Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Tri-Tone Trinity Dial Ref 1613 Circa 1990s

Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Tri-Tone Trinity Dial Ref. 1613 (Circa 1990s): A Unique Expression of Timeless Elegance

Few watches in the world of horology exude the same level of timeless sophistication and artistic refinement as the Cartier Tank. First introduced in 1917, the Cartier Tank has remained a symbol of understated luxury, classic design, and effortless style. While many brands evolve their designs to follow trends, Cartier has remained remarkably faithful to its heritage, refining its iconic shapes and aesthetics without compromising the essence of what makes its watches unique.

One of the most distinctive variations of the Cartier Tank is the Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Tri-Tone Trinity Dial Ref. 1613, produced in the 1990s. This particular model blends Cartier’s classic Tank DNA with a playful and artistic twist—a striking tri-tone dial that pays homage to Cartier’s famed Trinity collection of jewellery. With a vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver) case, elegant Roman numerals, and a quartz movement, the Cartier Must de Tank 1613 is a watch that encapsulates the Maison’s commitment to heritage and innovation.

Cartier’s Commitment to Heritage and Timeless Design

How Cartier Has Stayed True to Its Legacy

In a world where many watch brands continuously reinvent themselves, Cartier stands apart as a brand that has never lost sight of its roots. From its earliest days, Cartier has been synonymous with elegance and design excellence, crafting timepieces that transcend fleeting trends. Unlike other brands that regularly introduce radical changes, Cartier has adopted an approach of refinement rather than reinvention.

• Classic Design Language – The brand has maintained its signature shaped watches, such as the Tank, Santos, and Pasha, resisting the urge to conform to round-case watch trends.

• Art Deco Influence – Cartier continues to embrace the clean lines, geometric shapes, and refined proportions that have defined its watches since the early 20th century.

• Consistency in Craftsmanship – Whether it’s the sapphire cabochon crown, the signature Roman numerals, or the railroad minute track, Cartier’s watches have remained instantly recognisable for over a century.

The Cartier Must de Tank Collection: A Blend of Heritage and Accessibility

In the 1970s, Cartier introduced the Must de Cartier collection, a bold move that brought the brand’s timeless designs to a wider audience. At a time when luxury watchmaking was under pressure from the quartz crisis, Cartier’s strategy was to offer more accessible watches without compromising on aesthetics.

The Must de Tank collection, which debuted in 1977, was a significant part of this initiative. Unlike the traditional solid gold Tanks, these models featured vermeil cases (gold-plated sterling silver), making them more affordable while retaining the elegance and charm of the classic Tank design. The Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Tri-Tone Trinity Dial Ref. 1613 was a part of this evolution, adding a unique twist to the traditional Tank aesthetic.

The Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Tri-Tone Trinity Dial Ref. 1613: A Closer Look

Case and Construction

The Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil 1613 retains the rectangular case design that has been synonymous with the Tank since its inception. This model features:

• A vermeil case, which consists of 18k gold plating over sterling silver, offering a rich, warm tone while remaining more accessible than solid gold.

• Classic Tank proportions, measuring 23mm x 30mm, making it a refined and versatile size that suits both men and women.

• A cabochon sapphire crown, one of Cartier’s most distinctive design elements, adding a touch of sophistication and brand identity.

While it may lack the heft of a solid gold Tank, the vermeil case still carries the elegance and prestige that Cartier is known for, offering a balance between luxury and accessibility.

The Unique Tri-Tone Trinity Dial

The most striking feature of the Cartier Must de Tank Ref. 1613 is its tri-tone dial, inspired by Cartier’s iconic Trinity collection of jewellery. The Trinity collection, first introduced in 1924, features three interwoven bands of yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, symbolising love, friendship, and fidelity.

This concept is beautifully translated into the dial of the 1613, which features:

• Three vertical colour bands in gold, silver, and copper tones, creating a visually dynamic and unique aesthetic.

• Signature black Roman numerals, maintaining Cartier’s classic dial layout and ensuring excellent legibility.

• Railroad minute track, another hallmark of Cartier’s design language, adding a sense of precision and balance.

Unlike the more traditional white or champagne dials found in most Tank models, the tri-tone dial adds a modern and artistic flair, making this reference stand out from other Cartier Tanks.

Movement: Reliable Quartz Accuracy

Like many Cartier Must de Tank models of the era, the Ref. 1613 is powered by a Cartier quartz movement. While some purists may prefer mechanical movements, Cartier’s choice of quartz ensures:

• High accuracy and reliability, requiring minimal maintenance.

• A slim case profile, allowing the watch to retain its elegant and sleek proportions.

• Ease of use, as there is no need for manual winding or frequent adjustments.

For a dress watch like the Must de Tank, quartz is a practical choice, ensuring the watch is always running smoothly with minimal effort from the wearer.

Strap Options and Wearability

The Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil 1613 typically comes with a Cartier leather strap, which complements the warm tones of the case and dial. However, many collectors choose to customise their straps, opting for different colours and materials to match their personal style.

With its slim case and refined proportions, the watch wears effortlessly on the wrist, making it an ideal choice for:

• Formal occasions, where its Art Deco elegance shines.

• Daily wear, offering a touch of understated luxury.

• Unisex styling, as the Tank’s classic design transcends gender norms.

The Collectability and Market Value of the Cartier Must de Tank 1613

Why Collectors Love the 1613

The Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil 1613 has become increasingly sought-after in the vintage watch market for several reasons:

• Its unique tri-tone dial, which sets it apart from standard Tank models.

• Cartier’s enduring reputation, with Tanks remaining a cornerstone of luxury watch collecting.

• Its accessible price point, making it an excellent entry-level Cartier for collectors.

• Its connection to the Trinity collection, linking it to one of Cartier’s most famous jewellery designs.

Conclusion: A Cartier Classic with a Playful Twist

The Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Tri-Tone Trinity Dial Ref. 1613 is a beautiful fusion of heritage and creativity, embodying the essence of Cartier’s timeless design philosophy. While it remains faithful to the iconic Tank lineage, the tri-tone dial adds an artistic and contemporary twist, making it one of the most distinctive Must de Tank models ever produced.

For those who appreciate elegant watchmaking with a touch of individuality, the Cartier 1613 is an excellent choice—offering history, craftsmanship, and enduring style in a single timepiece.

• Case in good condition, very minimal plating wear as per photos.
• Strap & clasp in immaculate condition. 

• Flawless dial and hands.