We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Perfect for gallery openings, dinner dates or boardroom meetings, this vintage Cartier Tank Vermeil (23mm, ca 1995) brings timeless polish. Its gold-plated silver case, red dial and manual movement offer elegant understatement, while the black alligator strap completes a sophisticated look.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is this Cartier Tank Vermeil 23mm from around 1995? A: It’s a vintage Must de Cartier Tank with a gold‑plated sterling silver (vermeil) rectangular case, a striking red lacquer dial with gold‑tone hands, a manual‑winding movement, and Cartier’s signature blue cabochon crown. It comes on a black alligator leather strap and measures 23mm across (excluding the crown), a refined, unisex size.
Q: Is it manual or quartz, and what’s the power reserve? A: This specific piece is manual‑wind (hand‑wound). The period‑correct Cartier calibre used in many Must Tanks is based on the ETA 2512‑1 (often called Cartier 78‑1) with an approximate power reserve of 42–44 hours when fully wound.
Q: How should I wind and set it safely? A: Remove the watch from your wrist, turn the crown clockwise daily until you feel gentle resistance (typically around 20–30 turns), and stop at that point. Pull the crown to the setting position to adjust the time, then press it back in. As this model has no date, there’s no date‑change window to worry about.
Q: What does “vermeil” mean and how durable is it? A: Vermeil is solid sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold. By definition it uses at least 10‑karat gold at a minimum 2.5‑micron thickness; on many Must de Cartier pieces the plating was notably thick (often quoted around 20 microns). It offers a luxurious gold look but can wear on high‑contact areas over time—avoid abrasives, fragrances, and harsh chemicals to prolong the finish.
Q: Can the gold finish be restored if it shows wear? A: Yes. Specialist workshops can carefully refinish and re‑plate vermeil cases. This is a common restoration for vintage Must de Cartier watches. If you plan to restore, use an experienced watchmaker who can fully disassemble the watch before plating and re‑seal it afterwards.
Q: Does it have a sapphire crystal? A: Period Must de Cartier Vermeil models typically used mineral glass rather than sapphire. This aligns with many documented examples from the era. Please handle accordingly and avoid impacts.
Q: Is it water‑resistant? A: While some Tanks were originally rated for light water resistance, we cannot guarantee water tightness on a vintage watch of this age. Treat it as splash‑resistant only. Keep it away from showers, swimming and saunas unless it has been freshly pressure‑tested and resealed by a watchmaker.
Q: Are red lacquer dials original, and do they crack? A: Yes—solid‑colour lacquer dials (including red/bordeaux) are period‑correct for Must de Cartier. Over decades, some can develop fine “spidering” in the lacquer due to age or thermal changes; many collectors view this as attractive patina. Avoid rapid temperature swings and direct blasts of heat to minimise risk.
Q: Will it fit my wrist? A: The supplied strap fits wrists up to approximately 20 cm. The 23mm case wears elegantly on most wrists; strap length can be changed easily, and alternative straps in various lengths are widely available.
Q: What is included, and is there a warranty? A: This watch is supplied with a box. As with all our pieces, it is fully authenticated. A Retro Tale includes a 12‑month warranty covering the movement’s mechanical function, plus secure, insured delivery and a 14‑day return window.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Vintage Cartier Tank Vermeil 23mm Manual ca 1995 Watch - A Retro Tale
/ Cartier
/ Watches
/ Womens watches
/ Tank Watches
• Gold-plated sterling silver (Vermeil) case
• Red dial with gold-tone hands
• Manual winding movement
• Black alligator leather strap
• Blue sapphire cabochon crown
• Vintage
