The Tank XL is my current favorite watch. It's simple, it can dress up, or it can dress down. I can wear it to wherever, except the pool. That is really my only gripe about the Tank. I wish it had some form of water resistance, if it did, it would be my GADA watch for sure.

The Santos is great, it has all the water resistance you could possibly need in normal day to day life, and it has decent resistance to magnetic fields. But, its polished bezels lend to a bit more flash, than an unassuming tiny rectangle on your wrist.

With that said, I've been running around with my Tank XL with a light orange canvas strap. It's very unassuming, no one thinks or knows its a "nice" watch, and I think it gives it personality. But I have an arsenal of cheapo straps that I switch on the fly.

 

You can’t go wrong with either. For me, and everyone is different, I didn’t want a Cartier with a date in either the Tank or Santos line. The dial felt cleaner to my eyes and more in line with the classic looks, especially as a formal piece on leather.

I opted first for a Tank Must Large, and loved it, but in the end it was too small on my 7.5” 19CM wrist. I appreciated the size from a historical perspective, but in general it just wasn’t big enough for me. I had the option to order the Tank XL, but my AD had a Medium Santos that I tried, and immediately it clicked. Double the price mind you, but the bracelet system, design, proportions, comfort, and most of all, lack of a date really sealed the deal for the Medium. I tried on a Large but it was visually too big for what I was looking for.

Again, you can’t go wrong with any of these watches. The Santos is perhaps more versatile, while the Tank leans more formal in most cases depending on straps, so consider your environment and attire. If you like the date on the Tank XL, go for it!

 

Thanks for the replies.

Quakeroatmeal, are you able to post a screenshot of the Tank XL on the canvas strap so I have an idea what it looks like? I promise that if we ever are in the same place at the same time, I won't wear it on that strap.

Stebesplace, the date on the Tank is one of the few drawbacks. I typically prefer watches without them, especially now that I need readers to even read the date.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Quakeroatmeal, are you able to post a screenshot of the Tank XL on the canvas strap so I have an idea what it looks like? I promise that if we ever are in the same place at the same time, I won't wear it on that strap.

Stebesplace, the date on the Tank is one of the few drawbacks. I typically prefer watches without them, especially now that I need readers to even read the date.

Sorry, I am running around with my Santos today, honeymooning with this lovely blue on gray model. Otherwise I'd take a fresh one for you. But if you look at my post history, I posted a picture of the Tank on a blue strap, and orange strap. I also have a nice worn in brown leather strap that I use from time to time but don't have that one posted.

 

I concur with @stebesplace in that the Santos' bracelet system is great. I have the ADLC version so I'm not as concerned with it being too flashy. It was the right fit for my collection vs the stainless steel. The black on black dial/ADLC doesn't have a bracelet option but it's nice knowing I can switch straps in a matter of seconds. It is such a versatile, unique watch and I really enjoy it. To me it was a more updated look than the Tank and less formal though I don't hesitate to wear it in the office and for more formal events.

 

Thanks, Quakeroatmeal. I was able to track it down. Way to make a tough decision more difficult.

 

I purchased the Tank Must XL. To me it was more elegant and less flashy than the Santos, and for the price it was a better value. I have yet to wear it as a dress watch, but it has turned out to dress down really well. It's thin and comfortable to wear on my 7.25" wrist.

 

JLC Reverso - just to throw that into the mix 😉

 

Bainz83, you stink. I was at a store that had the Cartiers and JLC's. Now I have to find a way to justify the price difference between a Tank and a Reverso.

 

I think I'd drive SWMBO even crazier than I already have if I threw another possibility at her.

 

The Tank XL gets my vote as well.

 

Tank is classic, but if I were buying one, I'd get a Santos. I think they are a hair sportier and wear well on a bracelet, which is my preference.

 

I personally find the Santos to be more versatile. I agree that it is flashier than the Tank, but on a leather strap, I definitely wouldn't consider it to be a very flashy watch in general.

 

I like both, but as previously mentioned but went Reverso after much thought.

Try one on before you decide then pick the one that suits best.

 

I have a feeling a trip to Chicago is in my future. That's the nearest city with a Cartier boutique. I assume I'll also be able to find an AD for JLCs there.

 

I took a photo for you during my lunch break today, I’m not a professional photographer but tried my best! Wears just fine with a hoodie and jeans!
Edit: Wow, my phone loves to make these pictures HUGE. I shrunk them a bit.

 

Thanks for the picture. It's a good thing I like road trips.

I don't suppose anyone wants to just buy me both if I ask nicely.

 

To be the Santos is a beautiful watch. To the point that I am tempted to go check it out myself. So Santos gets my vote.

 

Find a way to see them side by side. As soon as I did, I knew the Santos was the one for me. If you get the Santos and it's too shiny, you could always brush the bezel to tone it down.

 

If this doesn't convince you to get the Santos then you really don't need either?

 

Santos

 

Santos for me. It seems more versatile. Also, I really dont like the pointy crown on the tank. Its too jewellery-like, but that is entirely my subjective opinion.

 

I own both. A current Tank XL and a 90s bi-metal Santos. I think that if you only have one it should be Santos.It was the first men's wristwatch and has a bit more balance with its square shape.

 

Hard call. they are both classics. if i had to choose, i would go for the Tank.

 

FWIW, I just went through this debate myself. I'm getting semi-matching anniversary gifts for my wife and I. I ultimately went with the Tank. The dial is what made the different for me. The Santos is gorgeous, but I fell hard for the detailing on the Tank XL's dial in person. Of course, now that there's the Santos with the blue bezel...time to save up again.

 

My husband‘s stepfather had a TT Santos in the 1980s, when the Rolex TT DJ arguably “ruled the roost“ in that category of watches (dressy, on a bracelet, but could be worn with anything), and I thought it was the coolest looking watch ever. There’s nothing else like it. Cartier keeps it fresh, and it looks as good as ever now. That watch gets my vote.

While I like the classic Tank, I would definitely try on on the JLC Reverso first before actually buying a Tank. It has a similar look, and is on the level of iconic watches.

As a random option, any consideration to the discontinued Cartier Roadster? i think they look great, and are unmistakably Cartier.

Good luck!

 

Tank americaine with art deco dial. Somewhat off the beaten path.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

 

I’ve never cuddled up to the exposed screw heads in the Santos, or other watches which feature them. Tank is light years ahead for me.