How to Spot a Real Cartier Tank
The Cartier Tank has been in production since 1917. Genuine examples share four markers: an 18k gold or steel case with a faceted cabochon crown, a dial with Roman numerals and a secret signature, a movement that matches the reference number, and a case back with crisp stamps and a serial number. Copies miss at least one of these.
Case Shape and Size
The Tank case is a rectangle with two vertical brancards and a square dial opening. The brancards sit above the lugs, so the case reads as a frame around the dial.
Published dimensions:
- Tank Must large: 33.7 x 25.5 mm, 6.6 mm thick
- Tank Must small: 29.5 x 22 mm
- Tank Louis Cartier large: 33.7 x 25.5 mm
- Tank Française small: 25 x 20 mm
Gold models use 18k gold, stamped 750. Steel models include the Tank Must and the Tank Solo. Cartier does not sell a gold Tank Must. A gold Tank Must with a steel case back is not real.
Crown and Cabochon
Cartier sets a faceted blue cabochon in the crown. On gold models the stone is sapphire. On steel models Cartier uses a blue spinel. The stone has a flat table and polished facets that catch light at an angle. A plastic or smooth dome is a sign of a copy. The cabochon and crown sit on one axis with the case band.
Dial Details
Real Tank dials carry Roman numerals, a chemin de fer minute track, and sword hands. Blued steel hands come on gold models. Steel models use the same shape in a polished finish.
The secret signature is the word CARTIER drawn into the numeral at 7 o'clock on several references. It shows at 10x magnification, not at arm's length. "Swiss Made" sits at 6 o'clock. Under a loupe, the print has clean edges and no ink bleed.
Dial finishes: silvered opaline on the Tank Must, guilloché on the Tank Louis Cartier.
Movement Codes
Tank Must and Tank Solo use quartz movements. Tank Louis Cartier uses the 1917 MC manual wind, 21,600 vibrations per hour, 38-hour power reserve. Tank Française automatic uses the 1847 MC. Cartier lists the caliber for each reference, and the number ties to the case back.
Case Back, Engravings, and Hallmarks
Genuine case backs carry the Cartier wordmark, the reference number (WSTA0041 for the Tank Must large in steel, for example), a serial number, "Swiss Made," and the gold purity stamp. French assay offices strike the eagle head on 18k gold. Swiss 18k gold carries the Helvetia head mark.
Engraving is cut into the metal. Edges are sharp. Font weight matches across the case back. Laser etchings that sit on the surface, or text that shifts under light, point to a fake.
Strap and Buckle
Cartier fits alligator leather straps, stamped "Cartier" on the lining and on the buckle. Buckles match the case metal: 18k gold on gold watches, steel on steel. Stitch spacing is even, and the strap tapers at the lugs.
Family Timeline
- 1917: Louis Cartier designs the Tank. First sale in 1919.
- 1922: Tank Louis Cartier
- 1989: Tank Américaine
- 1996: Tank Française
- 2004: Tank Solo
- 2021: Tank Must relaunch in steel
Checks Before You Buy
- Ask for photos of the case back at 10x. Read the reference number and the serial number.
- Compare the reference number against Cartier specs for size, metal, and movement.
- Look at the cabochon under direct light. Count the facets.
- Ask the seller for a gram figure. An 18k gold case weighs more than a plated copy of the same size.
- Ask about a service record or Cartier Care registration. Cartier keeps service history by serial number.
A steel Tank Must lists near $3,000. A Tank Louis Cartier in 18k gold lists above $10,000 at US boutiques. Prices change, so confirm current numbers with Cartier.