40x30) is a platinum Louis Cartier Tank XL made in around 2008 of around 50 pieces that now sell used for USD$50K.

The "Must XL" is the only Must model with a date window and a second hand. The date at 6 O'Clock is unobtrusive. The traditional blued hands are a traditional and welcome feature that should not be ignored.

There is no lume on this watch, its a dress watch. Dress watches were traditionally small. I had a large quartz Tank Must 20 years ago and I passed it on because it was too small by my standards back then. My mother who wore it after me loved it.

One downside is the drop out size of 23mm which can limit the strap/bracelet options which are available. However, this watch works best IMHO on leather and there are strap makers who will help you out.

The Cartier steel bracelet option is a scratch magnet, but I would prefer that to the leather deployant option as the latter comes with mediocre leather segments. An aftermarket leather strap with tang buckle provides many leather strap options if you get tired of the steel bracelet.

Cartier has been criticised as not being a watch making brand. That is unfair, it has made mechanical watches for over 100 years with collaborations with other companies and now in house movements. Although Cartier has made quartz watches (so too Rolex) and many non-watch products, by and large all its products are appreciated for their quality and design.

[BNA/LION]

Great write up and pictures! I don't have a Cartier Tank but I do like the shape and designs.

[bibbi]

What part of it is a Rolex???

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by bibbi

What part of it is a Rolex???

A comedian!

[rootbeer7]

And congratulations on a beautiful watch

[Cru Jones]

Lovely Cartier.

[1William]

Very nice watch. I have previously owned this watch and my wife highjacked it. She preferred it on the bracelet.

[mailman]

Nice looking watch Steve-O

[WatchTimes]

Thanks for a great write up!
Cartier is an amazing company.
I bought a M Santos about a year ago and it has become one of my most worn watches.

[brandrea]

I’ve always appreciated Cartier watches and specifically the Tank references

[AEC]

Thanks for the write-up. I enjoyed a Tank Must XL Auto for a year before swapping it to fund a JLC. It took me by surprise because it was so good at being a watch. Rate results from its in-house caliber were excellent, and operations via the crown were crisp and precise.

[Maxy]

Nice writeup. The year, I bought my Cartier Solo Tank, it was discontinued and Cartier Must was released. I do find Cartier Must better especially the dial but prefer the Cartier Tank's crown. Overall great update from Cartier and one of the best dress watch bargains!

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Great write up and pictures! I don't have a Cartier Tank but I do like the shape and designs.

Thanks bro! You need a Tank because it is a nice change to your titanium tool watch!

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

And congratulations on a beautiful watch

Thank you bro, I have not received it as yet...I'm waiting.

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Lovely Cartier.

Thank you bro, you have excellent taste!!

Originally Posted by 1William

Very nice watch. I have previously owned this watch and my wife highjacked it. She preferred it on the bracelet.

Oh bro, highjacked.....at least the highjacker appreciates it!!

Originally Posted by mailman

Nice looking watch Steve-O

Thank you Sir!! I like it.

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve always appreciated Cartier watches and specifically the Tank references

Yes, you have impeccable taste!

Originally Posted by AEC

Thanks for the write-up. I enjoyed a Tank Must XL Auto for a year before swapping it to fund a JLC. It took me by surprise because it was so good at being a watch. Rate results from its in-house caliber were excellent, and operations via the crown were crisp and precise.

Awesome photograph, looks great on leather

Originally Posted by Maxy

Nice writeup. The year, I bought my Cartier Solo Tank, it was discontinued and Cartier Must was released. I do find Cartier Must better especially the dial but prefer the Cartier Tank's crown. Overall great update from Cartier and one of the best dress watch bargains!

Yeah I like it too with the more traditional case over the flat top case of the Solo.

I notice a quite a variance with the bold or faint printing of the "Cartier" on the dial. I'm not sure why watch companies can't make a consistent paint coverage. Personally I far prefer the bold "Cartier" print on the dial.