Cartier Tank vs Patek Gondolo

[jag32]

I need (want) a rectangular watch and am torn between a rose gold Cartier Tank Solo XL or a similar 5124 Gondolo. While Patek is Patek, the Cartier Tank has a far richer history of 100 years than the Gondolo line. The Tank was designed by Louis Cartier and his the market prior to the great depression and was the original rectangular watch. The Tank was worn by General Pershing in WW1, on the wrist of JFK during the Cuban Missile Crisis, worn by Andy Warhol when painting, and on the wrist of Princess Diana when she died. The Tank has real history, which the Gondolo lacks. However, the Gondolo is a Patek Phillipe and the finish, craftsmanship, etc. Is arguably better than the Cartier Tank. But the Gondolo is probably the least popular Patek. The Gondolo case has inspiration from the period and era where the Tank was the gold standard. So, I love Patek, but I do want a tank.... And the Tank Solo XL is quite reasonably priced.

What's your opinion?

[JorgeCCW]

Cartier , specially if your “wants” become I am tired of it in the future


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[Justindo]

As a watch, I much prefer the looks and quality of the now discontinued Gondolo. You're right that Tank is much more iconic and has much more history than the Gondolo but the two can't really be compared in terms of quality or price, as the Patek is far nicer and far more expensive, especially if you're considering the rose gold Solo XL, which has a stainless steel case back and a simplified case compared to the Louis Cartier series watches. The Tank Louis Cartier Large, which uses a JLC manual movement, is closer in quality and price to the Patek but there's still a pretty big quality and price difference.

If you're torn and can afford the Patek, I would personally go for the Gondolo now and then get the Tank Solo XL in steel, which is a much better buy than the gold version, at a later date. These two watches are different enough that both could have a place in a collection.

[soundserious]

Cartier. Some things never go out of fashion. A Cartier Tank is one of them.

[dannyp]

Given your criteria, neither. JLC Reverso may only have an 85 year history, but it would seem to check all of your boxes.

And if you're going to go with a Cartier Tank, at least go for the Louis Cartier version, unless you absolutely must have the size of the Solo XL.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by soundserious

Cartier. Some things never go out of fashion. A Cartier Tank is one of them.

^^^^^ exactly. It shows a sense of maturity, a known classic that holds true today, tomorrow... for the next generation.

[Gaphle]

Sorry for non patek owner to comment on this. I do also like square watches and used to own santos. Maybe suggest looking at discontinued A Lange & Sohne Cabaret? It has distinct case unique in langes lineups, large jumping date that is very lange, applied roman numerals that I personally like rather than printed cheapish santos dial, very under the radar which many patek lovers like and at somewhat at bargain price.

[tom2517]

Cartier, Gondolo besides the Patek name, does nothing for me.

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Given your criteria, neither. JLC Reverso may only have an 85 year history, but it would seem to check all of your boxes.

And if you're going to go with a Cartier Tank, at least go for the Louis Cartier version, unless you absolutely must have the size of the Solo XL.

I second a JCL reverso

[Hendrikus]

Well, I’m biased, as I have both a Gondolo and a JLC Reverso. Two of my favourite pieces. 5124G Gondolo with salmon dial is stunning, IMHO.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by soundserious

Cartier. Some things never go out of fashion. A Cartier Tank is one of them.

While I agree, I do not agree that the Solo XL falls into that category. It's just too big to be considered a classic, timeless Tank. Unfortunately, unlike the Ronde Solo, the intermediate size ("large") is only available with a quartz movement.

The size and proportions of the Louis Cartier and Francais are, in my opinion, better, especially in gold.

[yoast]

Although the tank is a classic, I’d take the patek as I don’t like romans

[mps354]

Of the two you show, I’d go with the Cartier. However, I like jlc’s reverso the best. As with any rectangular watch, fit can be tricky, so definitely try them on multiple times

[Watch Rob]

Cartier over the Patek. Love those Romans .

[Justindo]

Yes, the JLC Reverso and the discontinued Lange Cabaret are also good choices worth mentioning. The Reverso's quality is not too far off Patek's and the Caberet bests them all. The moonphase versions of both are gorgeous.

