Cartier Tank L quartz or XL auto
Hi all I’m a fairly new watch enthusiast and wanted to get people’s opinion on what‘s probably a common question. I’m looking to purchase a tank in the near future but can’t decide between the XL or large. I prefer the proportions of the large but feel a bit off put spending $3k on a quartz watch. On the other hand I love the guilloche dial and automatic movement on the XL and I feel I could get used to the size. My wrist is 6.5”… what would you do? Am I crazy not want the L (which seems to be the more conventional size) just bc it’s quartz? Thanks in advance!
Edit: Thank you everyone for all your feedback! I should have taken some better photos as overhead shots tend to distort/enlarge the objects closest to the lens but regardless the XL is big for my wrist. Appreciate all your perspectives regarding the movement, I'll be getting the Large!
Edit 2: Just ordered the Large today! Should be arriving in a couple weeks!
6.5 inch slim wrist gang. more wrist shots on IG @tentenhands
I think the way to approach Cartier is to remember that you are paying for design and craftmanship of the watch over their movements. Mechanical movements usually cost more than quartz movements, yes, but not by that much.
Also their quartz movements are "in-house" as far as I know, if that helps you look past the movements.
With all that said, the Large does look more proportional to your wrist. The XL as you mentioned, has the flinque dial. I guess it'll come down to which matters more to you!
You can get used to lots of things. That doesn't mean you should. Go quartz.
The large model looks a million bucks better than the extra large. Ultimately you'll wear it because you like the look and because it's comfortable not because it's mechanical or not, but I get your feeling. As mentioned by Nytime, quartz cartier movements are nothing to scoff at and there's also the Solarbeat which is even cooler.
Cartier can be a little bit weird with which movement they put into models tbh. Rose gold Cartier tank Louis, mechanical in small and large but Yellow gold Cartier tank Louis? Oh no that only comes in quartz.
I would choose the L quartz because it fits and to me, Cartier is about the timeless design, not the movement.
XL is beautiful, but I think won’t age as well. Watches are trending smaller these days, and I think the big watches of a few years ago are going to start to look dated. And Cartier is all about timeless elegance.
Just chiming in to agree with the others… I’d go L for the proportions.
In the same boat and glad to see this post!
The Tank is supposed to be small and elegant so large quartz is the way to go.
Cartier is all about elegance and the L size looks elegant on your wrist. Much more so than the XL.
Movement? It’s a two hand watch. The question is purely academic. This watch design warrants importance on external aesthetics…which is not hindered by how it’s powered. Choose the one you feel looks best on your wrist.
Large imo. But get what you like!!! be happy :)
Great points thank you!
I like the look of the smaller tank on your wrist. I have quartz and automatic watches from GS, Rado, and Tissot. Ain’t anything wrong with those quartz’, the cases carry all of the quality of their automatic mechanical brethren. So, go with what you’d like to wear.
Quartz
James, Im fairly sure you can get the Solar Tank Must in the US. My AD in Seattle has sold a lot of them.
You also get date and nicer dial on the XL.. How big is the new solar? Equal to M or L?
I've been contemplating getting a Tank as well, and am torn between the XL with the guilloche dial and the SolarBeat quartz. If I were to go for a regular quartz, I'd probably go for an older Must de Cartier. I have 6.75" (17 cm) wrists, and had tried on an XL Solo that a friend was willing to sell, which is the same size as the new Must XL. The nearest Cartier AD is hundreds of miles away from me, so I haven't had a chance to try the smaller version, but I don't think that the XL looks too big for my wrist. Sure, it isn't "classic" tank size, but that isn't a huge concern for me. I haven't seen the new XL Must in person, but a large part of the appeal to me is the guilloche dial. I also like the fact that the XL has the same 1847MC movement found in my Santos, which even though it's not COSC certified, keeps time within 2SPD. It also features the date, which is a nice touch. FWIW, I had the same issue in choosing a size for my Santos, and decided to go with the larger size for that, and have no regrets.
The only downside to getting the L quartz is your partner/spouse is likely to borrow it. It fits every wrist and the quartz will be running when they grab it from your nightstand.
