What the phrase means

Listings that use "replica Cartier Tank Must yellow" describe a copy of the Cartier Tank Must, a rectangular watch Cartier relaunched in 2021. The word "yellow" in those listings points to a gold-tone case or to the 1970s Must de Cartier line. Cartier's 2021 Tank Must watches use steel cases. Solid yellow gold in the Tank family sits in other lines, such as the Tank Louis Cartier.

The genuine Tank Must

Cartier introduced the Tank Must in 2021 as the entry line of the Tank family. Cases are stainless steel. Sizes are Small (about 29.5 by 22 mm) and Large (about 33.7 by 25.5 mm). Movements are quartz, including the SolarBeat version that draws power from light. The original Must de Cartier, sold from the 1970s, used vermeil: 925 silver with gold plating. Vermeil holds a thin layer of gold and is not solid gold.

What US law says

A replica is a counterfeit when it carries a protected mark without permission. The Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 1114 and Section 1125, gives trademark owners civil claims. 18 U.S.C. Section 2320 makes trafficking in counterfeit goods a federal crime. A first offense can carry a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. US Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit watches at the border. The personal-use exemption does not cover counterfeit goods.

Points that separate a copy from the real watch

  • Case metal: steel on the 2021 Tank Must, vermeil on the 1970s Must de Cartier. Gold plating wears through at the edges and lugs.
  • Movement: the Tank Must uses quartz. A mechanical movement inside a watch sold as a Must is not a match.
  • Markings: caseback engraving, reference number, and serial number. Ask Cartier to check a serial number.
  • Price: a gold watch sold at a small share of its gold value signals a copy.

Limits of this guide

Cartier does not list a solid yellow gold Tank Must in the 2021 line. Reference numbers, sizes, and prices change. Confirm a specific reference with Cartier or an authorized dealer before you treat a listing as accurate. We cannot confirm claims that replica sellers make about materials, movements, or shipping.