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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Cartier Must de Cartier 21 Ref. 1340

Partially verified

This Cartier Must de Cartier 21 wristwatch, reference 1340, is designed for ladies and features a two-tone construction in steel and gold plating. The watch incorporates a silver dial accented by cobalt blue sword-type hands. Its bezel displays incised Roman numerals, and the case measures 28 mm in diameter. A synthetic cabochon sapphire is set into the crown at the 3 o'clock position, and the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal. The timepiece is fitted with an original metal link bracelet that includes an integrated concealed folding clasp. Powered by a quartz movement, the watch is reported to be in running condition by the auction description. The case back is engraved with the model name, reference number, serial number, and water resistance specifications.

Front view of the Cartier Must de Cartier 21 watch showing the dial, hands, and bezel with Roman numerals.
Front view of the Cartier Must de Cartier 21 watch showing the dial, hands, and bezel with Roman numerals. — Setdart Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
1340
Catalogue / lot identifier
53
Source-reported date
2025
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
PL3294XX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch case measures 28 mm in diameter and is constructed from steel and gold-plated elements. A prominent feature of the Must de Cartier 21 design is the fixed bezel, which is incised with Roman numerals. The dial is silver-toned and features a printed minute track along its periphery.

The dial is legible via sword-type hands finished in cobalt blue. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, and the side of the case includes a crown set with a synthetic cabochon sapphire, which is a signature element of the brand's aesthetic. The case back carries identifying inscriptions including the reference and serial numbers.

Evidence for this section
  • “In steel and gold plated.”
  • “Silver dial with sword-type hands in cobalt blue.”
  • “Bezel with incised Roman numerals.”
  • “Crown with synthetic cabochon sapphire at 3 o'clock.”

Bracelet and Mechanism

This timepiece is secured to the wrist with an integrated link bracelet featuring alternating metal finishes. The design incorporates a concealed folding clasp, which maintains the continuity of the bracelet links when closed. The source confirms that both the bracelet and the clasp are original Cartier components.

Internally, the watch is driven by a quartz movement. The auction description notes that the watch is in running condition, meaning it is currently in working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “Armis of links with integrated concealed folding clasp, both Cartier originals.”
  • “Quartz movement. It works.”
  • “In the description of the watches when it is marked "in running condition" it means that the watch is in working order.”

Inscriptions and Identification

The watch is catalogued as reference 1340 with the serial number PL3294XX. These identifiers, along with the model name and water-resistance status, are marked on the case back of the watch. The overall design belongs to the Must de Cartier 21 series.

The auction house classifies this as a lady's model. The provided measurements confirm a case diameter of 28 mm and an approximate bracelet length of 17 cm. The watch was documented for a sale occurring in December 2025 at the Setdart Auction House in Barcelona, Spain.

Evidence for this section
  • “CARTIER Must de Cartier 21 watch, ref. 1340, n. PL3294XX, Lady.”
  • “Measurements: 28 mm (case diameter); 17 cm (approx. bracelet length).”
  • “Setdart Auction House Barcelona, Spain December 11, 2025”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific date of manufacture associated with the serial number PL3294XX?
  • Does the serial number correspond to the specific production period for the reference 1340?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Must de Cartier 21 Ref. 1340
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“CARTIER Must de Cartier 21 watch”
Reference1340“ref. 1340”
Serial NumberPL3294XX“n. PL3294XX”
Case Diameter28 mm“28 mm (case diameter)”
MovementQuartz“Quartz movement”
CrownSynthetic cabochon sapphire“Crown with synthetic cabochon sapphire at 3 o'clock”
MaterialSteel and gold plated“In steel and gold plated”

Visible details

  • Crown set with a synthetic cabochon sapphire
  • Integrated link bracelet with a concealed folding clasp
  • Incised Roman numeral hour markers on the bezel
  • Silver dial with printed minute track

Research qualifications

  • The exact production date is not provided in the source
  • The source describes the watch as steel and gold plated, but the extent of plating coverage on the bracelet versus steel is not fully detailed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTIER Must de Cartier 21 watch, ref. 1340, n. PL3294XX, Lady. In steel and gold plated.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 72bf669bc4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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