Cartier tank solo vs francaise vs panthere

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

I think Cartier has a beautiful line of watches! I got the medium Tank Francaise several years ago because I wanted a casual watch (I have a couple of others, also). It is very well made and the bracelet is smooth as silk. I have considered the Cartier Ballon Bleu as my final watch purchase! I think those two serve different purposes and have a totally different look. If you only plan on one watch, the Panthere kind of falls between TF and BB and would make nice choice! I haven't looked lately but Solo was started as a less expensive line, so I favor the TF over the Solo. I haven't seen the Must in person to really know how the quality compares.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pennycal
Of your pics, and with the info that you are tall, I prefer the TF on you. I like the hugging curve, the sporty attitude.

but. I remember when the panthere was popular, and back then, I didn’t like it any better; I wore a santos.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pennycal
Of your pics, and with the info that you are tall, I prefer the TF on you

Thank you, I have ruled this one out as I don't love the thicker sides on the watch. I have only tried on the Panthere in the medium and went back today to try on the watches again but as we have been in lockdown so long the queues at Cartier are insane. I might have to make a booking.

Having a 16.5mm wrist I think the small panthere will be too small for me but would like to try it as there are not a lot of second hand panthere watches in medium available preloved
 
  • Insightful
Reactions: 880
Thank you, I have ruled this one out as I don't love the thicker sides on the watch. I have only tried on the Panthere in the medium and went back today to try on the watches again but as we have been in lockdown so long the queues at Cartier are insane. I might have to make a booking.

Having a 16.5mm wrist I think the small panthere will be too small for me but would like to try it as there are not a lot of second hand panthere watches in medium available preloved

I looked here locally in Denver for pre-owned Panthere watches. There was not much of a selection. And, the pre-owned market- at least in my area, seemed quite pricey. For example, a medium size watch (no diamonds), probably 15 years old- was priced at $3,200. And, it looked like it was pre-owned, as in, scratches, dullness. That possibly could have been remedied with a polishing. But, I figured a brand new watch was just $1,800 more. And, with an extended warranty. Pre-owned came with no warranty. In considering what watch would be better for longer wear- I picked the new one.
 
I think that is what I am attracted to with the tank the link to its classic heritage. I think if I was just to choose a watch without that element it would be the Panthere.



I have to remind myself of this. Just because it is the most well known classic one doesn't mean I have to go that way.

I am the WORST at making decisions
I find the TF is to be very different from the classic Tank Louis (the one worn by Jackie O, Andy Warhol, etc.) even though they technically belong to the same collection. The TF has its own aesthetic and only came out in the 90s--so the Panthere is actually an older design.
 
  • Insightful
Reactions: 880
I find the TF is to be very different from the classic Tank Louis (the one worn by Jackie O, Andy Warhol, etc.) even though they technically belong to the same collection. The TF has its own aesthetic and only came out in the 90s--so the Panthere is actually an older design.

Panthere is, if I remember correctly, circa 1983? To me, growing up in the 1980s, with everyone aspiring to a feminime smaller two tone Rolex or cartier, it brings me back to those days. i grew up with the idea of two tone smaller watches, like rolex two tone. My mom ans I back then preferred the santos, which was the old pilots watch. in the 1990s, when I could choose what I wanted, I went another direction to a men’s size tank francais. The TF is a very different aesthetic, and it was very popular in that decade.
 
  • Like
Reactions: beesknees2
@beesknees2 thanks for your thoughts.

I wear an Apple Watch to work (I work in social services so a Cartier isn’t really a great idea)
So it’s for going out weekends days with the the girls
I did love the panthere as it looked more like jewellery but everyone keeps saying the tank solo/mist is more classic and elegant so I am
So confused
Don't listen too much to what people say. You have to wear the watch and love it. I always wanted a TF watch, but when I tried on the medium panthere it was love at first sight. Bought it 2 years ago and I love it every time I wear it and look at it. It's my only watch. Tanks and panthere can both be considered casual and elegant as well as classic. Buy what you love.
 
Panthere is, if I remember correctly, circa 1983? To me, growing up in the 1980s, with everyone aspiring to a feminime smaller two tone Rolex or cartier, it brings me back to those days. i grew up with the idea of two tone smaller watches, like rolex two tone. My mom ans I back then preferred the santos, which was the old pilots watch. in the 1990s, when I could choose what I wanted, I went another direction to a men’s size tank francais. The TF is a very different aesthetic, and it was very popular in that decade.
I think the new Santos Dumont is gorgeous, especially with the leather straps and sunray dial. I do find the two-tone Panthere to be quite dated, but the all SS and all YG versions manage to be both classic and relevant. They're very popular among 20-somethings today but look great on Sienna Miller and Sofia Coppola as well.
 
There was not much of a selection. And, the pre-owned market- at least in my area, seemed quite pricey.

I am finding this there are hardly any medium Panthere watches in my price range. I would save up longer but I have put a ceiling on what I am prepared to spend on the watch (given our financial position) so I may have to keep looking for one or go for a tank which seem to be more common especially the francaise although I won't get that one.

The TF has its own aesthetic and only came out in the 90s--so the Panthere is actually an older design.
Yes I did read that it was designed as a sportier update. It is a lovely watch but of the two square faced designs I prefer the panthere

The TF is a very different aesthetic, and it was very popular in that decade.
I saw that in what I read Lady Di wore it I know she also wore the tank with a leather strap

when I tried on the medium panthere it was love at first sight.
This was me the other day. I am trying to make sure it wasn't because it was a diamond version so I really need to go back and make sure that isn't the case.
I think the new Santos Dumont is gorgeous
I haven't seen this one. My budget sadly won't stretch to new


I went to Cartier but the queues were insane (we have two boutiques in our city but having just come out of the longest lockdown in the world people have been waiting to get inside one they are not c currently taking appointments so I have to find a day where I can queue for an hour)

I want to go in and look at how it looks with my arm by my side, in different sizes and most importantly without diamonds. Then I need to see what is out there and what I can afford.

I do feel, with all of your help, I can't go wrong with either
 
I am finding this there are hardly any medium Panthere watches in my price range. I would save up longer but I have put a ceiling on what I am prepared to spend on the watch (given our financial position) so I may have to keep looking for one or go for a tank which seem to be more common especially the francaise although I won't get that one.


Yes I did read that it was designed as a sportier update. It is a lovely watch but of the two square faced designs I prefer the panthere


I saw that in what I read Lady Di wore it I know she also wore the tank with a leather strap


This was me the other day. I am trying to make sure it wasn't because it was a diamond version so I really need to go back and make sure that isn't the case.

I haven't seen this one. My budget sadly won't stretch to new


I went to Cartier but the queues were insane (we have two boutiques in our city but having just come out of the longest lockdown in the world people have been waiting to get inside one they are not c currently taking appointments so I have to find a day where I can queue for an hour)

I want to go in and look at how it looks with my arm by my side, in different sizes and most importantly without diamonds. Then I need to see what is out there and what I can afford.

I do feel, with all of your help, I can't go wrong with either
If you are considering preloved, I believe I’ve read that chrono24 and some others are reputable. Though I would suggest doing your due diligence and consulting some watch forums to confirm that. Good luck!
 
If you are considering preloved, I believe I’ve read that chrono24 and some others are reputable.

thanks I have seen that Chrono24 is widely considered reputable. They have a 14 day escrow period so I would be taking the watch straight to Cartier to validate and check the condition before allowing it’s release
 
Top