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Ska

Cartier Tank Franchine From Mary (Watchinternational) Review by Skathewatch

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Ska

Latest Purchase from Mary

 

DEALER: MARY (WATCHINTERNATIONAL)

MODEL: CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE

VARIANT: NON-BLING (NO DIAMONDS IN FACE/BEZEL)

MOVEMENT: SWISS ETA 2671 AUTOMATIC

PRICE: $220

BRACELET/STRAP: STEEL BRACELET DEPLOYANT

 

First a little potted history:

 

The Tank is a line of watches made by Cartier. It was created by Louis Cartier in 1917, and inspired by the new Renault tanks which Cartier saw in use on the Western Front. Its lines and proportions are similar to those of tanks found on First World War battlefields; it is both a square and a rectangle, and its straps are concealed under vertical sidepieces so as to be hidden from view. Tanks (usually) have blue, sword-shaped hands with silvered opaline guilloché dials. The winding crowns on Tanks, like those of most Cartier watches, have sapphire cabochons on them. It is possible to find most models of Tank in versions embellished with diamonds. The metal bracelets on those models which come with them (such as the Tank Française) are shaped with indentations which bring to mind the distinctive caterpillar tracks of real tanks. There are now over thirty variants of Tank watch, in both automatic and quartz versions, and it has inspired countless copies with its classic design. The most recent version of the Tank is the Tank Française, released in 1996.

 

temptempDSC_1304.jpg

 

1. Overall Look/Feel

 

This watch is by no means up there with the Subs and Sea-Dwellers of this world (with a quartz movement its only about $150) but it is both smaller and simpler which means that a.) There are less details to get wrong b.) It takes less material to make and is therefore cheaper and c.) Its easier to fabricate so accuracy is better.

 

The first and most obvious flaw is the incorrect date window which is at 6 in the gen and 9 in the rep. However thats about as far as the flaws go really in terms of physical appearance anyway. Overall its actually very nicely finished, from the side the brushed case against the polished SELS looks very striking and expensive.

 

Here's the gen datewindow:

 

tank-francaise.jpg

 

This is a ladies' watch of course, and I bought it on behalf of one of my friends for his wife however of course I tried it on in the spirit of thoroughness just so you guys could find out what it feels like. And the verdict is: Surprisingly good - heavier bracelet than it looks and a well fitting deployant clasp (There was a slight problem with the clasp that was easily fixed which I'll touch on later.

 

temptempDSC_1251.jpg

 

 

2. The Dial and Hands

 

temptempDSC_1286.jpg

 

This is without doubt the best thing about this rep. I looked at a genuine one of these in Cambridge last weekend and I have to say that apart from the aforementioned date window this dial looks perfect. The texturing is crisp and finely detailed. The markers are correct and boldly printed without being blurry or badly-aligned including the "Cartier" which runs down the "V".

 

temptempDSC_1257.jpg

 

 

3. The Crystal and AR coating

 

The crystal appears to be sapphire as far as I can tell, and I think it has a single sided AR coating, you get a slight blue tint in direct light in the same way as with a PO rep.

 

temptempDSC_1300.jpg

 

The crystal itself is well seated however there is a noticeable glue join visible from large angles which detracts a little from the overall finish. However of course this is invisible from more than 10cm (3.93 inches for our stateside friends).

 

temptempDSC_1258.jpg

 

4. Bracelet and Clasp

 

I love the look of this bracelet with its mix of brushed and polished sections. Its a classic design IMO and the rep factory has done a great job. The clasp fits tightly and is nicely engraved with the "Cartier" logo.

 

temptempDSC_1312.jpg

 

I'll find out later how easy this one is to resize which brings me on to the problem I mentioned earlier. When I checked her over upon arrival (I always take the case-back off, lube up the seals and check links etc.) I found that one of the links attaching the deployant clasp to the end of the bracelet was unusually loose. Suspecting a bent pin I took a closer look only to find that the end-links use split pins with a retaining collar inside the deployant hinge rather than a single pin going through like an axle and one of them was missing.

 

No big deal though, just cut a spare pin to size and tapped it in. Job done.

 

The lower SEL could be a little tighter I think, but they are well reproduced and beautifully polished.

 

temptempDSC_1295.jpg

 

Apart from these little issues its actually a better bracelet in my opinion than the Jubilee that came with my Datejust. It doesn't sag, the links are all tight, and it really has that expensive look and feel to it which I've always regarded higher than just dead on balls accuracy.

 

temptempDSC_1238.jpg

 

5. Bezel and Case

 

The case is nicely finished as described before, with clearly defined brushed and polished sections. Frankly its not exactly rocket science with a watch like this.

 

temptempDSC_1254.jpg

 

This watch doesn't have a "bezel" in the traditional sense but the machining on the case front is pretty good. There is one tiny nick in the stainless steel on the left hand side where the case meets the crystal but its so miniscule I doubt anyone would notice.

