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1980s Cartier Must Tank Black and Grey Dial (Ref. 681006)

$2,900.00

Worth A Read

History and Significance

The Cartier Tank is one of the most recognizable case designs ever created, originally introduced in 1917 and inspired by the top-down view of military tanks. By the late 20th century, Cartier expanded the line through the Must de Cartier collection, making the design more accessible while keeping the core proportions and aesthetic intact.

Reference 681006 follows that same formula. The case retains the classic Tank profile with straight brancards and a balanced rectangular shape that wears slim and close to the wrist. This example features a vermeil construction, with a sterling silver base and gold plating, a hallmark of the Must line during this period. The dial stays true to Cartier’s design language with Roman numerals, a chemin de fer track, and blued steel hands, all laid out in a way that feels both structured and easy to read.

Pieces like this represent an important chapter for Cartier. They brought an iconic design to a wider audience without changing what made it recognizable in the first place.

Writer’s Thoughts

The black dial changes the Must Tank while still remaining balanced and wearable.  The brushed dial texture adds warmth while the gold accents provide contrast and charm. It is an easy watch to wear yet instantly recognizable as Cartier. The proportions are perfect, and the overall design reflects why the Tank remains timeless across generations.

Our Promise

Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.

Specifications

Brand: Cartier

Model: Tank Must de Cartier ref. 590005

Year: 1980s

Case Material: Sterling silver with 18k yellow gold plating

Case Size: 23mm by 30mm

Dial: Black dial

Crystal: Mineral

Movement: Quartz

Strap: Generic strap

Buckle/Clasp: Cartier buckle

Contents: Watch only

Condition

Case: Excellent condition with strong and even plating. Still has the original caseback sticker.

Crystal: Clear with minimal marks.

Dial: The dial has very little edge wear.

Hands: Original hands in excellent condition.

Strap: The strap is generic and still wearable.

Buckle: Original Cartier buckle in excellent condition.

1980s Cartier Must Tank Black and Grey Dial (Ref. 681006)

$2,900.00

Authenticity Guaranteed

All our watches are carefully inspected to insure and guarantee the authenticity.

The Details

All our watches are scrutinized during inspection to make sure our descriptions are as accurate as possible.

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Worth A Read

History and Significance

The Cartier Tank is one of the most recognizable case designs ever created, originally introduced in 1917 and inspired by the top-down view of military tanks. By the late 20th century, Cartier expanded the line through the Must de Cartier collection, making the design more accessible while keeping the core proportions and aesthetic intact.

Reference 681006 follows that same formula. The case retains the classic Tank profile with straight brancards and a balanced rectangular shape that wears slim and close to the wrist. This example features a vermeil construction, with a sterling silver base and gold plating, a hallmark of the Must line during this period. The dial stays true to Cartier’s design language with Roman numerals, a chemin de fer track, and blued steel hands, all laid out in a way that feels both structured and easy to read.

Pieces like this represent an important chapter for Cartier. They brought an iconic design to a wider audience without changing what made it recognizable in the first place.

Writer’s Thoughts

The black dial changes the Must Tank while still remaining balanced and wearable.  The brushed dial texture adds warmth while the gold accents provide contrast and charm. It is an easy watch to wear yet instantly recognizable as Cartier. The proportions are perfect, and the overall design reflects why the Tank remains timeless across generations.

Our Promise

Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.

Specifications

Brand: Cartier

Model: Tank Must de Cartier ref. 590005

Year: 1980s

Case Material: Sterling silver with 18k yellow gold plating

Case Size: 23mm by 30mm

Dial: Black dial

Crystal: Mineral

Movement: Quartz

Strap: Generic strap

Buckle/Clasp: Cartier buckle

Contents: Watch only

Condition

Case: Excellent condition with strong and even plating. Still has the original caseback sticker.

Crystal: Clear with minimal marks.

Dial: The dial has very little edge wear.

Hands: Original hands in excellent condition.

Strap: The strap is generic and still wearable.

Buckle: Original Cartier buckle in excellent condition.