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 business meetings or evening engagements, this vintage Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 28mm (circa 1995) adds understated elegance. Its two‑tone steel and gold‑tone look, engraved Roman bezel and silver‑tone dial pair seamlessly with a suit or cocktail dress—ideal for weddings, gallery openings, and refined weekend plans.
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 Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 28mm Ref. 1340? A: It’s a vintage, circa 1995, two‑tone steel and gold‑tone Cartier from the Must 21 line. Hallmarks include the engraved Roman‑numeral bezel, a silver‑tone dial with blued hands, a sapphire cabochon crown, and the signature rouleaux link bracelet. The case measures 28mm and this example fits wrists up to 17cm.
Q: Is this watch quartz or automatic? A: The Ref. 1340 is powered by a Swiss quartz movement for precise, low‑maintenance timekeeping. Typical battery life is about 2–3 years, after which a professional replacement (with gasket checks) is recommended.
Q: Can I swim with it? What’s the water resistance? A: The Must 21 range was originally rated to 30 metres (3 ATM). As this is a mid‑1990s vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed without a recent pressure test. We advise treating it as splash‑resistant only and avoiding showering or swimming.
Q: Will it fit my wrist and can it be resized? A: This piece currently fits up to a 17cm wrist. The integrated rouleaux bracelet can be sized down by removing links. Additional period‑correct links are not included but can sometimes be sourced; a jeweller or watchmaker can assist with sizing.
Q: Are the gold accents solid gold? A: The Must 21 line was produced in both bi‑metal variants with 18k elements and versions with gold‑plated accents, depending on the reference and production run. This specific watch is described as two‑tone steel with gold‑tone details; we do not claim solid‑gold content for this example.
Q: Does it have a sapphire crystal? A: Many Must 21 models from this era are fitted with a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal. As with many vintage pieces, specifications can vary by year; please review the listing photos for the crystal’s condition.
Q: How do I set the time? A: Gently pull the crown out to the hand‑setting position, rotate to set the hands, then push the crown back in fully. If your Must 21 variant has a date, avoid changing the date between 9 pm and 3 am. If in doubt, consult a watchmaker or the relevant Cartier user guide.
Q: What is the condition of this watch? A: It is graded Very Good overall. There are light traces of use appropriate for its age, with surface scratches on the case, bezel, case back and bracelet. The watch is running well and presents cleanly on the wrist.
Q: What’s included with the purchase? A: This listing is “watch only” and does not include box or papers. It is fully authenticated by A Retro Tale and delivered in secure packaging, with a 12‑month movement warranty for peace of mind.
Q: How often should I service it? A: For quartz models, plan a battery and gasket service roughly every 2–3 years. Cartier also recommends a movement check about every 6 years. Always have water‑resistance re‑tested after any case opening.
SHIPPING TO THE US
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. 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 UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 2-4 business days.
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 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.
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.
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
53%
off retail price
• Two-tone stainless steel and gold-tone hardware
• Rouleaux link bracelet
• Engraved Roman numeral bezel
• Silver-tone dial
• Blue sapphire cabochon crown
• Vintage, circa 1995