MTF
[PuristS]
13383
Cartier Tank MC: My delayed but considered opinion
Dear forumners,
Some erudite dachshunds were consulted for the introduction to the Cartier Tank MC in a previous article:
Cartier Connections part 4: A Tale of Two Doggies (Cartier Tank MC) CLICK following URL link:
cartier.watchprosite.com
My esteemed colleague, foversta, provided his personal view: My view on the Cartier Tank MC line: CLICK following URL link:
cartier.watchprosite.com
At the time, I wrote: "We need to 'touchy-feely' the new Tank MC to make a definitive decision but so far, it looks a candidate for the #2 rank on the league table, which is good for Cartier and enthusiasts."
Until I got to see and touch the new watches, I could not write with more conviction than that.
I have to declare a bias for the original Cartier Tank LC, which, is the iconic but oldest design. In recent years, it is offered with quartz movements or 3rd party supplied movements. There is nothing wrong with that since Cartier has always purloined the best movements for their watches throughout history.
The slim and elegant Tank LC really is a "dress watch" for modern times although in the past, it was the standard everyday watch for many distinguished persons.
I gather that the 'MC' in Tank MC means Tank Montres Cartier to signify their own movements like the 1904MC and 9611MC. It also gives them a chance to make a modern masculine Tank shape. I agree with foversta that these watches are difficult to photograph because of many curved metal and glass surfaces.
The sensuous curves are enhanced by the brushed metal finishing on adjacent surfaces.
The contrast between shiny and satin brushed surfaces can be seen in the following photos.
I particularly like the vertical brushing on the crosspieces of the case frame and the authentic 'tank' shape of armoured tracked vehicles.
I can confirm foversta's conclusions below:.
Pros:
+ a refined case with nice details (shiny and brushed finish)
+ size is balanced and I appreciate this step towards smaller case
+ a good integration of the 1904 MC movement (circle in the rectangle)
+ date window is discreet
+ the fine setting of the folding clasp
Cons
- decorative finishing of the movement is spartan
- difference in price between gold and steel versions demanded superior movement finishing for the PG version.
This makes the steel version very good value because it still has the plainly decorated but in-house 1904MC movement in the excellent new Tank MC case.
As long as the owner's view is as good as this, there is no need to turn it over just to look at a movement. 
MTF Conclusion
The new Tank MC shape definitely takes it up to No.2 in the all-time Cartier Tank rankings.
We still yearn for a Cartier-own ultrathin movement in a classic Tank LC case but until then, this combination of the masculine yet sensuous Tank MC shape and the Cartier 1904MC movement makes it my #1 current choice for a 3-hand Cartier Tank watch.
The Cartier silver-white dial with railway minute track is 'de rigueur' so I suspect it will be the most popular variation.
The steel version gives the most practical and economic advantages for daily use..
Those in need of a skeleton-style movement should consider the palladium Tank MC skeleton but that is a different topic for another day........
This message has been edited by MTF on 2013-08-30 00:13:52
Cartier Tank MC: My delayed but considered opinion
Thanks a lot Melvyn for this comprehensive review!