[subtona]

Tank Louis Cartier extra thin.

[A971]

If you want a classic Cartier, I can understand a vintage one.

But it feels like you need to be born before 1950 to get excited about anything new from the brand. “I got it for 25% off! What a deal!” — likely overheard at an early-bird in South Florida.

Buy what you like. Have fun with it. And check out a Reverso before you pull the trigger.

[Humble michael]

Here’s the one you need . Love the moon phase-great size, very happy w it for me anyhow, james in San Antonio tx

[Humble michael]

Ps whatever you buy- get a Patek ! Yes they are more money- but for a reason. They are a fine timepiece not to be even compared to a Cartier. Cartier put next to any Patek Gondolo looks cheap imo , plus your Patek will hold its value. Just my thoughts- maybe I am a Patek snob , ha! :-)

[Rsdecker971]

Originally Posted by james272

Here’s the one you need . Love the moon phase-great size, very happy w it for me anyhow, james in San Antonio tx

Absolutely agree - the 5135 is a beauty.

[CamSLC]

Cartier between those two for me.

[AK797]

I do like the Cartier, but it had its celeb heyday in the 80s and 90s, Diana and Gekko spring to mind, now those same celeb types I see all wearing Rolex or higher brands. Cartier is just a starter brand now as watch wearing has become so conspicuous and popular in the internet age.

[dchang81]

Cartier is a classic but I love the gondolo especially at grey or preowned prices (I guess this can be said about any rectangular watch). Really want the 5200 but I'm done for 2019.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Justindo

Yes, the JLC Reverso and the discontinued Lange Cabaret are also good choices worth mentioning. The Reverso's quality is not too far off Patek's and the Caberet bests them all. The moonphase versions of both are gorgeous.

If a moon phase is on the table, don't discount the GP Vintage 1945 XXL. Actually, wait, that should be available at a nice discount ;). See that, see what I did there?

[jd57]

How big does the 5124 wear? Several comments on this wearing large elsewhere - have a big wrist so I like larger watches, but for a regular round dial dress watch would limit to 40mm. Does the 5124 feel/wear in that ballpark?

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by dannyp

If a moon phase is on the table, don't discount the GP Vintage 1945 XXL. Actually, wait, that should be available at a nice discount ;). See that, see what I did there?

Good suggestion! It's a crime for what the GPs sell for used and even new. I'd put them on the same level as Patek in terms of quality. The GP 1945 XXL is too large for me but if one is considering a Tank Solo XL, it could be a great option. The standard version or the moonphase with the big date are both gorgeous pieces.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Justindo

Good suggestion! It's a crime for what the GPs sell for used and even new. I'd put them on the same level as Patek in terms of quality. The GP 1945 XXL is too large for me but if one is considering a Tank Solo XL, it could be a great option. The standard version or the moonphase with the big date are both gorgeous pieces.

Shhhh. Don't tell anyone, at least not until I save up enough to pull the trigger on a Laureato.

And is the standard still in production, or does GP just not do a good job of keeping its website current with all models? I only see the moon phase version, the same way a handful of the PM Laureatos appear gone after only a year.

[ansharma]

I own the 5124J and it is my only Patek - one of my favourite watches in my collection, really amazing piece.

Could you stretch to a Gondolo in gold and Cartier in steel which would be a nice combination.

Here are some pictures of my gondolo, love the fitted movement as well as the immaculate applied gold markers. Very low profile on the wrist due to the curved slim case but significant presence on the wrist with large case size.








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[jag32]

Originally Posted by ansharma

I own the 5124J and it is my only Patek - one of my favourite watches in my collection, really amazing piece.

Could you stretch to a Gondolo in gold and Cartier in steel which would be a nice combination.

Here are some pictures of my gondolo, love the fitted movement as well as the immaculate applied gold markers. Very low profile on the wrist due to the curved slim case but significant presence on the wrist with large case size.








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Ugh, why did you have to do that? Now I'm going to do something stupid and buy both!

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by jag32

Ugh, why did you have to do that? Now I'm going to do something stupid and buy both!

That's what I suggested and what I would do if I were in your shoes. A yellow gold Gondolo and a steel Tank Solo would be a great pair.