Haha fair point, I actually gifted my wife a vintage tank Louis, but I’m sure that wouldn’t stop her from borrowing my tank once I get one.
I think with the Tank, aesthetically the L will wear and feel better overall. Just going off the pictures, IMO the XL is disproportional to your wrist and so I'd recommend taking the...
Medium… I know it’s not an option I think Cartier for me feels the smaller version seems better just my 2 cents and like what others mentioned don’t worry about movements too much esp. Cartier…
I think the Cartier watches look best in their ‘traditional’ sizing. Personally I think XL Cartiers are just wrong. And ugly. I appreciate the dilemma re the movement but Cartier is more a statement piece first, watchmaking mastery second.
When I tried the L on in a Cartier branch in London the lady assistant was insistent it was a ladies watch 🤣. I politely reminded her there’s no such thing and it is purely personal preference.
I prefer the L from your wrist shots, it’s looks the perfect size for you. Good luck with your choice.
Funny, I had the same experience trying on these watches. The Cartier reps all thought I should go with the XL saying that the L was too small, not sure if they were just trying to upsell me or genuinely thought the XL was better.
I've been contemplating getting a Tank as well, and am torn between the XL with the guilloche dial and the SolarBeat quartz. If I were to go for a regular quartz, I'd probably go for an older Must de Cartier. I have 6.75" (17 cm) wrists, and had tried on an XL Solo that a friend was willing to sell, which is the same size as the new Must XL. The nearest Cartier AD is hundreds of miles away from me, so I haven't had a chance to try the smaller version, but I don't think that the XL looks too big for my wrist. Sure, it isn't "classic" tank size, but that isn't a huge concern for me. I haven't seen the new XL Must in person, but a large part of the appeal to me is the guilloche dial. I also like the fact that the XL has the same 1847MC movement found in my Santos, which even though it's not COSC certified, keeps time within 2SPD. It also features the date, which is a nice touch. FWIW, I had the same issue in choosing a size for my Santos, and decided to go with the larger size for that, and have no regrets.
Thanks! I think it looks great on your wrist.
I would say "Go big or go home" under most circumstances. But the trend is shrinking and that XL is swimming on your wrist. L quartz
i had the same dilemma, same size wrist as you and went for an L.
My reasonings were simple;
if i wanted a bigger Cartier with a non-quartz movement i’d get a Santos de Cartier. its a more proportional fit than an overblown rectagular watch on our wrist size.
If i wanted fantastic dial design i’d buy another GS as i wasnt keen on a dated guilloche pattern. If you want to keep it within Cartier than I’d get a Ballon Bleu instead
But buy what you feel that you’ll be wearing in 5/10 years time.
my only regret in purchasing this was not getting the bracelet version. Learned quite late that the straps and buckle are much more cheaper to source than the bracelet. Good luck! :)
i had the same dilemma, same size wrist as you and went for an L.
My reasonings were simple;
if i wanted a bigger Cartier with a non-quartz movement i’d get a Santos de Cartier. its a more proportional fit than an overblown rectagular watch on our wrist size.
If i wanted fantastic dial design i’d buy another GS as i wasnt keen on a dated guilloche pattern. If you want to keep it within Cartier than I’d get a Ballon Bleu instead
But buy what you feel that you’ll be wearing in 5/10 years time.
my only regret in purchasing this was not getting the bracelet version. Learned quite late that the straps and buckle are much more cheaper to source than the bracelet. Good luck! :)
appreciate your insight, thank you!
IMO go auto. Such a cool design achievement in a little watch
I have small wrists too my friend I would go with the small,if the large was the same size as the small without date window I'd choose that over quartz but it's just too big and not a fan of date window on the tank
When in doubt, go small.
In this case, most definitely go small- not because Tanks are supposed to be worn small, but watches in general look cool when they are not warheads on wrists!
In my opinion, Tanks (in fact most Cartier) should be worn small. When I had the chance to purchase a large or medium Santos, I went for the medium as the large just looked like a little too ostentatious for my liking.
Cartier is effortless elegance rather than being overly shouty "hey look at me, fancy watch here". Not sure if that's the vibe you want. FWIW, I think the Large looks great on you!