Reply With QuoteYes, this one in particular, hopefully get one in the new year
Does anyone here have a Tank?
Whether you do or you don't, let's hear your thoughts or see your photos.
Here's a photo of mine - I'm still in love with its iconic looks after more than two years.
Yes, this one in particular, hopefully get one in the new year
My wife loves here
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
That is gorgeous, nice choice. I'm a sucker for blue!Originally Posted by nunya
I love the Tank. Now that I have the sports watches I want, I am thinking of a dress watch, and the Tank looks perfect. It has to be on croc / leather and gold though. The Louis Cartier looks the thing, or maybe Solo, but the cost is pretty high.
What is that model OP, as it looks lovely!
D
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I like them , very classy , the blue one is gorgeous .
Thanks very much.
It's the Tank Solo 18K Yellow Gold (steel caseback) They recently removed it from the website for some reason, though I have noticed they do this occasionally and then they reappear. The pink gold model is still on there at the moment though and I'd definitely be tempted by that one if I was buying now, it's a great combination with the brown strap:
I had exactly the same thought process as you. Happy with my sports watch options, wanted a classy dress watch. The Tank was the only option for me - timeless design, perfect proportions, understated elegance. On price, I had a similar debate with myself! After all, the model I have still uses a quartz movement which is far from ideal. But I didn't like the size of the Tank XL, didn't want a date complication and didn't really want to be spending more than the £4K budget I had at the time.
Considering the stainless steel version was around £1,800 at the time of my purchase, the £3,800 they wanted for the gold model seemed a hefty premium indeed (the recent price rise has seen this increase to £4,200)
I know the general advice is never to buy a Cartier new because they have horrific depreciation, but I don't intend to ever sell it and I prefer to own watches from new if possible.
Last edited by jacktheripper; 16th September 2016 at 11:33.
Great. That's part of the reason I think the Tank endures. It appeals to men and women, from Andy Warhol and Warren Beatty to Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana.
From a style perspective it has everything you need and nothing you don't. Two hands, no date, perfect size. I'm not even sure quartz is an issue, as you aren't getting a tank for the movement.
I think it's perfect
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Very nice Cartier`s lovely to see. My reply is about the straps and the size of the crocodiles scales and their pattern. The blue strap is of course gorgeous, however it is cut from the poorest areas of the hide (Tail End), unusable for anything other than lower quality watchbands or hat bands, handbags etc. The scales are quite large in comparison to the brown strap, this has a detrimental effect on the longevity, as the larger scales have a propensity to crack along the valley lines in between the scales, so these areas of the hide are "Scrap" or Offcuts from the hides original and much more expensive purpose.Thanks very much.
It's the Tank Solo 18K Yellow Gold (steel caseback) They recently removed it from the website for some reason, though I have noticed they do this occasionally and then they reappear. The pink gold model is still on there at the moment though and I'd definitely be tempted by that one if I was buying now, it's a great combination with the brown strap:
I had exactly the same thought process as you. Happy with my sports watch options, wanted a classy dress watch. The Tank was the only option for me - timeless design, perfect proportions, understated elegance. On price, I had a similar debate with myself! After all, the model I have still uses a quartz movement which is far from ideal. But I didn't like the size of the Tank XL, didn't want a date complication and didn't really want to be spending more than the £4K budget I had at the time.
Considering the stainless steel version was around £1,800 at the time of my purchase, the £3,800 they wanted for the gold model seemed a hefty premium indeed (the recent price rise has seen this increase to £4,200)
I know the general advice is never to buy a Cartier new because they have horrific depreciation, but I don't intend to ever sell it and I prefer to own watches from new if possible.
Looking at the brown strap the scales are much smaller, therefore much more flexible just as when the creature was alive and aesthetically much more beautiful, as you get to see the full and unique pattern of the creature`s skin .
If the straps were reversed, as in the blue one had small scales, then that would be a fantastic and lovely sight, but brightly coloured caiman skins are fairly rare, highly priced and would have a much more expensive purpose than just watchstraps. Croc watchstraps are very highly priced, as such it is wise to look for the longer lasting and better quality areas of the hide used. The best quality area is the central belly, then the throat and forearms, lastly the tail which is comparatively narrow, stiff in texture and with the deepest/weakest valleys. If you can, then choose carefully, with a critical eye.
That is actually really interesting and something I hadn't even noticed/considered. My black strap has much the same detailing as the brown one.
