The Cartier Tank is a line of men’s watches that was first introduced by the French luxury jeweler Cartier in 1917. The watch was designed by Louis Cartier himself. His jewelry designs focused on a female clientele, but in a bid to expand his offerings to gentlemen as well, he made this timepiece specifically for men. Remember, at this time, wrist watches were worn by women, and it counted as a piece of jewelry. Men had pocket watches. In light of history, Louis Cartier’s role in changing the watch industry cannot be overstated.
The original Cartier Tank watch featured a rectangular case with a strap made of leather or gold, and a simple, understated design that was intended to be a stamp of timeless elegance. In fact, Cartier’s intention of creating a timeless design was so successful, that after more than a century the design is as popular as ever, and the demand doesn’t seem to be fading in the slightest.
Of course, the Cartier Tank is not the easiest conquest when it comes to watches. The legacy of the jewelry house, the high-end craftsmanship and the luxury of the design dictate an appropriately high pricing. In light of that, and because we love the look of the Tank so much, we set out to search for suitable alternatives. Quality watches available on the market today, possessing the same whispering timelessness.
Without further ado, we present our thoughtfully curated list of the best alternatives for watch enthusiasts who love the design of the Cartier Tank, but are looking for a more affordable alternative.
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Cartier Tank Affordable Alternatives
Seiko Tank
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: 4N30
- Case Width: 28.4 mm
- Price: Under $150
No watch lists can be complete without featuring a Seiko, so we deliver. The Seiko Tank might be one of the most popular alternatives to the Cartier Tank. The overall design of the dial is very similar, and the cabochon crown on this timepiece is a notable difference between the Seiko Tank and other alternatives. The cabochon crown is a design that closely resembles Cartier’s pointy crown design that became a signature element of the original Tank.
Hamilton American Classic Boulton Mechanical
Specs:
- Movement: Mechanical
- Caliber: H-50
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 34.5 x 38 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Price: Under $1,000
With the Hamilton Boulton Mechanical, Art Deco meets Hamilton’s American Classic collection styling. Since its introduction in 1940, the Boulton has been a cornerstone of the Hamilton watches due to its unusual case yet classy form. The evergreen classic design is reimagined for the twenty-first century and driven by the incredible H-50 handwinding movement.
Casio Tank
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 22 (W) x 31 mm (L)
- Price: Under $100
The Casio Tank is one of the most affordable Cartier Tank alternatives. Its dimensions are similar to the Cartier Tank Small version (29.5 mm x 22 mm), the case is at the same 22 mm width, and the length is at 31 mm. It’s definitely a smaller timepiece (and thin, as the case height is 7.5 mm), so it might be a better fit for women and/or more delicate wrists in general. A great budget friendly option that will last a lifetime.
Citizen BH3000-09A
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 25.5 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Price: Around $100
The Citizen BH3000-09A is another great budget friendly option as a Cartier Tank alternative. The case width is slightly bigger – 25.5 mm, but still a very classy option that can be a great companion for special occasions, or any business formal attire. The highly accurate quartz movement will keep you on time and is low maintenance.
Bulova Frank Sinatra My Way
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: 1L45
- Case Width: 49.5 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Price: Around $500
The Bulova Frank Sinatra ‘My Way’ watch combines vintage Bulova design elements with an homage to Frank Sinatra’s legacy. It boasts a stainless steel rectangular case, a black dial with gold-tone hands and markers, and the signature of Frank Sinatra displayed beneath the Bulova logo. The gold-tone crown features an etched image of Sinatra’s Fedora hat, while the caseback bears the name ‘My Way’ and a corresponding etched image of the hat. A unique design solution to minimize the negative space is a seconds sub dial. The gray leather strap is textured and features the ‘My Way’ stamp on the inside, and is secured with a deployant buckle for added convenience.
Bulova Classic Silver Dial Black Leather
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 29 x 41 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Price: Around $100
Bulova’s watches in the Classic collection are inspired by vintage design, have an understated, elegant look. This Bulova Classic with Silver dial and the black leather strap is definitely an elegant timepiece.
Baume & Mercier Hampton
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA 2895-2
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 31 x 48 mm
- Price: $1,800 – $2,800
The Baume et Mercier Hampton wristwatch features a black alligator strap with square scales, grey stitching, and a polished steel case for a sophisticated modern look. An opaline and grained dial with black ruthenium indexes and Arabic numbers is visible through a curved sapphire crystal. A very classy option!
Longines Dolcevita
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: L592
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Case Width: 27.7 X 43.8 mm
- Lug Distance: 19 mm
- Price: Around $1,300
The Longines DolceVita embodies modern elegance and timeless design. Paying tribute to the concept of the “sweet life” or “Dolce Vita”, the dial of this beautiful timepiece is enriched with gentle lines. While the height of the case is on the thicker side at 10.10 mm, the elegantly curved case ensures a very smooth fit on all wrist sizes. An excellent choice!