The famed Cartier watch brand is known to have some of the best luxury watches on the market, and with that comes a higher price tag. However, there are affordable Cartier watches available that can make the brand more accessible than ever. The iconic Cartier Tank watch collection, first introduced in 1917 and still turning heads over a century later with its sleek, rectangular style, is the perfect affordable option.
Typically, the Cartier name comes with an equally extravagant price tag to match the sophisticated aesthetics. However, the good news for watch enthusiasts and fans of the legendary Cartier Tank design is that Cartier has made select Tank models surprisingly affordable both new and especially pre-owned. By offering steel case options, quartz movements, and stripped-down dial variations, Cartier now provides multiple entry points to experience their hallmark Tank heritage without breaking the bank. Vintage and modern Cartier Tank models reviewed in our guide are good options for those looking to build a collection. Models such as the Cartier Tank Solo, Cartier Tank Must, and Cartier Tank Francaise all come at a price threshold feasible even for buyers on tighter budgets that are looking for the cheapest Cartier watch.
While still an investment, pre-owned deals on these steel Cartier Tank watches mean you can now get your hands on some of the cheapest Cartier watch selections for as little as $2,000 or less if you know where to look. We will explore exactly how Cartier made owning these icons of French watchmaking more accessible while still retaining their inimitable style. Read on to discover today’s cheapest Cartier watch.
Cartier Tank History
The Cartier Tank watch has a rich history dating back to 1917 when Louis Cartier designed the watch inspired by the Renault tanks used during World War I. The unique rectangular shape and clean lines of the Tank quickly became a symbol of sophistication and elegance. Over the years, the Cartier Tank has been worn by numerous celebrities and historical figures, including Andy Warhol, Jackie Kennedy, and Princess Diana, cementing its status as a true icon in the endless catalog of luxury watches.
Throughout its history, the Cartier Tank has undergone various iterations and adaptations, each bringing a fresh perspective to the classic design. From the Tank Américaine, with its elongated case, to the Tank Française, featuring a more modern and streamlined appearance, Cartier has continually evolved the Tank collection to appeal to changing tastes and styles. Despite these variations, the core essence of the Tank remains unchanged, with its timeless beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship continuing to captivate watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
The Cartier Tank Solo – The Cheapest Cartier Watch
As one of Cartier’s core Tank offerings over the years, the Cartier Tank Solo presents an excellent entry point into the world of Cartier watch ownership. The Tank Solo simplifies some elements of the Tank design but retains the linear, geometric spirit that gives the Tank its identity. Roman numeral hour markers and a thin, rectangular case profile make the Solo highly faithful to the 1917 original.
Inside the case, the Tank Solo features a reliable Cartier in-house quartz movement, which drives costs down compared to a mechanical movement. And by framing the whole package in stainless-steel rather than precious metals, Cartier makes pre-owned Tank Solos accessible to buyers who may have previously found Cartier out of budget. Prices now start as low as $2,500 USD or under for pre-owned steel case Tanks with quartz movements.
While not the least expensive Tank model (that honor belongs to the Must and Francaise), the sophistication and wrist presence still feel undeniably Cartier. For the buyer who admires the Cartier cachet but doesn’t have limitless funds, the Tank Solo offers the perfect blend of pedigree and affordability. You still get the everyday wearability and visual polish worthy of the Cartier name, just at a more welcoming price point.
The Cartier Tank Must – The Cheapest Cartier Watch
As the cheapest member of the Tank family, the Cartier Tank Must live up to its name when it comes to no-fuss accessibility. Cartier specifically engineered the Tank Must as an intentional effort to draw in first-time buyers and a younger demographic. As such, it forgoes some of the ornamentation found on pricier Tank variants.
Instead, the Must presents a pared-back take – clean dial, sparse stick indexes, visible screw heads on the bezel. But while stripped of any excess, the linear profile and proportions keep its genetic ties to the legendary 1917 design. Inside beats a reliable quartz movement like the Solo. Combine these smart moves by Cartier with stainless steel cases, and pre-owned Tank Musts can readily be found starting under the $2,000 mark.
Cartier further enhanced the Must’s accessibility by offering a range of dial colors like black, white, and blue. No matter your personal style, the Must serves up iconic Cartier Tank looks starting at prices comparable to mainstream Swiss brands. For the shopper who always admired the impeccable lines of the Cartier Tank but assumed they would forever remain a distant wish, the Must warrants a second look.
The Cartier Tank Francaise – The Cheapest Cartier Watch
Joining the Solo and Must in the more affordable Cartier Tank lineup, the Tank Francaise also warrants attention from savvy buyers. The Cartier Tank Francaise line, launched in 1996, echoes the familiar linear aesthetic of the Tank family with an added dose of curvature. The case takes on a sensual, flattened oval shape and integrates gracefully into the bracelet links. This ergonomic twist enhances wearing comfort without abandoning the Tank DNA.
Inside, the Francaise models share a similar quartz movement and stainless-steel construction as the two other models already outlined. By sticking to the basics, Francaise prices reach comparable entry-level territory, with pre-owned steel versions coming in around $2,500 and up. While not the absolute rock-bottom tank model, the Francaise still qualifies as an impressively affordable way to enjoy an authentic Cartier Tank – this one with flowing, curved lines as a bonus.
For those who fear the Tank style skews too masculine or angular for their tastes, the Francaise offers the perfect solution for women looking for a lighter, yet still defined look. The softened edges inject lightness and versatility into the historic Tank formula at a cost not out of line with more common luxury brands.
The Cartier Tank – Final Thoughts
While Cartier Tank watches have an enduring aura of prestige and history behind them, select models can indeed fit into budgets beyond only the ultra-affluent. By carefully choosing options like the Cartier Tank Solo, Cartier Tank Must, or Cartier Tank Francaise, the savvy buyer can still experience the Cartier watchmaking legacy without breaking the bank.
Cartier’s stainless-steel cases, quartz movements, and stripped-down dials and indexes all help these Tank models reach affordability levels not typically associated with the brand. Prices under $2,500 – even under $2,000 for pre-owned Musts – put the entry-level Tanks well within range for dedicated watch enthusiasts. While resale values may not climb as high as solid gold Cartier pieces, the sheer history and name recognition still makes these an impressive value proposition.
Ultimately, owning an iconic piece of one of the most revered watch designs ever produced has never been more in reach. With their clean lines and simple elegance, the entry-level Cartier Tank models are not only some of the most affordable Cartier watches but also rank among the best minimalist watches on the market. For those who adore the angular sophistication which has endured over a century, the Cartier Tank finally offers select options catering to buyers looking for historic style on a real-world budget.
