Is the Tank Francaise 2023 a good substitute for the Prive Tank Normale?
The Cartier Prive Tank normale announced at Watches and wonders is a thing of beauty (especially on the bracelet) but with only 600 pieces total - gold and platinum cases and prices from £30-£50k - 99% of us aren’t ever gonna get one.
It occurred to me today the 2023 Tank Francaise in steel is really a very similar design. Especially the square dial. And with prices about 90% less.
Is anyone considering the Francaise?
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Justin
Fairly new to watch collecting. Super fast collecting journey! I've had a bit of everything, small gold pretty watches, large rugged watches, vintage British field watches. From Casio to Patek and eve...
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It's better.
https://youtu.be/LDG3Iuox9Jk
look’s even more like it on a strap..
I can’t freely recall the differences between those two and the Chinoise so I think you’re good
Cartier are super basic in their appearance so finding a substitute is easy enough. You suggestion works but so do most rectangular watches I'd say.
In this instance both say Cartier. That may sound like a plus initially but I'd argue their high end collections and regular stuff are two different things. The closest comparison I can think of is Grand Seiko and Grand Seiko Masterpiece collection made by the micro artist studio.
If you want the fancy stuff from Cartier because it is fancy then buying a regular isn't going to fill that void in any meaningful way much like an Omiwatari can't substitute the SBGZ003. If you just want the looks, yeah then maybe it can. That said, Cartier watches are pretty plain and basic, many are quite similar even, so I'd wager for most people the appeal is all about the exclusivity of these higher end collections.
Cartier are super basic in their appearance so finding a substitute is easy enough. You suggestion works but so do most rectangular watches I'd say.
In this instance both say Cartier. That may sound like a plus initially but I'd argue their high end collections and regular stuff are two different things. The closest comparison I can think of is Grand Seiko and Grand Seiko Masterpiece collection made by the micro artist studio.
If you want the fancy stuff from Cartier because it is fancy then buying a regular isn't going to fill that void in any meaningful way much like an Omiwatari can't substitute the SBGZ003. If you just want the looks, yeah then maybe it can. That said, Cartier watches are pretty plain and basic, many are quite similar even, so I'd wager for most people the appeal is all about the exclusivity of these higher end collections.
I guess the angle I’m coming at it from is more that it makes the francaise a bit more desirable..
It's better.
Agreed
I guess the angle I’m coming at it from is more that it makes the francaise a bit more desirable..
Does it? Hmm, maybe. Then again I don't understand why anyone wants the Tank normale so what do I know 🙃
I’ve had the same thoughts. Looks rather similar. Even if one had the money to spend on the modern Normale, it would hardly be an everyday wear piece. I’ve had the 2302 and it definitely works with a slightly dressy style for every day and you don’t have to worry about it (unless you need a watch that has to be dressy and slightly rugged at the same time – like a Rolex OP)