2023 Cartier Tank Francaise Automatic: Unboxing, Closer Look, and Thoughts | WSTA0067 4469

Unboxing the new Cartier Tank Francaise Automatic, launched January 2023. In this video, I provide measurements, go over watch details in the Closer Look and Notable Points sections, and provide my final thoughts (for now). I'll follow up with another video after wearing the watch for a while.
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Unboxing
02:35 - Closer Look
08:31 - Notable Points
12:52 - Final Thoughts
Please feel free to drop a word in the comments and let me know how I can improve my future videos.
Information source(s):
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[@matthewheavin2783]

I tried this on today at a Cartier boutique and loved it on my wrist. It might have to be my next watch purchase. I do think $5500 is way too much for Sellita movement, but this not a watch to buy for the specs. I love the movement and finishing in my Omega Aqua Terra. This, I love because Cartier is top notch at classic style and this watch shows that.

[@rywk4225]

5500? must be the gold model, that looks awesome, would def get the gold quartz model if i had the dough lol, the mechanical just seems tad bit too large

[@mylesevans9893]

So detailed and comprehensive! Thank you.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@geedee2326]

Excellent unboxing. First time I see protective tape on Cartier watches. Something new? A must-have protection on new watches. Enjoy your new baby.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Thank you for watching! The dealer was nice enough to promptly ship the first they ever received to me and didn't bother with removing the tape that was on it upon arrival from Cartier US. It was rather pleasing taking the tape off one by one.

[@jairomarques2282]

Awesome review, bro!! Continue to make reviews and videos like this and others that you have on your channel.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

That's the plan! Thanks for stopping by and for subscribing!

[@nickywong767]

Maybe I’m being bias, my parents had both the large automatic and med quartz MK1 stainless steel during my childhood, probably purchased around early 1998 not entirely sure - tank francaise is not just a watch to me, it means beyond a lot more than that, simple, understated yet elegant, myself personally is also an owner of a mark1 large automatic stainless steel, although it may not be the best timepiece I’ve ever owned, however in my option it’s the best, ( probably because of its weight and elegant appeal, and fond memories of my happy childhood ) I must say after owning my first Cartier timepiece since 2001 ( Santos octagon auto , santos gablee x2, must de 21, ballon bleu42 auto, 2 tank francaise mk1 auto and a 2018 onwards santos medium auto, this still takes my breath away. ( both Mk1 and 2, it makes me smile ) Me personally thinks the mark2 large tank francaise reminds me of a mk1 large auto merged with mk1 medium quartz, as the early production tank francaise med quartz do happen to have a date display on the right next to 3oclock. In terms of the new bracelet it’s losing its specialness, as it so similar to the ballon bleu, it kinda takes away its shine as the mk1 tank francaise, and also too bulky for my liking. I wish in the future Cartier will produce the large model auto in full yellow gold, or maybe also offer optional quick switch opition like my the current offering santos and pasha.

[@saucemac8384]

Great video, I am an owner of the previous large model and the changes look pretty good to me!

[@ChezDoesStuff]

The previous model is super nice. Thanks for watching!

[@merrywalsh2809]

Last week, I got a pre-loved ladies small Tank Francaise in polished gold. I studied the redesign first, and knew I wanted the original design, for it’s more pronounced angles, and especially for the all polished surfaces. I can see where a man might favor the sportier look of the new version with the brushed surfaces.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Wear it in good health, Merry! I'm actually considering getting one of the classic large Tank Francaises that I featured in parts of this video, with a little bit more polished surfaces than the new one. So similar, yet so different!

[@Hoppetakeyama]

Nice review vdo. 💯

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Thank you!

[@weezkidtube]

Thanks for the review! The recessed crown and end links lost it for me. Lost the classic look.

[@warniu123]

It would help to have some wrist shots. It gives a different perspective on size and proportion.

