Is this Cartier Tank Louis Cartier too small?
Hi all,
A bit of background. I got into watches when I first saw the Tank LC at an AD while walking my dog. It just captivated me.
Started my collection with cheaper watches and have since gotten a few Rolex patek and grand seikos.
My dog passed away recently, and in my grief, I remembered the moment I had with her that started it all. Went online and went down a rabbit hole. I just love the small tank LC, which looks elegant, and one I think is from a more civilized age that speaks against the excesses and vulgarity of the present.
I’ve since met a few watch guys and they’re rather insistent that it’s “too small”, even for a classic size. I’m not sure if that’s the case at all, and although it’s not bothering me, I would like to know what a larger audience may think about the size on my wrist. It is a modern LC (mechanical), and the “ladies” size.
Thoughts? Thanks!
Edit: my wrist size is 7 inches. The LC on my wrist is the 29mm model. The “large men’s” is 33mm.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
I personally would go for the large size but there’s no rules. This question has been asked here a few times and the general consensus is that it’s not too small if you like it.
Also cue the Muhammad Ali photo.. 😆
It looks awesome, sorry about your pup.
Nope, it's not too small.
As long as it's comfortable and your happy wearing it who cares , great looking watch a classic
Wear what you bloody well like 👍🏼 you look like a musician with your hands so not many people have good watch model hands 🙌, yours are better than George Costansa’s so you can pull it off no worries 😉
in my opinion, a watch can't be too small. Eventualy if it's very small it's just look like a bracelet, and that's OK.
Haha, sour grapes from the jealous* dudes!
It fits exactly as it should. People with a frame of reference that does not extend past MC Hammer might lack the proper appreciation.
* The proper term would be envious, but the slang jelly has corrupted the language. Jealous means to be protective and guarding as opposed to avariciously desiring of other goods.
Looks just right to me!
If you like it, that's all that matters. Let other people's opinions be those. Opinions. They aren't wearing it.
Wear what you bloody well like 👍🏼 you look like a musician with your hands so not many people have good watch model hands 🙌, yours are better than George Costansa’s so you can pull it off no worries 😉
Good lord this must be the fifth time in a few weeks someone told me I have pretty hands. 😂
thank you good sir. May you wear your watches in good health.
Good lord this must be the fifth time in a few weeks someone told me I have pretty hands. 😂
thank you good sir. May you wear your watches in good health.
You as well :)
Haha, sour grapes from the jealous* dudes!
It fits exactly as it should. People with a frame of reference that does not extend past MC Hammer might lack the proper appreciation.
* The proper term would be envious, but the slang jelly has corrupted the language. Jealous means to be protective and guarding as opposed to avariciously desiring of other goods.
Frankly I was quite surprised with the divisive reaction from these watch guys. I do get and appreciate the aesthetics of the large size. It is more aligned to modern sizes, but it just didn’t look “classic tank” to me.
in my opinion, a watch can't be too small. Eventualy if it's very small it's just look like a bracelet, and that's OK.
I agree! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
As long as it's comfortable and your happy wearing it who cares , great looking watch a classic
Thank you very much!
Nope, it's not too small.
Thanks, and cute cat!
It looks awesome, sorry about your pup.
Thank you. Had lovely 17 years with her. I’m glad I have something to remember her by, on my wrist.
As I always say, in front of a mirror, cross your watch arm across you body and touch your opposite shoulder.
Does it look too small now?
Well, for starters, it's a beautiful watch. Tanks are made to be small since their design comes from the beginning of the 20th century. It is also a matter of taste, if you like small watches, either for your wrist or for other reasons, use it no matter the opinion of others. For the rest, remember that even Muhammad Ali used a Cartier Tank with his big wrist.
If you like it, wear it. End of debate.
It’s about what you’re comfortable with. For me — too small. But, that’s only me. It’s your watch. 😁 (and I agree with the guy above… model hands)
As I always say, in front of a mirror, cross your watch arm across you body and touch your opposite shoulder.
Does it look too small now?
Wow, quite a difference... what's up with that. Thanks for the tip!
This dude looks like he is happy with his watch size.
If Clark Gable can pull it off, I think anybody else can wear a smaller size and feel pretty dang good.
Seconded. Also don't be fooled by the sport coat, this dude has massive wrists and he wears small watches too. If you got it, flaunt it. 😁
Wow, quite a difference... what's up with that. Thanks for the tip!
Unlike a lot of us here, normal people are going to look at you as a whole, not just focus on a part of you.
When you try on clothing and it looks too loose/big/tight/small/bright/dull, you're evaluating it in relation to everything else (ie "how do these pants look against this shirt/these shoes?" "Have I got the right colour to match my skin tone, hair colour etc). No one takes a shot of a hem on a pant leg and looks at this alone to evaluate whether the pants are right for them.
For this reason, wrist shots, although good for socials, are incredibly deceptive.
My advice is that once you've done the above a few times, you'll have a better idea of watch dimensions that work well on you. Lug-to-lug, dial size, strap vs bracelet, bezel vs dial dimensions etc. You can then use these to spot evaluate future watch purchases, especially if buying online.
Of course, nothing beats going to a dealer and trying watches on, but at least you can start ruling certain pieces as clearly in/out for you.
I think it looks perfect. That’s one I would get. I think one should err on the small side with a tank anyway.
Is supposed to be small love it
If you like it, wear it!! This is a hobby where you should be able to wear what you like whenever you want to!
Here's my take, for what it's worth; Cartier watches lean much more into the jewellery side of watches than most other makes, form over function, design language over technical specs. That's why a quartz movement in a Cartier is no biggie, and the Santos-Dumont and Panthere are my favourites. It's also why a smaller size than normal looks good, as it "flows" better with the overall design. A Tank or Santos the same size as your regular watches usually looks too big, because it thrown off the balance of the entire design. Think of a gemstone set in a ring - it's the highlight, sure, but that doesn't mean your entire ring face should be one huge stone.
TLDR the smaller size is fine, and it looks great. I think it would pair excellently with a slim-fit black suit or similar outfit style.
It's part of its charm, I went for an xl de must and I low key prefered a smaller size.. Still love it though!
It looks great 👍 got a tank for me and my wife. The tank must black
It's perfect. It's a dress watch, so it can be small. We are just used to giant watches these days, but in the 70s for instance a Rolex OP would have been 34mm. For men.
I’m all about wearing what you love. I recently just bought the small 100th anniversary Tank Louis in rose gold. I love it! Here’s my write up and some pictures: https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/small-precious-metal-dress-watch-for-my-40th.5482510/#post-56400524