Need opinions please: Panthere or Tank Francaise

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WhiteTulips07

Member
Jun 3, 2013
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Hi all!
My DH has recently took me to the boutique to get me a watch for our anniversary. It is my first Cartier watch and I plan to wear it daily dressing up or down, as well as for special occasions (e.g. wedding, parties, events). After looking at a few, I was debating between a small Panthere and a small Tank Francaise, both in SS. We left the boutique with a small Panthere - we both thought it looks a bit dressier and more dainty, but still very wearable for everyday uses.

However, I came home still thinking about TF. Although it felt a bit chunkier when I tried it on in the boutique (not to the point that I am against it, just that a Panthere felt more comfortable on the wrist), I think it has this clean and sleek look to it, and Tank is how I first know Cartier watches. And now I have this dilemma…Is the Panthere a good choice (stick with my first instinct)? Should I exchange the Panthere for the TF? Should I go in to try them on again?

For a reference, I’m turning 39 this year, 5’7” size US 6, working in an office as well as a lab, and I have a 1 year old daughter.

Here are a couple of photos when I tried them on. Please let me know your thoughts. 658CB707-C199-4BDE-9609-860F4F8E02C4.jpeg9DE30A23-EA7D-43C6-9E78-D7E14C20C1D9.jpeg
 
Both watches look lovely on you, but I like the Panthere best on your wrist. It really works as an all occasion watch IMO. The TF less so IMO. Also, I find the Panthere a little more comfortable than the TF for daily wear and reach for it more often. They are both beautiful watches so whichever you choose you can’t go wrong. Buy what makes you happy.
 
I would say stick with your first instinct which was the Panthere. However, if you're unsure, you can go try them on again, which might help firm up your opinion one way or another.

I was very recently in the midst of similar decision making, trying to decide between the Tank Francaise, the Ballon Bleu, and the classic Tank Must (with black strap). I decided on the Tank Francaise two tone in small size. Also on my list to get is the classic Tank Must, which I also love. I went to the jewelry store here (the authorized dealer for Cartier) a few times and it took a few different trips to the store before I finalized my decision, so I definitely recommend going back and trying it on again until you feel sure of your decision.
 
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I had a similar dilemma last year
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/cartier-watch-photo-comparisons-panthere-and-tanks.1057434/

And I ended up going for the 2 toned Panthere in medium.
And I love it! :heart:
It’s elegant and sophisticated. Very very comfortable to wear. I often fall asleep with it on lol.

It’s funny because I always envisioned myself buying my first Cartier watch as a tank. I tried it on before confirming my belief. But! Tbh I never tried on the Panthere until my husband encouraged me to do so. And that was the game changer.

Just my experience and thoughts.
Go with what makes your heart sing more and you can always go back into the store to try the tank on and compare again. Good luck!
 
Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions!! :heart: I’ll see if I could go to the boutique and try them on again to have more settled feeling on my Panthere.
It’s funny that when I was buying it, I debated it in my head only a little bit and went with this one with not much hesitation. I walked out with my red bag happily. I started second guessing myself as I scrolled through my photos on my phone and thought the TF actually looks nice. And all these thoughts started popping up and turned into this unsure feeling :facepalm:
 
Based on photos, the P is more dressy but it is still totally suitable for daily wear.

And exactly for me too as when I thought of Cartier watch, first thing came to my mind is TF.

And I’d say the feel of both watches are rather different (yeah thus your dilemma).

And this is just my opinion : I feel the P looks “older/vintagey” than TF But that might be the look that you’re up for. And it works for many.

I have been debating on my next bracelet (I get to choose as a gift). I shortlisted a Bvlgari bracelet (among others) but my DH suggests to rather spend that money on a P watch with diamonds (the price points are darn close). He thinks the P is beautiful. However I’m not really into watches (have just a few and will not consider adding). And I’d say I’ll never get tired of a TF as it’s the ultimate classic watch representation of Cartier. Again, that’s just my own opinion.

Here’s my not so small looking TF on my small wrist.

3EE9C524-2F52-4F43-865E-88CFC0ED7943.jpeg

Will be fun to know what you’ve decided in the end!
 
Panthere all the way. Not just because I like it better (which I do), but also because you said you wanted to dress it up and down. The Tank really just isn't that dressy. It is a thicker clunkier style, which is great for everyday wear and for business suits, but that's about as dressy as you'd want to go with it. I wouldn't wear it with a fancy dress to a wedding or cocktail party for example. The Panthere on the other hand, can easily read as jewelry and looks as comfortable and elegant accompanying jeans as it does a cocktail dress.

Also, the Panthere looks stunning on your wrist. Very flattering.

Finally, there are so many Tank watch dupes out there that I feel like I get tired of seeing that shape. Every watch company almost has a watch that is a clear nod to the Tank. The square Panthere on the other hand, is more unique. Not so copied and more instantly recognizable as "that's a Cartier Panthere" rather than "I wonder if that's a Tank."

Don't let FOMO get you. You made the right choice. Trust your first instinct and enjoy your beautiful, enviable piece!!
 
I personally like the Tank on you better. I love the Tank and think it's so modern and sleek. I think it looks beautiful on you. It also matches your wedding band. Not a fan of the Panthere anyway, so I may be a bit biased.
 
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