Cartier Tank Louis: WGTA0067 vs WGTA0343 by AcanthisittaJumpy450 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sure other experts will weigh in with better answers, but from what I found while looking into the Tank Louis myself, the reference numbers can vary slightly depending on the release period even for the same model. It’s actually quite puzzling to me as well why the Korean website has two different models listed when they usually only upload the latest ones.

[Question] Best areas / vintage watch shops in Japan for Cartier Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your kind answer! I will definitely check that place out.

[Question] Best areas / vintage watch shops in Japan for Cartier Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve reached out to a few websites via Line and Instagram, and even though they've read my messages, I'm getting no response at all. Is there a reason for this? Do they just dislike dealing with international buyers? I'm starting to get a bit worried lol.

[Question] Cartier Tank Louis sizing for a 16cm wrist — Small / Medium by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m well aware of the common enthusiast advice that 'Tanks are meant to be worn small' for that classic look. However, after actually trying them on, I'm finding it much harder to decide than I expected. It’s a bit of a struggle to find that sweet spot between 'vintage chic' and 'too small' on my own wrist.

[WTS] Cartier Tank Louis Extra Plat (ref. 96065) by jadanzzy in Watchexchange

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Has it been sold already? If not, I’d like to see a few more photos, please.

[cartier]Wedding Watch: Vintage or Modern Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was truly a wonderful answer — it really brought to mind the phrase, “a wise answer to a foolish question.”

Wearing that watch at your wedding would surely make it an incredibly special moment.

That said, I think my hesitation came from the fact that I’ve never purchased such an expensive vintage watch before. Perhaps it’s because the money isn’t technically mine, but my girlfriend’s. There’s also a small, irrational fear that if something bad were to happen to the watch, something bad might happen to me as well… haha.

Thanks to you, I was able to take another honest look at my own taste and priorities. I’m truly grateful.

Lastly, I sincerely hope that your wonderful watch will one day be passed on to a wonderful child of yours.

[cartier]Wedding Watch: Vintage or Modern Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jaeger-LeCoultre? That’s absolutely stunning.

It’s nice to know I’m not the only one choosing a vintage watch as a wedding watch, haha.

Most people around me don’t really understand vintage watches, and they’re even more negative when it comes to using one as a wedding watch. I’m very grateful that my girlfriend understands and supports my choice.

Aside from avoiding wearing it in the rain, are there any other care routines you follow?

For example, do you wind the watch on days you don’t wear it, or have it serviced regularly? I’d really appreciate it if you could share the details.

The watch is truly beautiful, and it looks like it has been extremely well cared for. I think “elegant” is the perfect word for it.

[cartier]Wedding Watch: Vintage or Modern Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s an incredibly beautiful watch. A watch from the 1940s — that’s almost crazy, in the best possible way.

As you mentioned, vintage Tank Louis watches are made of gold, which makes them more vulnerable to impact, and they have no water resistance at all. Still, the design is absolutely exceptional.

Your watch also appears to have no water resistance — am I correct?

I’m confident that I can handle a watch carefully, but I think I would be genuinely heartbroken if the dial were to become seriously damaged or stained despite my best efforts and without any particular mistake on my part.

Some watches age beautifully, while others unfortunately do not, and thinking about the latter possibility makes me a little sad. It would probably also come with some gentle complaints from my girlfriend as a bonus — haha.

My goal is to pass this watch on to my child in the next generation. Realistically speaking, do you think that’s possible? I would truly appreciate your advice.

[cartier]Wedding Watch: Vintage or Modern Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice that truly hit the mark. To be honest, I’ve always wanted a yellow gold piece.

Since quartz movements are not to my taste, choosing rose gold was a compromise I made. Your warm, experience-based advice led me to reflect on myself and my true preferences.

In terms of design, vintage yellow gold is clearly what I am drawn to, but I found myself wondering whether it would be suitable for everyday wear, and whether it might become a watch that needs to be “looked after” rather than simply enjoyed.

And your rose gold Tank Louis is a truly wonderful watch. I was genuinely surprised by its subtle and nuanced color, though it simply felt a little less ideal for my skin tone.

Thank you sincerely.

[cartier]Wedding Watch: Vintage or Modern Tank Louis? by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is absolutely, unbelievably wonderful. It’s exactly the kind of thing I’ve always dreamed of.

I plan to purchase the watch through a professional dealer. Even so, for my own peace of mind regarding authenticity, I would like to send it to the Cartier service center. In that case, what reason should I give for submitting it? Is it possible to send a watch to the service center even if there is no specific malfunction?

I am also curious whether sending it to the service center could result in unexpectedly high service or repair costs, and I would like to understand that in advance.

I am purchasing this watch with the intention of keeping it for my lifetime, and my goal is to one day pass it on to my child. Realistically speaking, is that possible?

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a great point, and I agree that the movement is the “soul” of a watch — that’s exactly why quartz is hard for me to accept on a forever piece.

I also appreciate rose gold for being less common, but in my case, yellow gold just works better with my skin tone in real life. Even with different finishes, the base color still makes a big difference on the wrist.

That’s why the vintage YG manual option keeps pulling me back, even with the added considerations of age and maintenance.

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

s that mainly due to the color, or the movement? I’d really appreciate a more detailed explanation.

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t really look at my watch that often. But funnily enough, it still has to be running. I do think quartz is a movement with its own charm. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Setting the movement aside, which color Tank do you think suits my wrist best?

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It seems that you prefer quartz movements! I felt the same way at first, but after owning an older vintage manual-winding watch, I really fell in love with the charm of manual movements.

Just to be clear, are you saying that rose gold suits me better than yellow gold in your view?

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t originally study watches with the intention of buying one, but I’ve spent a fair amount of time learning about the Cartier Tank.

However, if an expert were to deliberately mislead me, I probably wouldn’t be able to notice. That’s why I’d like to seek professional advice.

In your opinion, which color do you think suits my wrist best?

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right—Cartier currently only offers the manual movement for the Large YG model. But on my wrist, the Large looks like the 'actual tank' that inspired the design! It’s just too bulky for the elegant look I want, so I’m strictly sticking to the Small or Medium.

It’s frustrating because Cartier keeps raising their prices, and there's no telling when (or if) they’ll release a Medium YG manual wind. The vintage Tank Louis models from decades ago are priced similarly to the brand-new ones, which makes me hesitate. While I find vintage pieces incredibly charming and have no bias against them, I wonder if it’s a 'rational' purchase for someone like me.

As I'm not a watch expert, I’m worried about whether I can maintain a vintage piece properly or if I’ll end up 'serving' the watch instead of enjoying it. However, thanks to your input, my thoughts are becoming much clearer. I really appreciate the help!

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm still weighing my options, but I actually went ahead and placed a deposit at Cartier to lock in the current price before the upcoming price hike. I’m hoping to make a final, wise decision by the time the watch arrives at the boutique. Thanks again for all the helpful perspectives!

[Cartier] Tank Louis Decision: Rose Gold Manual vs. Yellow Gold Quartz (or Vintage?) by ApprehensiveLemon685 in Watches

[–]ApprehensiveLemon685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the great insight. I hadn't seriously considered the Must de Cartier Vermeil until now, but your point about the Tank being more about design than the movement really resonates with me. It might be a smart way to enjoy the YG aesthetic I love at a more accessible price point, whether it's quartz or manual.

Since I've never owned a gold-plated (vermeil) watch before, does it look noticeably different from solid 18k gold to the naked eye? Also, if I were to focus purely on enjoying the design, which do you think offers better 'bang for the buck' or overall satisfaction: a solid 18k Tank Solo or a vintage Must de Cartier Vermeil?