Strap Guide: Cartier Tank Must Large WSTA0041

Strap Guide written by @thespeedyshutter. Thank you Tom!

Introduction

I have a tendency to buy and sell watches at a pace that is probably unreasonable in most people's eyes. As a watch photographer I’m constantly looking for new challenges, which usually leads to new watch acquisitions. As I don’t have unlimited funds, something usually has to go. One in, one out.

In an attempt to slow down a bit, for my 30th birthday, I wanted to buy something that I would feel comfortable hanging on to that would stand the test of time. A “keeper” if you will. I spent almost a year thinking about it, and as time passed, it got clearer and clearer that it was a Cartier Tank I wanted. A design that has survived over a hundred years, that can be dressed up or down with ease.

In this guide, I have chosen 5 of my favorite straps in the Delugs ready stock section to go with the most recent Cartier Tank Must Large. For reference, my wrist is 15.8cm/6.2” and all straps are 19mm lug width.

Navy Saffiano Stitchless

Saffiano leather is actually quite a tough leather. It is both fairly scratch and water resistant, but when used in small leather goods I think it gives off a very elegant vibe. This stitchless design that Delugs have chosen for it elevates this elegance even further. Here, I have paired it with a navy suit to show off the Tank from it's more formal side. An obvious but classic context.

Taupe Epsom Slim

The versatility of an Epsom leather strap is something truly special. It will dress up a sports watch and it will dress down a dress watch. A tightly grained leather that was popularized by it's use in Hermès' Birkin bag. A leather that barely ages and that has good water and scratch resistance. On a Tank, I think it adds an element of leisure. The Taupe color goes with almost anything, but I particularly love it when it's integrated with an outfit like this.

Pastel Blue Nubuck Slim

I wouldn't be surprised if I end up wearing this combo all summer. This strap is so much fun, yet still very elegant. The Nubuck is smooth as silk, and the color is such a good match with the blued hands and the white dial. As opposed to Suede, Nubuck is made by sanding/brushing down the grain side of the hide instead of just using the flesh side. This makes it a lot more durable than Suede, and leather better suited for watch straps.

Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim

The earliest known use cases for Shell Cordovan leather was in armour breast plates and shields of the 7th century. It's non-porous and non-creasing surface and ability to maintain oils from the tanning process made it superior to most leathers in term of both durability and water resistance. Today it is mostly appreciated for its natural and unmistakable shine and is mostly used in quality shoes and boots. The Cognac color gives the Tank a quite casual but still elegant look. In black though, you're ready for dinner with the royal family.

Steel Grey Epsom Slim

This strap is probably the most versatile of the bunch. A very dark gray. The engineer in me also loves the name of the color. It does actually remind me a lot of the structural steel we used for welding classes etc at university. A look that isn’t very far off from the out-of-the-box look for a Tank, but that is both more interesting and more comfortable.