You guys are right - there is nothing like a Tank!!

Well, I am delighted to be back in the World of Cartier. Even after I sold my Calibre - which I have not regretted, as it got me my beautiful Omega Speedmaster - I have been craving a smaller, dressier watch. And yes, Geo, you are absolutely right: there must be a square or rectangular watch in the collection. The time is not now for me to get a gold watch, though. For months, I have been deliberating about the Tank Solo in stainless steel. I have read and re-read comments on here and on other forums about all aspects of the watch, from the quartz movement to the steel bracelet. And I have tried it on any number of times.

Maybe it was because of the extra full Moon yesterday, I don't know. I just woke up and decided that I had to get a Tank Solo this weekend, and that is exactly what I did. I came very close to getting the steel bracelet, but when I tried on the black alligator model, I just had to admit it looked the best. I did take a very close look at the bracelet, and I do like it very much. I really still feel that the Cartier quality is really there, and it must have been quite a task to specially design such a bracelet not only for a Tank, but for such a thin watch. And I have to say - although there are many who will disagree - that Cartier did a fine job. However, all of my other watches have a steel bracelet, and not only is it time for a change, but I honestly think the watch looks better on the strap.

Another debate was the smaller alligator scales on the Tank Solo models. Until I read some of the comments, I did not honestly know it was a difference in quality. I actually preferred the look of the smaller scales - although it would not be a deciding factor in choosing a watch - and I really do like the overall quality of this strap. I did not realize how robust alligator leather is until I started fussing with the deployment strap on this watch. You really have to twist and squeeze the leather a lot when you are fitting it into the deployment.

I must admit the Cartier deployment is not very impressive to me, although after a bit of a struggle, I have managed to get the strap into a very comfortable position. Once I accepted the fact that the buckle was not going to center itself properly, it became a lot easier. Now I am quite happy with the results. Very comfortable. I must admit, though, I am not really too happy about bending, twisting and squeezing the leather. However, once in position, I don't think it will be a big deal.
I am loving the black strap, though. The black really brings out the Roman Numerals brilliantly. And I love the blued hands. The opaline dial, in real life, is much more beautiful than most of the photos make it out to be, with a beautiful satin antiqued effect.

To me, this is not an "entry level" watch. It is unmistakably a most gorgeous Cartier. I have gotten over the fact that it has a quartz movement, and for the amount of use the watch will get, I think quartz is a perfect choice. It also helps to know how well Cartier finishes the movement, regardless of the fact it is not visible. It is my very first Tank watch, and even if it might be my last, I could not be more proud of it. There is that unmistakable "Tank" feeling you get when wearing it. Regardless of how many are out there, you just know and feel that it is a very special and unique watch. Regardless of the size, metal, or movement. I am absolutely delighted with this watch. I think that Cartier has done an outstanding job with designing a stainless steel and combination gold/stainless steel Tank model at a price that is affordable to many who may not otherwise be able to own a Cartier Tank. And in using a quartz movement, they have been able to keep the watch at a nice thin size.
Anyway, I seem to be unable to get a watch without also getting a ring specially for it. Over a year ago, at Tiffany's, I noticed a line of jewellery they have, available in Sterling Silver, callled Atlas. After I picked up my watch, I paid them a visit, and fortunately they had my exact size, so I got that as well. I think the Roman Numerals on the ring are a beautiful touch with the watch, and the satin background for the Romans is almost identical to that of the Tank dial.

I took a few pics of my own. This coming weekend, I am hoping that a friend of mine will take some really good wrist shots for me. There don't seem to be many wrist shots of the Tank Solo, so I am hoping to get a good collection.

Some of my photos:



















Thanks for looking and reading all of my comments, although I do seem to have been quite "long-winded", as my Mother used to say.

Even as I start to appreciate the Tank Solo, I am thinking that it may also end up being my gold watch, when I get one. I love the size of this watch, and although I am waiting to see the new Tank LC, just looking at the dimensions makes me think it may be too large. It is really nice to have this smaller size as a change. And for a watch that will be worn comparatively little, a quartz movement makes perfect sense to me. After, all, it is still a Cartier Tank, and I can see there is nothing quite like it!

Cheers,
Carl