The Cartier Must Tank that arrived today features a black Roman dial available only in manual-wind models.
In addition to being extremely rare to see nowadays, this is a precious piece that comes complete with its original accessories from that era.
The Must Tank was introduced as the first model in the "Must de Cartier" collection launched in 1976.
Led by the classic ivory Roman dial,
it was offered with dials in onyx, lapis lazuli, garnet, walnut, beige, sunburst,
and black Roman dials featuring a black dial color that is rare for Cartier.
At that time, Cartier did not offer as many watch types or dial colors as it does today,
but I believe the black dial was first introduced outside of the Pré-Must series.
Black dials are such a rare and precious find among Cartier wristwatches.
Many Cartier wristwatches from that era, including the Must Tank, had a lacquer coating on the dial surface,
and many now show cracks on the surface due to age,
making examples in beautiful original condition extremely rare.
This particular piece shows signs of aging on the lacquer coating, and its luster has faded,
but it is in beautiful condition with no damage such as cracks.
While it is already sufficiently rare, it is also worth noting that it lacks the secret signature at 7 o'clock,
indicating that it features one of the earliest dials.
The secret signature began to be gradually printed on wristwatches from 1981 onward,
and it can be found on all products from 1984 onward.
Therefore, older wristwatches without the secret signature feel even more vintage,
but in my personal opinion, dials without the secret signature seem to have fewer cracks.
This particular piece also comes complete with its original accessories,
showing that it has been carefully cared for until today.
It is rare as a Must Tank with a black Roman dial,
but with its original accessories still intact,
I am sure you will fully appreciate its rarity and value.
Examples in good condition are now virtually extinct.
Once this piece is sold, there is no guarantee of another arrival,
and naturally, the condition of the watch itself is completely uncertain.
With vintage Cartier watches sweeping the world,
it is expected that such a piece will be extremely difficult to acquire in the future,
so do not miss this opportunity!
