A Cartier Tank Anglaise replica copies a watch Cartier sold from 2012 to about 2020. The genuine line had three case sizes, four metals, and one automatic movement. Most replicas copy the steel large model. Replica prices run from about $80 for quartz to about $600 for an automatic with a clone movement. Genuine steel models listed for about $7,000 to $9,000 at retail.
cartier tank anglaise fake version
Tank Anglaise specs
- Case sizes: small 30.2 x 22.7 mm, medium 34.7 x 26.2 mm, large 39.2 x 29.8 mm.
- Case shape: rectangle with rounded corners and a brancard on each side.
- Crown: set into a notch cut in the right case flank. Sapphire cabochon on gold references.
- Metals: steel, rose gold, yellow gold, white gold. Some references carry a diamond bezel.
- Movement: Cartier caliber 1904-MC, automatic.
- Bracelet: tapered link bracelet with a hidden folding clasp.
- Dial: Roman numerals, sword hands, printed minute track.
How it differs from the Tank Française
Both are Tanks with link bracelets. The Française has a crown guard that sits on the case side. The Anglaise has no guard. Its crown sits inside a rectangular cut in the flank. A copy that shows a raised guard is a Française case with an Anglaise dial.
cartier tank anglaise counterfeit
What to check on a replica
- Case size. Measure with calipers. Copies of the large case often measure 38 mm, not 39.2 mm.
- Crown recess. The cut should match the crown height. A gap of 0.5 mm shows in photos.
- Dial print. Numeral stroke width should stay even at XII and VI. Blurred edges show at 2x magnification.
- Hidden signature. Cartier puts a small wordmark inside a numeral on some Tank dials. Confirm the placement for the reference you want.
- Date. Some sizes have a date at 3. Copies mix layouts between sizes.
- Movement. Ask for a photo of the rotor. A Miyota 9015 runs at 28,800 vph and sweeps. A 21,600 vph movement is a cheaper clone.
- Engravings. Reference and serial numbers sit on the caseback. Font depth varies on copies.
- Bracelet screws. Link screws should be slotted and flush with the link. Pressed pins point to a low-grade bracelet.
Price bands
- $80 to $150: quartz, steel case, folded clasp.
- $250 to $400: automatic, Miyota or Seagull movement, solid links.
- $450 to $600: clone 2824, finer dial print, sapphire crystal.
A “Swiss made” label appears on copies at every price. Ask for the movement photo before you pay.
How to Spot a Cartier Tank Anglaise Counterfeit
Service and spare parts
Cartier will not service a replica. Independent watchmakers can swap a Miyota or an ETA clone. Crowns, case parts, and bracelet links are not sold as spares, so one broken link can end the watch. Ask the seller for spare links and screws at the time of purchase.
Cartier Tank Anglaise Replica Guide: Compare Case, Movement, and Seller Terms
Legal status in the US
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import and sell in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize a shipment and destroy it. Trademark holders can sue sellers. A personal purchase carries less risk than resale, but the parcel can still be seized at the border.