Good point!
lovely.Does anyone here have a Tank?
Whether you do or you don't, let's hear your thoughts or see your photos.
Here's a photo of mine - I'm still in love with its iconic looks after more than two years.
Yes lots of love here. Gave a silver one to my wife who prefers it to her TT Oyster. Classic, great looks....just like her!
I'm on the lookout for an Americaine with a brushed gold case, if anyone's seen one recently.
Great, I`m glad you found it interesting. I love Caimans both dead and alive, they are amazing creatures and each individual is unique, when it comes to their skin patterns. Treasure your small scaled strap, there will be no other identical to it. Unlike the larger pattern scales, where you get very few scales per square inch and it is difficult to tell one strap from another.
Would be interested to see this, think I've only ever seen them with polished cases. Do you have any photos of the one you're after?
Haha, yes I'm debating Rolex or Cartier for my girlfriend's next watch.
Now you mention it, that's a definite feature which makes the watch unique when compared to all others. It hadn't occurred to me before. I don't wear the watch daily, it's normally worn about 2-3 times a week or to events / on holiday. Hopefully the strap will last a long time!
Lots of love for them on this 'specialist' watch forum.Any love for the Cartier Tank?
http://www.watchfetishforum.com/
It will last a very long time if you look after it, many years in fact, unlike rubber for example which has a very limited lifespan, but is good for diving etc. Do not get yours wet, take it off when washing your hands, face etc. From time to time you could oil it very sparingly, with neatsfoot, just enough to make it glisten, or a light coating of saddlesoap, let it dry and use a tiny amount of black bootpolish to bring out its lustre. This is not advisable with brightly coloured caimans, unless you have a matching creamy polish, like the blue for example. Or for straps with bright stitching, as the polish can stain the stitches. Black is total class and is the most popular, fancy coloured caimans are superb but need special care.
I don't like them at all but don't mind some of the JLC Reversos. It's not the case I dislike, Roman numerals on a watch dial don't do it for me.
"A man of little significance"
I bought my partner a Cartier Tank Solo; this was a good move. She adores it. Mind you, I have just given her a Rolex Prince, and she adores that too. Women like good looking watches.
Great advice, thanks. Do you have any of your own?
Fair enough, not for everyone. I'm a staunch traditionalist, so I love a good Roman numeral.
Nice. They do indeed! Rolex Prince, unusual and classy. Is her Cartier on leather or a bracelet? I like both on a woman but I think the added glamour of the bracelet looks a bit better.
Last edited by jacktheripper; 16th September 2016 at 14:30.
Haha. Are you a member?!
Yes I have three full belly cut hides in black, two are glazed and the other is natural matt finish. They are all CITES licensed and extraordinarily expensive lol. I shall be making a strap for my recently repaired Hublot this weekend, from the throat areas, however my strap will be caiman on both sides, no cheap old linings for me ha ha.
Nicely done, would be good to see a photo when you're finished.Yes I have three full belly cut hides in black, two are glazed and the other is natural matt finish. They are all CITES licensed and extraordinarily expensive lol. I shall be making a strap for my recently repaired Hublot this weekend, from the throat areas, however my strap will be caiman on both sides, no cheap old linings for me ha ha.
I picked up a brand new Tank Francaise back in 2005 - it was a lovely watch that I had lusted after for some time and was my idea of the perfect dress watch. Unfortunately, however, I could never get the damn thing to fit me properly - it was either too loose and slipped over the wrist bone or pinched my wrist. I sold it to Watchfinder. Very disappointing and I still look wistfully at them when I am passing an AD window...
SGR
Here's mine:
I would love to show pics, I did post a thread here showing all three hides, its title was crocodiles for watch nuts, but I got only one reply and he was a bit confused I think. I wish I could post those lovely big pics but mine just came out as tiny JPG`s. I am not really willing to join another site just for hosting pics. I dont have the patience or inclination to remember even more passwords etc. If you like I could email you some pics and you could post them if here if you wished. The Hublot is awesome but the rubber strap is just rubbish, it has crumbled to nothingness.
Just so happens I am - though I must admit don't look in there very often, nowadays.
Not a bad little forum ('little' being the operative word).
Lots of pics of pretty girls wearing watches (particularly Cartier Tanks) and unmentionable brands of fashion watches. Don't get too excited though. It's all very proper and restrained, compared to the stuff Ed and Simon post in the Boy's Room.
