Quick answer

The Cartier Tank Must with a white dial is a steel watch on a quartz movement. Cartier brought the name back in 2021. The Large case is 33.7 mm wide and 25.5 mm tall. The dial is printed, not guilloché. The crown holds a blue cabochon. Replica versions sell from about $40 to $250. Four points show the difference: case thickness, cabochon material, dial print, and the case back.

Genuine specs

Cartier sells the Tank Must in two sizes. The Small case is 29.5 mm by 22 mm. The Large case is 33.7 mm by 25.5 mm. Cartier lists both near 6.6 mm thick. The case is stainless steel. The crystal is sapphire. Water resistance is 30 m. The strap is leather or steel.

The dial is white with printed Roman numerals. CARTIER sits at 12. SWISS MADE sits at 6. The hands are blued steel swords. The steel Tank Must has no date window.

The movement is quartz, Cartier caliber 057. The SolarBeat version uses a light-powered movement. Cartier states a cell life near 16 years for that version. Cartier does not publish case weight.

Reference numbers

Steel Tank Must references start with WSTA. The number is engraved on the case back, next to the four screws. Match the number to the size and the strap before you compare prices.

What replica versions get wrong

  • Thickness. Fakes measure 7.5 mm to 9 mm. The genuine case is 6.6 mm.
  • Cabochon. Cartier uses a synthetic spinel on steel models. Fakes use glass or plastic. Color runs from pale blue to purple.
  • Dial print. Roman numerals on fakes show thick strokes, uneven spacing, and a wrong serif on the numeral I.
  • Case back. Genuine backs have four screws and deep engraving. Fakes use press-fit backs or shallow laser marks.
  • Movement. Most fakes run a Miyota 2035 or a Chinese quartz. The 2035 steps once per second. The Cartier caliber 057 steps the same way, so the tick alone proves nothing.
  • Strap hardware. Fake deployant clasps weigh less and show tool marks.

Price

Cartier lists the steel Tank Must Large on a leather strap near $3,300 in the US. The steel bracelet version costs more. Prices change, so check the current figure. Used steel models resell below retail on most listings.

The 1980s Must de Cartier is a different watch. Those cases are sterling silver with gold plating. Plating wears through. Dials are lacquer. Do not mix the two lines.

How to check one in hand

  1. Measure case thickness with calipers. 6.6 mm is the target.
  2. Look at the cabochon under a light. Spinel shows a sharp facet. Glass shows bubbles.
  3. Check dial print with a 10x loupe. Genuine print has clean edges.
  4. Remove the strap and look at lug holes and spring bars.
  5. Read the case back engraving. It should be crisp and even.
  6. Ask for the Cartier Care registration and the warranty card. Cartier lists an 8-year international warranty on registered watches.

Legal note

In the US, trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320. Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments. The buyer can lose the money and the watch.