Vintage Must de Cartier 21 Swiss Watch, Two-Tone Dial with Roman Numerals from 1980's
The Must de Cartier 21 was introduced in the late 1980s, and was Cartier’s way of mixing classic Parisian elegance with a more modern, wearable, everyday attitude. It was bold, accessible - exactly what a new generation of collectors was looking for at the time.
This example features the iconic two-tone dial, with a steel outer ring contrasted by warm gold Roman numerals and a white central section. Oversized Roman numerals are pure Cartier DNA, instantly recognizable from across the room, while the blued steel hands add just the right amount of color.
No Cartier would be complete without its signature details - the blue cabochon crown is present and crisp, a small but essential touch. Powered by a reliable quartz movement, this Must de Cartier 21 was designed to be worn and enjoyed daily, without sacrificing style or heritage. It’s a true gateway piece into vintage Cartier collecting - and one that still feels fresh today.
Which Cartier watch is the most iconic - and why do collectors keep coming back to it?
Explore our guide to the Top 7 Most Popular Cartier Watches, from the legendary Tank to the bold Santos.
CASE
Stainless steel case with gold accents
Case diameter of 31mm
Crown set with a blue cabochon
Excellent vintage condition
MOVEMENT
Quartz movement
Swiss made
Fully functional
DIAL
Original two-tone dial with
Applied gold Roman numerals
Blued steel hands
Signed “Must de Cartier.”
Swiss Made at 6 o’clock
YEAR
Circa late 1980s
About Brand
What makes Cartier an important vintage watch brand?
Cartier, founded in 1847 in Paris, is one of the most influential names in luxury design and watchmaking. In the vintage watch market, Cartier is celebrated for pioneering shaped watch cases and transforming the wristwatch into a refined design object. Vintage Cartier watches combine strong aesthetic identity with Swiss mechanical expertise, making them highly desirable among collectors of elegant vintage watches.
Why is Cartier significant in vintage watch history?
Cartier was instrumental in popularizing the wristwatch for men in the early 20th century. The Cartier Santos, introduced in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, is considered one of the earliest purpose-designed wristwatches. The Tank, introduced in 1917, became one of the most iconic watch designs ever created. These models helped shape the evolution of the modern vintage watch.
Are vintage Cartier watches suitable for everyday wear?
Many vintage Cartier watches were designed as refined dress watches, suitable for regular wear in formal or professional settings. Models powered by high-quality Swiss movements, including manual-wind calibers supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, or ETA, are known for reliability when properly serviced. A well-maintained vintage Cartier watch can be worn daily while maintaining its collectible value.
What should collectors look for when buying a vintage Cartier watch?
When purchasing a vintage watch from Cartier, originality and case condition are especially important. Collectors should pay attention to:
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Original dial with correct Cartier signature and typography
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Proper case engravings and serial numbers
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Correct cabochon crown
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Matching movement type for the production period
Because Cartier watches often feature precious metals and distinctive case shapes, condition and originality strongly affect value.
Which vintage Cartier models are most collectible?
Some of the most sought-after vintage Cartier watches include:
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Cartier Tank (Tank Louis, Tank Normale, Tank Américaine)
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Cartier Santos early mechanical models
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Cartier Crash
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Cartier Baignoire
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Vintage Cartier watches powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre movements
These models are prized for their design heritage, historical importance, and enduring elegance in the vintage watch market.
Are vintage Cartier watches a good investment?
Cartier holds a strong position in the vintage watch segment due to its iconic designs and global brand recognition. Models such as the Tank and Santos have demonstrated consistent long-term demand. Rare or early production examples, particularly in precious metals, continue to attract serious collectors of vintage watches.
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Informations sur l'entretien des montres
Toutes les montres de notre boutique sont en parfait état de marche et ont été révisées par un horloger certifié. Chaque montre est soumise à une inspection finale avant expédition afin de garantir sa qualité et sa fiabilité.
Expédition
Livraison standard : 7 à 21 jours ouvrables, selon la destination. Gratuite pour toutes les commandes.
Livraison express : 3 à 10 jours ouvrables, selon l'emplacement, au coût de 30 $.
Délai de traitement : 3 à 5 jours ouvrables pour toutes les commandes, quel que soit le mode d'expédition.
Tous les colis sont entièrement assurés et soigneusement emballés pour garantir leur livraison en toute sécurité. Pour connaître les délais de livraison spécifiques à votre pays, veuillez consulter cette page .
Garantie
Chaque montre achetée chez nous est garantie pour garantir sa qualité et ses performances. Cette garantie couvre le mouvement et les problèmes de fonctionnement, avec des conditions spécifiques selon le type de montre (1 an pour les montres mécaniques et automatiques, 6 mois pour les montres à quartz). Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter cette page .
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