Cartier Tank Dilemma

[BillH2121]

I have decided I want a Cartier Tank Solo. Unfortunately, I live in an area where there is no Cartier boutique within 300 miles and I can find only two used watches locally to try on. Both of those watches are small size. My wrist is rather small at 7 inches - I think the Large version is probably the best choice for me. It’s hard for me to visualize and differentiate between L and XL tank without seeing them on my wrist. Also, I have not made complete peace with the idea of a quartz movement. Opinions on if the XL is too much for my size wrist - I’m not a fan of “big” watches (my go-to watch is an Explorer II). Thanks for any input.

[SearChart]

I own a large model quartz, with the Cartier caliber 690 which is a Frederic Piguet movement. These are very reliable quarts movements and consume very little power due to the lack of seconds hand. 5-6 years on one battery is not uncommon.

The xl has a more cluttered dial with its date window and seconds hand, this is something I rather dislike. And it has the 1847MC movement, which is not very well finished (even compared to ETA), not very accurate or reliable. I wish they would have kept working together with ETA and just thrown in a 2892-2.

Generally speaking I would pick a mechanical watch over a quartz all day, but not when it comes to this movement or the ETA 2000 which Cartier used a lot.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I own a large model quartz, with the Cartier caliber 690 which is a Frederic Piguet movement. These are very reliable quarts movements and consume very little power due to the lack of seconds hand. 5-6 years on one battery is not uncommon.

The xl has a more cluttered dial with its date window and seconds hand, this is something I rather dislike. And it has the 1847MC movement, which is not very well finished (even compared to ETA), not very accurate or reliable. I wish they would have kept working together with ETA and just thrown in a 2892-2.

Generally speaking I would pick a mechanical watch over a quartz all day, but not when it comes to this movement or the ETA 2000 which Cartier used a lot.

Thanks for the info. I actually tried on the XL recently and am/was keen on pulling the trigger for an all-around dress watch - as I badly desire one.
Is the 1847MC a significant issue not worth rolling the dice on?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Thanks for the info. I actually tried on the XL recently and am/was keen on pulling the trigger for an all-around dress watch - as I badly desire one.

Is the 1847MC a significant issue not worth rolling the dice on?

It is just not a very well made movement. Don't expect it to run like a Rolex, or high end ETA.

I get the whole thing about brands wanting their own in house movements, prestige and marketing blah blah, but in the end there is no shame in using a well known and reliable ETA movement, and I wish they just would have used that.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It is just not a very well made movement. Don't expect it to run like a Rolex, or high end ETA.

I get the whole thing about brands wanting their own in house movements, prestige and marketing blah blah, but in the end there is no shame in using a well known and reliable ETA movement, and I wish they just would have used that.

Got it - thanks.
I'll keep that in mind as I move close to making a decision.

Cheers

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Got it - thanks.
I'll keep that in mind as I move close to making a decision.

Cheers

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Keep in mind that I am a RSC watchmaker, so I'm pretty anal when it comes to movements. What would bother me might not bother you.

I have only worked on the 1847MC once, a few years back, and this experience is what I base my opinion on.
I have no first hand experience with how it performs on the wrist for extended periods of time, I'm sure it is OK, but I just hoped for something better.

Not bashing on Cartier, I love the brand and its history and have owned one since I was 18 years old, and would definitely buy the brand again.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Keep in mind that I am a RSC watchmaker, so I'm pretty anal when it comes to movements. What would bother me might not bother you.

I have only worked on the 1847MC once, a few years back, and this experience is what I base my opinion on.
I have no first hand experience with how it performs on the wrist for extended periods of time, I'm sure it is OK, but I just hoped for something better.

Not bashing on Cartier, I love the brand and its history and have owned one since I was 18 years old, and would definitely buy the brand again.

Of course - completely understood.
For my needs as a daily dress watch - it may very well fit the bill.

Can't think of a better, square dress watch in the $3k range. Classy all the way IMO

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[BillH2121]

Thanks for the info so far - I’m certainly feeling better about the quartz mvmt at this point. Would like to hear from those who own XL and their experience. Also, if someone has a 7 inch or so wrist and has some pics of either X or XL, I’d love to see them. Thanks!

[jag32]

I have a 7” wrist and just bought a Cartier Tank Solo XL yesterday. I absolutely love it and the XL size wears just perfectly.

[jag32]

Also, I paid $3250 from my Cartier AD with a small discount. So don’t let them charge you the full MSRP of $3450. If you like, I can put you in contact with my AD and they can ship.

[BillH2121]

^^^^ Thanks for those pics - that helps a lot! Great looking watch - Congrats!

[Justindo]

I like the looks of the quartz Large model best but I too would have an issue with a quartz movement. The XL should work well on your 7" wrist, even though I'm not crazy about the date and the sweep seconds. I wish they made a no date sub seconds version, which would be perfect. You might also consider a JLC Reverso, which remedies these issues and is a significantly better watch all around, albeit at a higher price.

[VintageVagabound]

Try the larger size Tank Americaine. For me it’s the perfect size and well worth checking out.

[jag32]

Originally Posted by VintageVagabound

Try the larger size Tank Americaine. For me it’s the perfect size and well worth checking out.

Wrist pic?