[@Serita2006]

I prefer the original design of the Tank francaise. Why mess with a classic? It would be nice if Cartier offered both options or at least have the original available as a special order.

[@wristroll_vlad]

Nice Reverso Duoface on your wrist :)

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Thank you! It's a Grande GMT 8 Jours. I might do an 8 year review video on that piece down the road, since plenty of interesting stuff have happened to it over the years.

[@wristroll_vlad]

@@ChezDoesStuff awesome, looking forward to it!

[@19NJS71]

Do you think a black dial will be available like in previous models? or what about a dark green like the new santos? Or blue! Would be crazy 🤩

[@ChezDoesStuff]

I wouldn't be surprised if they did! Watch enthusiasts have been commending their Tank Must/LC dial iterations, after all. I'd line up for a burgundy one. But I hope they do burgundy for the medium Santos, too.

[@carrollat3125]

Hello. Nice video! Maybe you can help me. I own a small Cartier Tank Francaise 2-tone. Model 319480CD. It was given to me in 2006. Do you know where I can buy additional 2-3 links? I tried to order from Cartier Japan but it is not available in their store coz its an old model. I am also interested in the leather strap that you purchased. Do you mind sharing where to order it from? Btw, I am also from 🇵🇭Hope you can help me. Thanks

[@marvyeap]

My only dislike is the date window at 3 o’clock…otherwise perfect

[@ChezDoesStuff]

I get that. Thankfully, the date window is tiny. It definitely would have been better placed at 6 o'clock though - just like how it was in the Francaise 2302.

[@marvyeap]

@@ChezDoesStuff yeah, definitely better at 6 o’clock. And actually i was very surprised that Cartier put it at 3. Because cartier put a four handed 4 just to balance out the 8 on the dial, therefore i would expect cartier to emphasize balance and symmetry above all else.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

@@marvyeap very good point there. If I could have my way, I'd want an automatic two hander (no seconds) with the date at 6. I won't have to pay as much attention to accuracy then. That ought to look a lot cleaner, too.

[@sfsn3401]

i just bought this watch in the small steel, not sure sbout urs but i dont have tht huge gap at the butterfly clasp😅the gap between the case and the bracelet also is not noticeable

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Must just be a large model thing then. Enjoy your new watch!

[@tiffer67]

After wearing the new Tank Francaise for over a month now, there is one design feature of the watch I do not like. The new crown sitting inset the casing is extremely awkward to use. I find it difficult to change the date & it is also cumbersome when it comes to adjusting the time. The other point I'd make is that you can forget telling the time in hours of darkness, the dial & hands have no lume at all. It is however a beautiful watch & agree, the dial is stunning.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Oh yeah, I totally agree with the lack of nighttime legibility! I love using the crown though - going so far as to wish the Tank Francaise had a 5 or 8 day manual wind movement instead. Wear yours in good health!

[@19NJS71]

Prefer the new model way more.. less (polished) is more 😊

[@wristroll_vlad]

It’s all about design with Cartier. Spending $5.5k on a Sellita movement is absurd. Beautiful - but to me it looks like Cartier wanted to build a nice bracelet and added a watch around it, not a good one in terms of overall specs.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Yeah, I get where you're coming from. I'm on the other side of the argument now though - appreciating the simplicity of ETAs and Sellitas after having JLC worldtimers and IWC (in-house) chronographs still not work well post-service. I do agree that 5.5k is a bit much though. Fortunately, I got mine for under that. 😄

[@jk23_]

i walked in the store to buy this...did not like it. I walked away with the Santos. The watch is nice, but it lacks some bling.

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Santoses are great! Enjoy your new watch!

[@19NJS71]

The date is so small that it is useless besides being aesthetically awkward

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Yup, agreed.

[@19NJS71]

I am cringing as I see you measure the case with the metal calipers 😂 get some plastic ones, or use some tape

[@ChezDoesStuff]

😂 oops

[@guycalabrese4040]

Not worth the money. You're buying a fashion name, that's it...