Preliminary identification

Must de Cartier Tank Watch, Ref. 2416

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic rectangular 'Tank' silhouette featuring a rare silver-toned finish and a 'Trinity' monogrammed dial with blue Roman numerals.

Story

In 1917, Louis Cartier looked at the top-down silhouette of a Renault tank on the Western Front and saw the future of horology: the 'Tank' watch.

Maker / Origin

Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier was famously dubbed 'the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers' by King Edward VII.

Condition & Value

The case shows significant surface scratching and the silver appears to have some oxidation or wear to the finish. The leather strap is heavily worn and should be replaced to ensure the watch is wearable. The dial appears to be in good condition with no visible foxing or water damage.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD