Are you looking for watches similar to the Cartier Tank Americaine, Francaise, or Solo? We’ve got you covered with these excellent Cartier Tank alternatives.
So, do you like the iconic look of the Cartier Tank? But maybe you don’t necessarily want to conform and own one just for the sake of owning one. Perhaps you love the rectangular shape of the watch but want something different. Or maybe you’d love to own one, but your budget won’t stretch that far? Read on if any of the above applies to you.
The design of the Cartier Tank was and still is revolutionary. At its release, it symbolized Cartier’s creativity and ability to push against the grain, producing something totally unique. The brand characterized the watch with brancards that evoke the tires of the World War I military tanks. Because of its shape, the Tank watch has a distinctive Art Deco-inspired frame, not to mention unmissable dial characteristics.
These include Roman numeral hour markers, railroad minute tracks, and blued steel hands. Since its release, the Tank’s perfect proportions, clean lines, and strong identity have proven popular with cultural icons like Jackie Kennedy and Andy Warhol. Speaking of Tank History, let’s delve deeper before discussing watches like Cartier Tank.
Cartier Tank History
Cartier released the Tank watch in 1917. Its design echoed an aerial view of wartime machinery. With its curvilinear design, the watch went into serial production in 1919. Soon after, it became one of the world’s most enduring examples of Art Deco. The rectangular shape of the case was a bold move for Cartier, but it certainly paid off.
The Tank came about during a pivotal moment in watchmaking. Pocket watches were the order of the day, but wrist-worn watches with straps were much more practical. This signified the gradual phasing out of the pocket watch.
As the decades roll on, the iconic watch continually evolves. In 1986, the Tank Americaine arrived with an elongated profile and a curving domed front. It was similar in design to the early Cintree and Tank Louis Cartier models that followed the very first iteration. Then came the Tank Francaise in 1996, which was more rectangular than the original squarish model.
A few years ago, Cartier revisited another variation – the Tank Must from the 1970s – with a slew of innovative colors to choose from. The story continues as Cartier rolls out new models now and then, each one honoring the design codes of that first influential model.
How To Select The Best Cartier Tank Alternative for Yourself
Cartier watches epitomize luxury. The elite of society’s watch-collecting circles consider them some of the most covetable. Some are rare, driving high prices on the pre-owned market, while others are reasonably affordable. What you have to appreciate about shopping for Cartier Tank alternatives, however, is that not all will carry the same status. How to select the best Cartier Tank alternative for yourself really depends on what’s important to you.
Authentic Tank watches are appealing because of factors like brand provenance and quality materials. It goes without saying that a cheaper watch may lack the same supreme materials. Similarly, an up-and-coming brand will not carry the same recognition or esteem. Even so, some respectable brands offer good alternatives for a cheaper or similar price point. Before we look at those, I’ll outline what to consider when you search for the perfect alternative to Cartier Tank watches.
Evaluate Your Budget
Setting a budget is the most important thing when shopping for a Cartier Tank watch alternative. It will protect you from getting into a sticky mess. Don’t risk falling in love with a watch you can’t afford. Instead, be realistic with yourself and start as you mean to go on. Set yourself a budget, and don’t drift away from it. That way, you only focus on solid options rather than pipe dreams.
Determine Your Style Preferences
To avoid losing yourself in a sea of square or rectangular watches, determine your style preferences first. Do you like bi-colour or all-gold designs? Or do you prefer the versatility of conventional steel?
Decide between Roman numerals, stick markers, or Arabic numerals. Or whether you require a leather band or bracelet for social events or work. You can use this itinerary on drop-down boxes when searching for a particular watch style online. It’ll undoubtedly help minimize your search most productively.
Consider Brand Affinity
A brand with history and a story to tell adds value to a watch. It doesn’t matter whether you’re hunting for a brand-new high-end watch or surfing the second-hand market for one. High-end brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, and Grand Seiko will demand higher prices.
On the other hand, some brands have a reputation for affordability, so when you consider brand affinity, think about it in two ways. You could opt for a brand name that gives you status or a brand like Oris or Longines – both famous for affordable luxury.
Best Cartier Tank Alternative Watches
So, here we are. This list has everything from budget-friendly options to high-end rectangle watches with tons of appeal. Here is our round-up of the best Cartier Tank alternative watches.
Rotary Cambridge
The Rotary Cambridge watch has to be one of the most affordable Cartier Tank alternatives on this list. Its rectangular case is thin and measures a comfortable 23mm diameter. Yes, this watch lists as a lady’s model, but don’t let that put you off. Smaller dimensions are better for square watches. Imagine a watch that measures 40mm in diameter. It would have to measure the same 40mm length, making it a complete behemoth on the wrist!
- Pros: The Rotary Cambridge watch has nice compact proportions for small wrists and isn’t expensive.
- Cons: With this watch, you only get a standard quartz movement, so there’s no opportunity to view any nicely decorated movement.
- Price: $185
These discreet dimensions, however, are ideal for anyone with slender wrists. The stainless steel design is classic, understated, and a great price. It sits close to the wrist, measuring just 7.2mm in thickness and features attractive Roman numeral hour markers. It may lack the charm of an automatic Tank, but you certainly can’t grumble at its sub-$200 price tag from Amazon.
Grand Seiko Elegance SBGW258
The Grand Seiko Elegance watch may seem like a very random option at first because it’s not rectangular. But if we ignore the case profile for a second, what are we left with? The Elegance watch perfectly distills the essence of minimalism with high-quality finishes and details that reward those who look close enough.
The Tank is about so much more than its rectangular case, and GS is a popular Japanese alternative to Swiss hard hitters. So, the Elegance watch gets my approval, and I’m choosing the reference SBGW258 as an example.
- Pros: The Zaratsu polishing on the case of the Elegance watch is exemplary, as is the attention to detail on the hand-finished dial. The Elegance watch demonstrates all-around quality craftsmanship and materials.
- The cons are that the case is round, not square, and the GS Elegance’s price tag is not exactly cheap.
- Price: $26,000
Its muted ivory dial and yellow gold case are similar to the color schemes of the Tank. Moreover, this watch benefits from a classic brown alligator leather strap and an in-house manual winding movement.
Omega De Ville Prestige
The Omega De Ville collection is large and versatile. However, the De Ville Prestige is the most fitting alternative to the iconic Tank of all the watches in this collection. The design represents a combination of classical execution and refinement at an affordable price.
- Pros: The De Ville Prestige captures a classical charm, sharing Roman numerals with the Tank watch.
- Cons: These watches do lack the iconic rectangular shape of the Tank.
- Price: $3,750.
I know, I know. This watch isn’t circular either, but meh! The De Ville Prestige keeps track of time via Omega’s industry-leading mechanical expertise – the Co-Axial escapement, promising excellent value and visual sophistication. You can get the De Ville Prestige in a 39mm case with Roman numerals on the cardinal points, making it a fantastic option for slender wrists.
Hamilton American Classic Boulton
The Boulton watch by Hamilton has a unique shape that oozes Tank appeal. Hamilton designers created the case with softened corners to give the watch a 1920s-inspired aesthetic. More to the point, the Boulton impresses with its use of quality materials despite a very reasonable price tag. The watch uses a sapphire crystal glass front, a smart calfskin leather band, and the manual H-50 movement.
- Pros: The Hamilton American Classic Boulton is reasonably priced and features an unmissable Roman numeral dial.
- Cons: This design has no open caseback to enjoy the manual-winding calibre as it works.
- Price: Around $1000 with options from Amazon
The Boulton shares many similarities with the Tank, particularly dial-wise. The classic Roman numerals are all there, alongside the blued steel hands that form one of the signature design features of the Cartier icon.
Fossil Carraway
Shaped watch cases are trending, and one manufacturer that hones into this trend is Fossil with its Raquel and Carraway watches. Of the two, the Carraway is more masculine-looking. Take, for example, the Carraway ref. FS6011. It’s a 30mm model that echoes the Tank Louis Cartier in many ways. Its golden case frames a silver sunray dial with Roman numerals in crisp black, along with blue hands. The center of each hand has a layer of Super-LumiNova for legible timekeeping in the dark, too.
- Pros: The Carraway watch offers excellent value and promises a no-fuss design with its simple quartz movement.
- Cons: It’s no big shock that the case isn’t genuine gold. The yellow-gold PVD coating on the steel case is still a nice touch, though.
- Price: $170
The Carraway watch doesn’t incorporate the industry’s finest materials, but it looks like a Tank through and through. The iconic watch’s brancards are present in the Carraway, as is the traditional brown alligator leather strap, which pairs well with all attire.
Tory Burch The Eleanor Watch
Tory Burch lists the Eleanor as a woman’s watch, but that’s only because of its proportions. This is a unisex watch in every aspect. It’s a typical two-handed model with gold accents matching the 23mm case. Perhaps the gold finish on this case is too dressy for some, but other designs are just as attractive. You could swap the bracelet by changing the watch strap to a leather band option. Or, you could choose a two-tone model from the range for a less flashy look.
- Pros: The Eleanor watch is a great, affordable option. With entry-level prices on the Tank starting at around $2.5k, it’s a very appealing option. Plus, you’ll have plenty of change left over for something else.
- Cons: The Eleanor watch has stick hour markers that are more contemporary than the Tank’s Roman numerals.
- Price: $328
The Eleanor’s case sides have rounded ends similar to those of the Tank Cintree. So, if you love the Cintree’s elongated gold style, this is a great option.
Porsamo Bleu Karolina
Porsamo Bleu likes to play with cosmopolitan styles, bringing something resolutely modern to timekeeping. If you’re looking for something dressy and luxurious, the Karolina may be an option. Its minimalist design evokes similar styling to the Must de Cartier Tank watch. The handsome decorative detailing on the crown also echoes the sapphire cabochon-adorned crown of the Tank. Then there are the sword hands that taper to a point, too.
- Pros: The Porsamo Bleu Karolina is a dressier alternative to the Cartier Tank, constituting a great evening piece.
- Cons: The Karolina Diamond watch features a standard quartz for simplicity, which may not appeal to fans of the automatic.
- Price: $1,200
It’s not unusual to see a Tank watch with a diamond decoration. Experts at the manufacturer’s ateliers position them meticulously into the flanks of the case to elevate its rectangular profile. Likewise, diamonds don’t look out of place in this design, either. Representing each hour marker, they’ll look great with a suit and tie.
Tissot Stylist
Tissot is another budget brand, but it offers incredible value for money. I always use the Tissot PRX as an example when persuading friends to consider this brand when buying a new watch. The sporty steel Tissot PRX is a much cheaper alternative to models like the Royal Oak and Nautilus, and it’s a well-rounded, practical daily beater.
- Pros: This watch is budget-friendly with a stunning gradient dial for optimum legibility.
- Cons: The watch is not quite rectangular, although its unique case shape is sure to garner some attention.
- Price: $275
In that same vein, the Tissot Stylist is similar to the Tank. It proves that price needn’t determine quality. The collection is all about Art Deco charm. See the ref. T159.909.16.043.00, for example. This is a square case with rounded corners, but thanks to the Roman hour track, you still get a bit of that Tank charm.
Bulova Caravelle
The Bulova Caravelle pays homage to the Tank with its Roman numeral dial and clean lines. Although Amazon lists this as a women’s watch, the Caravelle is for anyone with impeccable taste.
- Pros: The Caravelle is cheap, so it doesn’t matter if your tastes change over time and you desire something new.
- Cons: The Caravelle isn’t an all-singing-all-dancing watch. It’s a basic timepiece. But it’s still a good option if you don’t require the most technically advanced model out there.
- Price: $100
The design is clean, simple and classic, with a silver dial and black markings. And the most appealing thing about the Caravelle is it’s so cheap! You can pick this model up from Amazon for under $100.
Oris Rectangular
When it comes to rectangular watches, Oris does one of the best. The brand may not offer the same history or recognition as Cartier, but it makes great watches. What’s so good about the Rectangular watch is that you can easily dress it down. It’s also a step above entry-level watches but worth every penny.
Why compromise on quality and finishing when you don’t need to? The Oris Rectangular won’t break the bank, and it’s not a Tank wannabe, either.
- Pros: The Rectangular isn’t a direct alternative to the Tank. It carries its own identity.
- Cons: There aren’t many Oris strap options to enjoy unless you explore more strap options online.
- Price: Around $1,600 – $ 1,700 with pre-owned watch stockists online.
The Rectangular has its own identity and allows collectors to play about with a pop of color. The ref. 01 561 7783 4068-07 5 19 18 has nice 25mm x 38mm proportions and even features the inner minute track. But the Oris Rectangular is all about the polished case finish. It gives the model a real sense of opulence, making it an excellent piece for dressier occasions.
Raymond Weil Toccata
This 29mm Raymond Weil Toccata watch oozes charm and sophistication. Sharing some of its features with the Cartier Tank, its classic dial bears Roman numerals and an inner minute track. This Toccata watch features yellow gold hands to match its yellow gold PVD-coated case for an additional touch of warmth.
- Pros: If quartz is your preference, the Toccata watch is a nice, hassle-free option. Rather than relying on your wrist, quartz movements provide continual accuracy.
- Cons: With only 50 meters of water resistance, you should be careful not to shower while wearing a watch like this.
- Price: Around $1300.
Raymond Weil designers finish this watch with a genuine black leather calfskin strap. A sapphire crystal glass top also adds more protection.
Longines DolceVita
The elegant DolceVita watch by Longines is similar to the shape and style of the Tank. It captures the beauty of the Art Deco period with perfect proportions and appeals to both men and women. This means you’ll likely find a decent size for a small wrist in the female catalog.
- Pros: The DolceVita boasts harmonious proportions and suits the small gent’s wrist very well.
- Cons: Longines fits this watch with a standard quartz movement, so it doesn’t carry quite the same charm as a Tank with an exhibition caseback.
- Price: Around $1800
The DolceVita has beautiful Roman numeral hour markers and a railroad minute track like the Tank. This model measures manageable dimensions and boasts a small second function and blue steel hands. These features sit against a silver flinque display for perfect legibility.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
If you dislike some features of the Cartier Tank, you could swap one icon for another. Opt for the Reverso! Jaeger-LeCoultre developed the Reverso as an impact-resistant solution for polo players during the 1930s. It still retains all of its most lovable features today.
The Reverso boasts a dual dial design in some models with a case that you can flip. A range of straps and sizes to choose from make this range pretty versatile. But be aware that the Reverso is more expensive than the Tank.
- Pros: The Reverso matches Cartier’s workmanship and high-quality materials, reflecting a higher price tag.
- Cons: Not all reversible designs feature a second dial. Some, like this one, have a plain case back.
- Price: Around $10,000.
Generally speaking, the Reverso is the smaller option of the two and measures more like the Tank Must. This 40.1 x 24.4 mm model features a midnight blue dial and matching leather strap. The watch’s emblematic gadroons are as iconic as the Tank’s brancards. The case can also flip to reveal a smooth, closed case back. Behind this surface is a manual winding movement offering a 42-hour power reserve.
Rolex Cellini
Budget-wise, the Cellini watch is one of Rolex’s cheapest offerings and one of the most underrated affordable Rolex watches.
It may not share the rectangular same case shape, agreed. But the Cellini is an elegant, sophisticated companion built on Rolex’s classical watchmaking virtues.
Sub-40mm watches like the ref.4112 feature dauphine hands and gold elements. Some models from the range even offer additional complications like moon phase indicators and duel time functions. Although these watches have a premium price tag, they promise solid materials.
- Pros: The Cellini benefits from Rolex’s expert materials and watchmaking values
- Cons: Rolex discontinued the Cellini, making models more challenging to source on the pre-owned market.
- Price: Between $5,000 and $16,000 on the pre-owned market
This is an 18k yellow gold watch with a manual-winding workhorse movement. You won’t sacrifice quality in any area with a Rolex watch, so they’re all great investments. The Cellini may even suggest better quality than the Tank in some aspects.
Conclusion
The market will always have an extensive offering of Cartier Tank alternatives. That’s a given with any industry icon. One legendary watch will inspire hundreds of others to create something similar. Yet, when shopping for one, considering what is important to you in a timepiece is vital. Are you working on a budget, and if so, are you willing to sacrifice brand recognition for a lesser-known brand? Or is the price of a watch irrelevant so long as you bag yourself something a little less conformist?
The bottom line? Many rectangular watches on the market are just as good as the Tank. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a solid choice if you want an investment piece that will hold its value. But if budgeting is important, models like the Rotary Cambridge and Fossil Carraway are good lookalikes.
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