Written By: Melissa Harrel

Men’s Tank Solo Large Steel Watch

In a world of go go gadgets, do you ever want something simple, some that just . . . works?  Cartier wants to use  your time well with a piece that, right out of the box, doesn’t leave you fiddling with gadgetry or fighting with features.  Instead, relax in the simple luxury of the Cartier Men’s Tank Solo Large Steel Watch W5200014.

Description
With a design inspired by the renowned Renault tank of WWI, this timepiece from Cartier’s Tank collection commemorates historical innovation and cutting-edge machinery.  The polished “H” links of the bracelet against brushed steel conjure images of tank tracks while the classic silver opaline dial evokes almost musical tones.  Black roman numerals and hour markers form a pattern that resembles the black and white keys of a piano.  Blue hands sit neatly inside a rectangular, polished steel case and bezel, while Cartier’s Synthetic spinal cabochon finishes the crown in blue.  The Swiss made Quartz movement, Sapphire crystal, and tested water resistance flood this timepiece in quality.  With contemporary artistry, the Cartier Men’s Tank Solo Large Steel Watch W5200014 projects legacy, strength, and history.
If you want more a more gadget-y timepiece , you won’t find an exact match in the Tank collection with its classic simplicity and design.  Try instead the Pasha de Cartier collection’s automatic timepieces.  The Pasha Seatimer Automatic Chronograph, with its stopwatch features and date window, boosts function, but moves the price increase into the $9,000 range.  At a mid-level $4,800, the 21 Chronoscaph Watch, named for its collection, provides chronograph function with precision Quartz movement.  Still, if what you want is just to tell the time, in style, you’ve already found what you’re after in the Tank Solo line, whose timepieces also come in luxury leather straps and gold cases/bezels.

Features

• Swiss Made, Quartz movement (Caliber 690)
• Scratch-resistant, anti-reflection Sapphire crystal
• Silver opaline dial with sword-shaped blue hands navigating roman numerals
• Stainless steel case, bracelet, and bezel
• Finely grooved circular crown with cabochon of synthetic spinel gem (blue)
• Stylish, rectangular case (34.8 x 27.4 mm)
• Water resistance to 30 meters
• Cartier seal below 12 o’clock and integrated into 7 o’clock numeral

Pros

• Inspired by historical invention
• Revered for Swiss craftsmanship and classic Cartier design
• May be worn with causal and formal attire
• Comes with complimentary engraving (optional), if purchased directly from Cartier
• Decorative crown complements subtle color splashes on dial
• Comes with unlimited warranty on most parts (including a initial two-year warranty covering both parts and labor)

Cons

• Decorative roman numerals make watch less readable at quick glance
• Displays only the time (no date, day, or chronograph feature)
• Only authorized Cartier dealers can offer warranty

And . . . Time
If you want a strong and sensible timepiece that lets you view the hour without ordeal or distraction, keep your sights on the Cartier Men’s Tank Solo Large Steel Watch W5200014.  Online retailers will discount the price as low as $1,970, but make sure you choose an authorized Cartier dealer, or you’ll forgo the warranty.  Warranty and price aside, you’ll find the Tank Solo makes for strong company wherever you go (sans gadgets).

Additional Details

Retail Price: $2,750
Collection: Tank (Tank Solo Men’s)
Case: rectangular, stainless steel, 34.8 x 27.4 mm, 5.5 mm thickness
Movement:  Quartz, Cartier Caliber 690
Dial: silvered opaline
Bracelet Material: stainless steel
Bracelet Dimensions: unisex, 20 mm wide
Bezel: stationary, stainless steel
Closing System: deployment fold over clasp
Display: analog
Collection Variations: large size, small size (unisex)
Dial Variations: silver opaline, lacquered (large size); silver opaline, lacquered, pink lacquered (small size)
Bezel/Case Variations: stainless steel, yellow gold
Band/Bracelet Variations: stainless steel (polished and brushed), round-scale alligator leather, python skin, black caiman skin, pink caiman skin (small version)