How to Spot a Fake Cartier Tank: 7 Things to Check
The Cartier Tank is one of the most copied watches in the world. The good news is that most fakes can be spotted if you know where to look. This guide covers the key details to check on a Cartier Tank, whether it is a solid gold Tank Louis Cartier, a vermeil Must de Cartier or a steel Tank Française.
No checklist replaces an inspection by an expert, but these points will help you avoid obvious fakes and ask sellers the right questions.
1. The dial and the “secret signature”
On many Cartier models, the word “CARTIER” is hidden in tiny letters inside one of the Roman numerals, often the VII or the X. It is very hard to copy cleanly. On a genuine watch the letters are crisp and evenly spaced; on many fakes they are missing, blurred or the wrong size.
Also check the “chemin de fer” (railway) minute track around the dial and the Roman numerals themselves. Cartier’s printing is sharp, with clean edges and even spacing. Uneven lines, thick or fuzzy printing and spelling mistakes are warning signs.
2. The crown and cabochon
A Cartier Tank has a beaded crown set with a blue cabochon (usually synthetic spinel or sapphire). On genuine watches the cabochon is a deep, clean blue, well shaped and securely set. Cheap fakes often use blue glass or plastic that looks dull, too light or badly fitted.
3. The caseback
Turn the watch over. A genuine Tank caseback has clean, precise engraving with the Cartier name, a reference and a serial number. Solid gold Tanks carry gold hallmarks (such as 750 for 18K gold), and vintage Must de Cartier Tanks are marked as sterling silver (925) with a gold plating mark. Shallow, uneven or sloppy engraving, or a missing serial number, should make you suspicious.
4. The case and finishing
The Tank’s case is defined by its “brancards”, the vertical sides that flow into the lugs. On a real Cartier the lines are sharp and symmetrical and the polishing is even. Look at the gaps where the strap meets the case and at the edges of the crystal: poor fit is common on fakes.
5. The movement
Most vintage and many modern Tanks use quartz movements; others are manual-wind or automatic. A genuine Cartier movement is clean and marked appropriately. If a seller cannot tell you what movement is inside, or refuses to show it, be careful.
6. The strap and buckle
Original Cartier straps and buckles are signed. The buckle should be well finished and match the case metal. A replacement strap is not a problem in itself, but a poor-quality buckle with a crude logo is a red flag.
7. Price and seller
If the price looks too good to be true, it usually is. Buy from sellers who show real photos of the exact watch (not stock images), give the reference number, describe the condition honestly and offer returns so you can have the watch checked yourself.
Buying a Cartier Tank with confidence
At Watchlunex every Cartier is checked before it is listed: dial, case, caseback, movement and reference number. Every listing shows real photos of the exact watch you will receive. You get free insured shipping to 43 countries, free 30-day returns in every country and a 2-year warranty. Learn more on our Authenticity page.
Shop our pre-owned Cartier Tank watches or the full pre-owned Cartier collection. For more help, read How to spot a real Must de Cartier, Cartier Tank Must vs Tank Louis Cartier and Cartier Tank sizes explained.
