Which of these Cartier watches do you like best?

[RubiesandRose]

Just as the title says! I've promised myself for a long time that I would invest in a luxury watch when I was able to and it comes down to these two Cartier watches, which I can decide between.

Which one would you choose? Rectangular face is the classic Tank Must and the circular face is the Balloon Bleu.

Square one

The round one.

Not really a fan of either tbh but prefer the circular one. The rectangle looks really dated somehow.

Square one

The Tank every time. It’s the classic Cartier look.

I just read your update about trying them on, OP. If you’re anywhere near London you should pop into the Cartier boutique on Bond St. They will have the full range to try on. I found them to be very friendly & helpful when I went in last year.

I love the ballon bleu but with the roman numerals.

I think the tank looks really.. clunky and dated, even though I know it’s a classic. Suits its name I guess, but I don’t think it looks that ‘nice’.

Tank

I have a Tank Francaise and absolutely love it. Wear it every day!

The tank one. That’s the one I want as it’s classic and recognisable. It’s the one I have my eye on too.

Definitely the tank

Not normally the one to comment on this kinda thing but OP if you’re considering buying one it’s called ‘ballon blue’ as in French for ‘blue ball’. Definitely not ‘balloon’. Sorry to be a pedantic dick and hope I haven’t offended.

Tank, definitely. Enjoy your new watch!

Oh gosh I said definitely the tank but now having seen both on the wrist the bleu is very lovely , such a dilemma.

The square 💯

Saying that… do try them on… because it will depend on you.

I prefer the tank. It’s a timeless (no pun intended!) classic, almost as much as the ultimate classic, the Santos.
I’m sure the bleu would look lovely on you too but it wouldn’t be as instantly recognisable as a Cartier timepiece so it depends also on whether you’d like people to know you’re wearing a Cartier too I suppose?!

Tank

I prefer the rectangular shape of face but the dial looks too "busy" with all the roman numerals. The dots on the round look less fussy.

So for that reason, the round,

Definitely the Tank. It’s a classic and distinctive Cartier design. Although I slightly prefer the Tank Francaise to the Must. Servicing is not cheap but I’ve had my watch (the Tank Francaise) serviced only once in 7 years and it runs perfectly.

I think the Bleu is more of a fashion piece and looks abit cartoonish, although the diamond markers do look better than the Roman numerals.

Whatever you decide enjoy wearing your beautiful Cartier watch.

The Tank

I know someone with the rectangular one, tbh I don’t think it looks as nice as the price dictates! And the round one is gross.

I much prefer Rolex.

If you are open to other watchmakers, I think the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (rectangular) and Rendez-vous (round dial), are also worth looking at.

I have a ballon bleu (although one with roman numerals all round like @mogglemoo). I absolutely love it.
I'd try on both and see what you think. You can't really go wrong though!

@RubiesandRose

I would strongly recommend trying them on. I was convinced that I wanted the Ballon Blue, but when I tried it I didn’t like it and went for the Tank. I absolutely love it.