Cartier

Cartier Midsize W51012Q4 Tank Francaise Stainless Steel and 18K Gold Watch

• Swiss Made watch with Cartier Calibre 175A Swiss-quartz movement
• Scratch-resistant-sapphire crystal; Case diameter: 25 mm
• Solid square stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold case and matching polished and brushed stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold bracelet

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Perfect with casual or formal attire, the Tank Francaise features a simple yet luxurious two-tone construction. Designed for men and women, this striking timepiece from Cartier is made with the finest materials, including a stainless steel and 18-karat gold bracelet and a stainless steel 25-millimeter case and bezel. Protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire window, the square white dial features a date calendar at three o'clock, along with black hand indicators and Roman-numeral hour markers. Powered by Cartier's own Calibre 175A Swiss-quartz movement, the Francaise is water resistant to 99 feet.

The Cartier Story

The name Cartier is synonymous with luxury, quality, and style. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, the company became renowned worldwide for its design and production of beautiful jewelry and opulent objets d'art. A royal commission in 1904 made Cartier a supplier to Europe's Crowned Heads of State and led England's King Edward VII to describe Louis Cartier, grandson of the founder, as the jeweler of Kings, the King among jewellers.

By the early 20th century, Cartier had expanded its collection to include watches. At a time when pocket watches were still considered de rigueur for the distinguished gentleman, Cartier helped popularize the wristwatch, making it a bold fashion statement for men and women as well as a status symbol among the well-to-do. Louis Cartier is credited with creating the first men's wristwatch, the Santos, in 1904. He developed and named the watch for his client and friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed a device that would allow him to read the time without taking his hands off the controls of his airplane.

Other classic designs followed, including Cartier's signature timepiece--the Tank--which debuted in 1917 during the First World War and was inspired by the tough new war machine the Americans introduced to the fighting in Europe. Cartier's first water-resistant watch was named after the Pasha of Marrakesh, who requested that Cartier create watch that he could wear while in his swimming pool and not lose track of time.

And while it is known more for its luxurious design, Cartier is also credited with creating the highly functional deployment folding clasp in 1910, which is now used by watchmakers around the globe.

Modern Cartier watchmakers still base their watch designs on the early fundamentals developed by Louis Cartier. Treasured by collectors, Cartier watches are distinguished by their impressive variety of shapes (round, square, oval, Tank, Tortue and Tonneau), by their exceptional materials and workmanship, and by their recognizable Cartier aesthetic, an elegant blend of classic and modern design.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000FLRXM2
• Item model number: W51012Q4
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,449 in Watches (See Top 100 in Watches)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware!!!, June 2, 2010

By 

J. M. Douglas "jmdnyc" (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cartier Midsize W51012Q4 Tank Francaise Stainless Steel and 18K Gold Watch (Watch)

Do not buy this or any other high end watches from Amazon!!!! This is a grey market item sold directly by Amazon that is not supported by a Cartier warranty. Moreover, the watch arrived inoperable and although I returned it the same day it was delivered, Amazon has refused to accept the return because of "scratches" on the clasp. The watch has never been worn. Please do not make the same mistake I made. Trust me, the savings are not worth it. BTW, I have purchased over 2100 items on Amazon and was shocked that they would behave this way.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars lifetime style, July 21, 2007

By 

islandgirl (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cartier Midsize W51012Q4 Tank Francaise Stainless Steel and 18K Gold Watch (Watch)

spent my bonus on this classic + elegant, automatic-movement timepiece 11 years ago. it's style + loveliness remains till today! I've received countless compliments on it.

this midsize face sits low + snug. it contours to the shape of the wrist + is perfectly sized. all the metal + links are smooth.. not like some of the other super-expensive brands I tried.

I had this watch on everyday + the 'battle-scar' scratches show the rough wear I put it through :) after 10 years, the automatic-movement needed an 'over-haul' due to wear + tear. since this is my 1 + only luxury watch, I thought it would last forever + had not taken better care of it by sending it for regular servicing.. it only had 1 service in it's 8th year.

still extremely satisfied with this finely crafted timeless beauty!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous watch, July 9, 2010

By 

MajorDudette (Redondo Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cartier Midsize W51012Q4 Tank Francaise Stainless Steel and 18K Gold Watch (Watch)

The item above is not sold by Amazon, and I did not buy my watch from Amazon, so this review only pertains to the watch itself. However, in response to the man who says Amazon-sold watches aren't warrantied, this is wrong. If the seller is Amazon, then Amazon states "All Cartier watches purchased Direct from Amazon.com are covered by a limited two-year warranty at no additional cost (see details). Applies only to products sold by Amazon.com. Does not apply to products sold on our site by third-party merchants or through third-party areas such as Amazon.com Marketplace."

Anyway, I was going to purchase this midsize 2-tone from Amazon last year but I stepped into a well-known watch retailer to try on the watch first. When pressed, I let them know I was going to buy it on Amazon, and asked them if they could match that price. They did!

The watch is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. I tried on the women's and the mid-size. I have thin arms but the mid-sized still looked better to me, so I got that one. I've wanted a Cartier tank since I was a teenager. I will prize this piece for the rest of my life.

***Addendum: when I reviewed this item, it was not sold by Amazon, but I see that now the item is available through Amazon again. The reviews span different sellers apparently. So please pay attention to who the seller is.