Must de Cartier 21 (Vingt et Un) Two-Tone Quartz
Dress Watch · Cartier (Richemont Group), luxury tier, globally renowned for high jewelry and iconic timepiece design.
Period: Quartz Revolution Era / Neo-Vintage (1980s-1990s)
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Cartier (Richemont Group), luxury tier, globally renowned for high jewelry and iconic timepiece design.
Movement
Swiss quartz movement, battery-powered.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 31mm, thickness around 6mm, lug-to-lug approximately 36mm, integrated bracelet design.
Description
The Must de Cartier 21 line was introduced to offer a more accessible entry point into the prestigious world of Cartier while retaining the brand's signature elegance. This two-tone model features a striking black dial contrasted by warm gold Roman numerals, a date window at 6 o'clock, and the unmistakable cable-link integrated bracelet styling that defined an era of luxury watch design.
Key Features
Distinctive bezel with gold rider tabs, integrated two-tone cable bracelet, classic Roman numeral dial layout, date window at 6 o'clock, and a slim profile.
Dial Description
Matte black dial featuring painted yellow gold Roman numeral indices, distinctive gold sword-shaped hands, and a round date aperture positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.
Case Material
Stainless steel case with yellow gold-plated accents and bezel riders, combining polished and brushed finishes.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral crystal with a cyclops lens or magnification window integrated over the date aperture at 6 o'clock.
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel bezel with gold-plated rider tabs marking the quarter hours (12, 3, 6, 9) and engraved Roman numerals on the outer steel ring.
Crown & Pushers
Small push-pull crown set with a blue spinel cabochon.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold-plated bracelet featuring a cable or rope-style link motif with a concealed folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid snap-on stainless steel caseback engraved with Cartier branding, reference numbers, and water resistance specifications.
Movement Type
Swiss quartz movement, battery-powered.
Water Resistance
Rated for basic splash resistance (30 meters / 3 ATM); not suitable for swimming, showering, or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Switzerland using Swiss quartz movements.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1980s to 1990s production.
Cultural Significance
Representing the height of 1980s and 1990s luxury fashion, the Must de Cartier 21 became a cultural status symbol for professionals and style icons alike, democratizing luxury watch ownership.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear visible on the case and bracelet, including fading of the gold plating on high-friction areas, minor scratches, and general signs of age consistent with a vintage daily wearer. Overall condition is fair to good.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market value ranges between $800 and $1,800 USD depending heavily on the condition, presence of original box and papers, and servicing history.
Care & Maintenance
Replace battery every 2-3 years, avoid water exposure due to age and potential gasket degradation, clean the integrated bracelet gently with a soft brush and mild soapy water.
Similar Watches
Cartier Panthère, Cartier Santos Demoiselle, Omega Constellation Manhattan.
Interesting Facts
The 'Must' line was launched by Cartier in 1973 to revitalize the brand by offering watches at a lower price point than their solid gold creations, often utilizing vermeil or alternative metals while maintaining exquisite design aesthetics.