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.
Ideal for refined everyday wear and smart occasions, this vintage Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 28mm quartz watch brings a polished note to office tailoring, dinner dates and gallery openings. Its understated two-tone elegance and Roman-accented design pair effortlessly with minimalist jewellery and timeless wardrobe staples.
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 the case size and how does it wear? A: This reference has a 28 mm case, which wears elegantly and slim on the wrist. It suits smaller wrists and offers a classic, understated profile ideal for daily wear.
Q: Is the 21 Must de Cartier 28 mm considered unisex? A: The 28 mm size is traditionally classed as a smaller model and is commonly worn by women, though many collectors with smaller wrists enjoy it as a unisex option depending on personal style and fit.
Q: What movement does it use and how long will the battery last? A: It is powered by a Swiss quartz movement. Cartier advises that quartz batteries typically last around three years in normal use; when changing the battery, use an authorised service to maintain performance and water resistance.
Q: What is the water resistance and can I swim with it? A: Period specifications for this model are around 3 ATM (30 m), intended for everyday splash resistance only. As a vintage piece, water resistance cannot be guaranteed; avoid swimming or showering and have seals replaced during servicing if you need maximum protection.
Q: What are the key materials and features of this reference? A: Hallmarks of the 21 Must de Cartier include a stainless-steel case with yellow gold-plated accents, a bezel engraved with Roman numerals, an off‑white/silver dial with blued hands, a two‑tone bracelet, and a sapphire crystal.
Q: Will the gold-plated areas wear over time? A: Normal wear can cause light rubbing on high-contact areas over the years. To preserve the finish, avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals, wipe with a soft cloth after use, and store the watch separately from other items to prevent friction.
Q: How does the bracelet size, and can I add or remove links? A: This watch currently fits a wrist up to about 15 cm and comes with 2 extra links noted in the product information. A competent jeweller can add or remove links for a precise fit; additional genuine links can sometimes be sourced if needed.
Q: Does this item include its original box or papers? A: Everything included is listed in the product information on this page. If an item such as a box, papers, or spare links is not listed there, it is not included.
Q: When was this reference produced? A: The 21 Must de Cartier line was especially prominent in the 1990s; this example is dated to 1990 with reference 1340, which corresponds to the 28 mm quartz variant.
Q: How should I care for a vintage Cartier quartz watch? A: Keep it dry and away from prolonged moisture, avoid magnetic fields and shocks, wipe it with a soft cloth after wear, and replace the battery promptly when due. For maintenance, use authorised service so gaskets are renewed and water resistance is properly tested.
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.
We ship all orders from Sweden, and when importing to Canada your order may be subject to import duties and sales tax, which will be charged to you upon delivery by the shipping carrier.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
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.
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.
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Please note that all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
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.
/ Cartier
/ Watches
/ Womens watches
• Stainless steel and gold-plated case
• Bezel with engraved Roman numerals
• Off-white dial with blue hands
• Two-tone link bracelet
• Quartz movement
• Vintage
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Vintage Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 28mm Quartz Watch - A Retro Tale