Last edited by Seiko7A38; 16th September 2016 at 14:10.
I don't (foolishly didn't take a photo of the one for sale in London).
Not a huge amount of information around on the web at the moment (although Monochrome had a nice history of the model a couple of years ago).
This looks so good and it's a real shame you couldn't get it to fit. I think the smaller ladies model looks very elegant as well. There's something about a steel Cartier!I picked up a brand new Tank Francaise back in 2005 - it was a lovely watch that I had lusted after for some time and was my idea of the perfect dress watch. Unfortunately, however, I could never get the damn thing to fit me properly - it was either too loose and slipped over the wrist bone or pinched my wrist. I sold it to Watchfinder. Very disappointing and I still look wistfully at them when I am passing an AD window...
SGR
Good stuff! Liking the strap. Hopefully some other members will share theirs too....Here's mine:
Ha! Maybe I'll take a closer look.
I know - the blue hands had a real 'pop' to them. I've tried a few other models - Roadster and Calibre de Cartier - with the same result. Just not going to be my brand. 8-((
SGR
Rectangular watches appear to cause this problem. I tried on a few JLC's and its all about a 1mm difference having a major effect on comfort. I think in general you get a bit more leeway with a standard circular or c shape case.
I like Cartier particularly the Santos.
Had this 18k Tank Louis for a while. Loved it but it was too small, if it had been a bit bigger, it would still be with me.
Oh yes.
Recently had Webwatchmaker service one for a friend of mine and I did get the urge for them as a result of having it for a while.
R
Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.
My wife loves hers too.
Santos is my preference. Going to AD's tomorrow to pick up my Dad's new Explorer and it is a Cartier event with new stainless steel models. Will let you know what they've got in for demo.
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Looks fantastic. I know it's all down to personal preference but that would be more than big enough for me. What was it replaced with?Had this 18k Tank Louis for a while. Loved it but it was too small, if it had been a bit bigger, it would still be with me.
Last edited by jacktheripper; 17th September 2016 at 10:56.
The first gen 214270 Explorer is my other watch. I'm just a two watch guy.
The Tank and the Explorer are both icons and cover all bases in my opinion - for this reason neither will ever be sold. I'll look out for your incoming thread. What was the Cartier event like?
I'm thinking you should pull the trigger!
Cartier event was ok - the Drive watch with its cushion case was lovely. Everything else a bit bleu"ghh" - bad pun intended. They'd sold the DLC Santos on black canvas strap which was rather cool / different.The first gen 214270 Explorer is my other watch. I'm just a two watch guy.
The Tank and the Explorer are both icons and cover all bases in my opinion - for this reason neither will ever be sold. I'll look out for your incoming thread. What was the Cartier event like?
Champagne was great and unbelievably selling for £400-500 on eBay per bottle. Tried to blag one to take home but no luck :-( .
My dad pulled his usual and changed his mind on the Explorer, my mum talked him into a blue faced oyster perpetual date instead. Ok watch but I think he made a mistake not having the Explorer. He got a fab px on his Quartz Seamaster Aqua terra - only lost £400 in 18 months!
Rolex stock still low but they had a blue Milgauss in stock - nice but not compelling enough to buy.
Only watch I was drawn to was a bi-gold submariner, that was special in the metal.
Looked at the new Tag skeleton watch on bracelet - wore massive and seemed a little cheap in finish. They said they were getting another omega limited edition blue and white chrono in some time later this year. Allocation for 2016 Patek was complete so no dice there either.
I need a new Grail Watch to lust and chase after, not sure I've seen it yet.
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Cartier still seem to have these in stock. The Santos Dumont 'Collection Privee'. Here in platinum ...
(The movement is Frederic Piguet.)
And, yes, the case diameter is ... 27mm.
It seems that Cartier bo//oxed their brand equity when they introduced the gold-plate-on-silver Les Must de Cartier and the ETA-driven Santos in the 1980s.
Now, they seem to be working hard to regain the high ground, starting at about £5k ...
It's nice to see more emphasis on Elegance in a watch. Far too many 'clunky' sports watches around these days. Too big, too shiny, too obvious, and never elegant.
It's the age we live in. But my partner loves her Tank, and I can see why. They just have an air of relaxed understated class. A Tank or JLC Reverso would suit me fine.
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