Cartier Tank: Prices, Models & Complete Buyer's Guide 2026
The Cartier Tank is one of the most iconic watch designs in history. Created in 1917 by Louis Cartier, inspired by the aerial view of Renault FT tanks on the Western Front, the Tank's rectangular case with vertical brancards (rails) defined rectangular watch design for the next century. It's been worn by every US President since Eisenhower, by Andy Warhol (who famously never set the time), by Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Muhammad Ali. Pre-owned Tanks sell for 20-40% below retail on eBay.
Cartier Tank Prices by Model
| Model | Material | eBay Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Must Large | Steel / SolarBeat | $2,500 - $4,000 | Retail $3,600; photovoltaic dial |
| Tank Must Large | Steel / Quartz | $2,200 - $3,500 | Retail $3,100; battery powered |
| Tank Must Small | Steel | $2,000 - $3,000 | Retail $2,920; most affordable Tank |
| Tank Francaise Medium | Steel | $3,500 - $5,500 | Retail $5,250; integrated bracelet |
| Tank Francaise Medium | Two-Tone | $4,500 - $7,000 | Retail $7,550; steel/yellow gold |
| Tank Francaise Small | Steel | $3,000 - $4,500 | Retail $4,750 |
| Tank Americaine Medium | Steel | $5,000 - $8,000 | Retail $8,000; elongated curved case |
| Tank Americaine Medium | Rose Gold | $10,000 - $16,000 | Retail $18,500 |
| Tank Louis Cartier Large | Yellow Gold | $12,000 - $18,000 | Retail $22,000+; the purist's Tank |
| Tank Louis Cartier Large | Rose Gold | $11,000 - $17,000 | Retail $20,500 |
| Vintage Tank (1970s-80s) | Various / Manual Wind | $3,000 - $10,000+ | Highly collectible; verify provenance |
Prices reflect completed eBay sales (2025-2026). Vintage Tank prices vary dramatically by condition and provenance. All prices USD.
Tank Model Comparison
| Feature | Tank Must | Francaise | Americaine | Louis Cartier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz / SolarBeat | Quartz | Auto or Quartz | Manual or Quartz |
| Bracelet/Strap | Leather strap | Integrated bracelet | Leather strap | Leather strap |
| Water Resist. | 30m | 30m | 30m | 30m |
| Case Shape | Rectangular, classic | Rectangular, curved | Elongated, curved | Rectangular, refined |
| Price Range | $2,000 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $8,000 | $5,000 - $16,000 | $8,000 - $25,000+ |
| Best For | Entry level, daily wear | Bracelet lovers | Elongated elegance | Purists, collectors |
A Century of Design: The Cartier Tank Story
In 1917, Louis Cartier looked down at the Renault FT light tanks from above and saw a striking geometric form: a rectangular body flanked by two parallel track guards. He translated this aerial silhouette into a wristwatch — the vertical brancards (rails) representing the tank's treads, the rectangular dial the body of the vehicle.
The first Tank watches were presented to General John Pershing and the officers of the American Expeditionary Force in 1918. Commercial production began in 1919. Over the following century, Cartier expanded the Tank into distinct families: the Tank Louis Cartier (1922) with refined rounded corners, the Tank Americaine (1989) with its elongated curved case, the Tank Francaise (1996) with the first integrated bracelet, and the Tank Must (2021) with SolarBeat photovoltaic technology.
The Tank's famous wearers include every US President since Eisenhower, Andy Warhol (who said he wore it "not to tell time, but because it's the watch to wear"), Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Muhammad Ali, Yves Saint Laurent, and Michelle Obama. As Karl Lagerfeld observed, the Tank is "the watch for someone who doesn't need to prove anything."
Authentication: How to Spot a Fake Cartier Tank
- Rail proportions — the brancards should be perfectly symmetrical and precisely proportioned. Fakes often have rails that are too thick, too thin, or asymmetrical. This is the single most reliable tell
- Dial printing — the Cartier signature, Roman numerals, and minute track should be flawless. Look for the 'secret' Cartier signature hidden within the VII index under 10x magnification
- Crown sapphire cabochon — should be genuine synthetic sapphire, perfectly polished and smoothly set. Fakes use glass or poorly shaped stones
- Caseback engraving — genuine Tanks have deeply, cleanly engraved serial and reference numbers. Fakes show shallow or laser-etched markings
- Weight — authentic Tanks feel substantial and solid. Fakes are almost always noticeably lighter due to inferior alloys
- Francaise bracelet — links should articulate smoothly and evenly with no rattling or gaps. The bracelet should sit flush against the case. Counterfeit Francaise bracelets are the easiest to spot
Finding the Right Tank on eBay
- Category-aware search
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- Price filtering
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cartier Tank cost?
Pre-owned Cartier Tank prices vary by model. The Tank Must starts at $2,000-$4,000. The Tank Francaise ranges from $3,000-$8,000 in steel or two-tone. The Tank Americaine runs $5,000-$12,000 depending on material. The Tank Louis Cartier in gold starts at $8,000 and can exceed $25,000. Vintage manual-wind Tanks from the 1970s-80s trade between $3,000-$10,000+ depending on condition and provenance.
Is a Cartier Tank a good investment?
The Cartier Tank holds value well for a dress watch. Vintage models from the 1970s and 1980s have been steadily appreciating as collectors recognize their historical significance. The Tank Must has the strongest value retention in its price bracket, often holding 70-80% of retail. The Tank's century-long design legacy and cultural cachet give it enduring desirability that supports long-term value.
Which Cartier Tank model should I buy?
Choose the Tank Must for an accessible entry point and excellent daily wear — it offers the purest Tank design on a leather strap with quartz or SolarBeat movement. The Tank Francaise is ideal if you want an integrated metal bracelet. The Tank Americaine suits those who prefer an elongated, curved case. The Tank Louis Cartier is for the purist and collector — the closest to Louis Cartier's original 1917 vision, available exclusively in precious metals.
Tank Must vs Tank Francaise — what's the difference?
The Tank Must is a classic rectangular watch on a leather strap with a quartz or SolarBeat movement — simpler, more affordable, and the purest Tank design. The Tank Francaise has an integrated metal bracelet that gives it a more jewelry-like presence, with curved case sides that flow into the links. The Francaise costs $1,000-$3,000 more and has a dressier, more feminine aesthetic, though both are unisex.
How to spot a fake Cartier Tank?
Key authentication points: The vertical brancards (rails) should be perfectly symmetrical and precisely proportioned — fakes often have rails that are too thick, too thin, or asymmetrical. Check the crown for a genuine sapphire cabochon. The dial printing should be flawless with no bleeding or misalignment. Look for the 'secret' Cartier signature hidden within the VII index under 10x magnification. The caseback should have deeply engraved serial and reference numbers.
Is a Cartier Tank too dressy for everyday wear?
Not at all. The Tank Must and Tank Francaise work well for daily wear and are far more versatile than people think. JFK wore his Tank daily in the White House. Andy Warhol, Princess Diana, Michelle Obama, and Muhammad Ali all wore Tanks as everyday watches. The Tank's clean rectangular design transcends casual and formal categories — it looks as natural with jeans as it does with a suit.
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