 

temptempDSC_1240.jpg

 

The rehaut is nice and deep without looking ridiculous.

 

7. Crown

 

temptempDSC_1282.jpg

 

The crown is rather cute really, and surprisingly well put together. Just as good as the real thing. Far from just being a little blue blob, the cabochon actually looks pretty convincing. It is a little weird for my tastes (kind of like the watch really) but it suits the design and is very well done just like everything else I've ever bought from Mary!

 

temptempDSC_1255.jpg

 

8. Case Back

 

This is one of the best parts of the watch. It fits like a latex glove on a perverts hand, much better than any of the pictures I have seen on various dealers websites would have you believe. The OEM engraving is very clear, deep and accurate. (To be honest not in the same league as on my UPO but then it is much smaller and the watch was over $100 cheaper.

 

temptempDSC_1314.jpg

 

9. Movement

 

Now this was something I wasn't expecting: I'd paid for a Swiss 2671 and Mary had sent me photos of what looked like a Lukcom stamped, brass coloured, reconditioned 2671 which I'd thought was fine given Mary's QC reputation. However to my surprise and delight when opening the case I found what appears to be a brand new ETA 2671 with stainless steel bridges and rotor. I stupidly didn't take photos but everything I saw pointed to an extremely well put together swiss movement even including the correct 3-point incabloc centre spring.

 

The movement is small, and sadly in a plastic holder, but frankly - who gives a shit.

 

Overall its a sweet little watch, and actually has a great deal of charm. Its also very nicely put together and any flaws it might have pale in significance to the fact that the Tank is much more about style than anything else. The bits that matter are made to a very high standard and like everything of this kind, its the little details that HAVE been thought of which make it good.

 

temptempDSC_1265.jpg

 

temptempDSC_1275.jpg

 

Ok Hope you enjoyed this review. Thanks for reading. :lol:

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dingle

outstanding review :lol:

 

 

now where is Sam in those pics? :rofl:

 

:wub:

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Ska

LOL - Sam's gonna be wearing the Jaeger. You know I love making you wait! :lol:

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JC7
8. Case Back

 

... It fits like a latex glove on a perverts hand..

 

:biglaugh:

Great review and great photos Ska! Cartier reps are getting better and better IMO. I think Santos XL may be one of my next acquisitions. Wear it in good health sir.

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greg_r

Looks wonderful...

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gB.

Outstanding pics and review as always! Keep it coming ska!

 

:popcorn::rofl::clap::clap:

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GC

Superb review... this watch is definitely something to consider for the ladies!

Pure class IMO

 

Beautiful shots as always!

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mbjoer
Superb review... this watch is definitely something to consider for the ladies!

Pure class IMO

 

Beautiful shots as always!

 

 

Thanks for this review.

 

I have lately discoverd how male dominated the watch dora are. There are virtually no good reviews of Ladies watches so for this reason alone this one is very welcome.

 

Also as it turns out this watch may be just what I am looking for. Except that I have been given instructions to get a strap rather than a bracelet. Will have to ask Mary if she can source one.

 

At least the watch looks like a good rep.

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tick tock

Another great review accompanied by beautiful detailed pics! :Whistle: :P

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Luthier
LOL - Sam's gonna be wearing the Jaeger. You know I love making you wait! :P

 

Mick????

:Whistle:

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sillyboy

Great review....My wife loves this watch, and I have been speaking to Mary about purchasing it. However, in terms of the positioning of the date....Cartier makes the tank francaise watch in both a quartz and an automatic movement. In the automatic movement the date IS in the 6 location not the 3....

 

Below is the included link to the cartier website......I'll probably purchase this great looking rep from Mary in the next few days......

 

 

http://www.cartier.us/#/show-me/timepieces...tch-large-model

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Aren

Ska, I really appreciate your precise and in depth reviews together with your gorgeous photos.

I have so much to learn.

One day, I will be able to read these great reviews without referring to the glossary.

I need to read all of your reviews. They are such a pleasure to read.

Thanks

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Y30BAD

I'm after one of these for the Mrs now.. Great looking watch!

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RussP

Pervert's hand in a latex glove ?

 

You sir are a cunning-linguist................. :thumbsup2:

 

Great review too.

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redguy

I am new to the RWG forum but let me tell you I love it. I have been online for almost 3 hours today and can't pull myself away. Needless to say I know this is an older topic but I know this watch comes in 3 sizes, small, medium and large. I was wondering which version this was. I would like to get a medium or large for my wife. Thanks to Ska for a very an amaizingly detailed review.

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dmichael

I got this watch with automatic movement. It stopped working 1 month in, sent it back for repair, worked for another 6 weeks or so and stopped again. ETA 2671 seems to not work well with this watch. Love the watch otherwise, but always try to get autos whenever possible but looks like I might have to get a Quartz version on this one.

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