Mast tank serial number and manufacturing year
The Must Tank is one of Cartier's popular models that has been attracting attention again in recent years, but its production years range widely from around 1976 to around 2004 (only the Christmas limited edition model was released in 2004), and there have been confirmed changes in the format of the serial number engraving. As a result, it is currently difficult to determine the exact year of manufacture of a watch from its serial number, and this is an area that still has room for research.
At ANTIQURIOUS, we have had experience handling over 450 mast tanks and have discovered several details that can help us estimate the approximate year of manufacture.
In the following, we will compile and explain in detail the patterns of mast tank serial numbers and how they relate to the model year.
Serial number history
There are four main formats for mast tank serial numbers.
- Around 1976 to 1981: Manual-winding caliber period
- Around 1982 to 1995 Quartz caliber period
- Around 1996 to 1998 Quartz caliber period
- Around 1999 to 2003 Quartz caliber period, final production period
Around 1976 to 1981: Manual-winding caliber period
SM size is "3", LM size is "6", and the total is 7 digits, probably a serial number
Around 1982 to 1995 Quartz caliber period
A total of 5 to 6 digits, probably a serial number
*At this time, there are two different model number formats, and they are both mixed together.
For example, the model number for SM size is "3 66001" and the model number for LM size is "6 81006".
This model number has a small hexagonal crown (※), and it is expected that around 1990, when the serial number will reach six digits (100,000 units), it will be integrated into the "5~" model number series below.
(*Some watches have had their crowns replaced during later overhauls, and even if you use the current Cartier Complete Service, the crown will be replaced with a "pearl-shaped crown" as described below.)
Example) Model number for SM size is "5057001", model number for LM size is "590005"
These model numbers feature a pearl-set crown.
Around 1996 to 1998 Quartz caliber period
A total of 7 to 8 alphanumeric characters, including the letters "CC" at the beginning, probably a serial number
The model numbers have been changed to "1613" for the SM size vermeil case, "1614" for the silver case, "1615" for the LM size vermeil case, and "1616" for the silver case.
Since 1997 marked the 150th anniversary of Cartier's founding, it is possible that this was a minor change to mark a turning point for the brand.
Around 1999 to 2003 Quartz caliber period, final production period
A total of 7 to 8 alphanumeric characters, possibly a serial number, including the letters "PL" or "CC" at the end
In 1999, with the millennium approaching, the mast tank underwent its most significant change.
That is a change in case size. The conventional SM size has been changed to what is now called the "MM size," and the conventional LM size has been changed to what is now called the "GM (XL) size."
In the catalogs at the time, these were introduced as the "latest models" in SM and LM sizes, so it is thought that the traditional SM and LM sizes disappeared from the catalogs after 1999.
The model numbers have also changed: the new SM size (now called "MM") vermeil case will be "2415" and the silver case will be "2416", the new LM size (now called "GM") vermeil case will be "2413" and the silver case will be "2414".
With the announcement of its successor model, the Tank Solo, in 2004, the Mast Tank is no longer in production and was discontinued after the 2003 catalogue. However, a MM-sized Mast Tank was released as a Christmas limited edition model for 2004, with a limited run of 4,500 units.
Serial number exceptions and points to note
The serial number format mentioned above is merely a general rule, and there are exceptions for some models and certain limited edition models.summary
As mentioned at the beginning, there is still room for further research into identifying the age of mast tanks.
We will continue to conduct verification so that everyone can enjoy shopping with peace of mind, so we appreciate your continued support.
References (titles omitted):
Franco Cologni, "Cartier: The Legendary Tank Watch", 1997, 263p
Franco Cologni, "Cartier The Tank Watch Timeless Style", 2012, 215p
Franco Cologni, "The Cartier Tank Watch", 2017, 231p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 15", 1993, 189p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 19", 1994, 219p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 23", 1995, 185p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 27", 1996, 183p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 31", 1997, 183p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 35", 1998, 201p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 40", 1999, 221p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 46", 2000, 206p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 52", 2001, 204p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 58", 2002, 219p
World Photo Press Co., Ltd., "World Watches No. 64", 2003, 239p
Cartier, Watch Catalog, 2003, 61p
Cartier, Watch Catalog, 2004, 145p
Seeds Factory Co., Ltd., "LowBEAT No.25", 2024, 114p
*The contents of this article are based on our own research and do not represent Cartier or the publishers of the reference materials.
Please also note that as this is still a research topic, the content may change without notice.
