Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat - Box and Papers (Ref. WSTA0059)

History and Significance

Few watches have influenced the history of wristwatch design as profoundly as the Cartier Tank. Introduced in 1917 and made available to the public in 1919, the Tank established a visual language that would remain remarkably consistent for more than a century. Inspired by the shape of military tanks viewed from above, Louis Cartier developed a rectangular case with two parallel vertical brancards that extended naturally into the strap. The design was radical for a period when round pocket-watch-inspired cases still dominated wristwatch production. Its architectural proportions, restrained dial, and distinctive silhouette eventually made the Tank one of the most recognizable objects in twentieth-century design.

The Must de Cartier collection introduced an important new chapter in the Tank's history during the 1970s. At a time when Cartier was expanding beyond its traditional clientele, the Must collection made the maison's distinctive design language accessible to a considerably broader audience. Early Must de Cartier watches became particularly associated with vermeil cases, colorful lacquered dials, and an experimental approach to materials and finishes. These watches helped establish the Tank as an everyday luxury accessory rather than an object reserved exclusively for formal occasions. The collection would eventually disappear from Cartier's catalog before being revived in 2021 with a new generation of Tank Must models.

The SolarBeat system is particularly interesting because Cartier incorporated the technology without substantially altering the appearance of the watch. Photovoltaic cells are positioned beneath specially designed dial elements, allowing light to reach the movement's energy-generating components while preserving the traditional Roman numeral layout. This approach avoids the visible solar panels associated with many conventional light-powered watches. The result is a watch that appears almost indistinguishable from a traditional quartz Tank Must, despite the different technology operating beneath the dial. It is an unusually discreet example of modern innovation incorporated into a century-old design.

Writer’s Thoughts

The SolarBeat is an interesting development in the history of the Tank because it introduces genuinely useful technology without asking the design to change. Cartier could have made the photovoltaic movement a visible feature, but the decision to preserve the familiar Roman numeral dial is far more appropriate for a watch whose identity has remained consistent for over a century. The result is a Tank that feels entirely traditional on the wrist while offering a more contemporary approach to everyday ownership. 

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.

Brand: Cartier

Model: Tank Must SolarBeat

Reference: WSTA0059

Year: Not Specified

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Size: 25.5mm

Dial: White Dial with Black Roman Numerals, Railroad Minute Track, and Blued Sword Hands

Movement: SolarBeat Photovoltaic Quartz Movement

Strap/Buckle: Original Cartier Blue Leather Strap

Buckle/Clasp: Original Cartier Buckle

Contents: Watch, Box, and Papers

Case: Stainless steel case remains in excellent condition with light surface scratches consistent with normal wear. The polished surfaces and distinctive Tank proportions remain well preserved.

Dial: White dial remains in excellent condition with crisp Roman numerals, clean printing, and no notable visible imperfections.

Hands: Blued sword-shaped hands remain in excellent condition with consistent color and well-preserved finishing.

Crystal: Crystal remains in excellent condition with no notable visible wear.

Strap/Buckle: Original Cartier blue leather strap remains in good condition with light signs of normal use.

Buckle/Clasp: Original Cartier buckle remains in excellent condition with light surface wear.