Is your Tank Américaine
the real deal?
The Cartier Tank Américaine features a distinctive curved, elongated case that follows the contour of the wrist. Re-launched in 2023 to enormous demand, this elegant variation of the Tank design is available in precious metals and steel, and its popularity has fueled a surge in counterfeits.
How to authenticate a Tank Américaine
Curved Case Profile
The defining feature of the Tank Américaine is its pronounced curve that matches the contour of the wrist. When placed on a flat surface, the case should rock gently due to its curvature. The curve should be smooth and continuous from lug to lug. Counterfeits often have a flat or insufficiently curved case that doesn't sit naturally on the wrist.
Dial Layout
The elongated dial features Roman numerals carefully proportioned for the curved case. The "Cartier" signature should be sharply printed, and the railroad minute track should follow the elongated shape precisely. Blued steel sword-shaped hands should have genuine heat-blued coloring. Counterfeits often have poorly proportioned numerals that don't suit the elongated format.
Sapphire Cabochon Crown
Like all Cartier Tank models, the Américaine features a genuine blue sapphire cabochon set into the crown. It should be smooth, domed, and richly colored with a deep blue hue. The stone should be properly set flush into the crown. Counterfeits often use glass or plastic that lacks the depth and richness of genuine sapphire.
Case Back
The case back should be curved to match the case profile, with proper Cartier engravings, serial number, reference number, and material hallmarks. The curvature should be smooth and uniform. Counterfeits often have flat case backs that don't follow the curved profile, or poorly executed engravings with incorrect fonts.
Crystal
The Américaine uses a curved sapphire crystal that follows the case's contour. It should also feature Cartier's secret signature — a tiny double-C logo laser-etched at 7 o'clock, visible under magnification. The crystal should be perfectly clear with no distortion despite its curvature. Counterfeits often use flat mineral glass without the secret signature.
Strap
The Américaine comes on genuine alligator leather with a signed Cartier buckle or deployant clasp. The leather should be high-quality with a natural grain pattern and clean stitching. The buckle should be engraved with "Cartier" in the correct typeface. Counterfeits use low-quality leather with incorrect grain patterns and poorly engraved buckles.
Tank Américaine counterfeit warning signs
Flat Case That Doesn't Curve
The Tank Américaine's defining characteristic is its curved case that follows the wrist contour. If the case sits flat on a table without rocking, or doesn't curve naturally around your wrist, it's almost certainly counterfeit.
Incorrect Proportions
The Américaine has very specific elongated proportions. If the case appears too wide relative to its length, or too short, it doesn't match the genuine design. Compare proportions carefully against official Cartier specifications for the size (small, medium, or large).
Missing or Poorly Executed Curved Crystal
The sapphire crystal should curve smoothly to match the case profile. A flat crystal, one that doesn't follow the case curvature, or mineral glass instead of sapphire are all signs of a counterfeit. Check for the secret signature at 7 o'clock under magnification.
Low-Quality Strap With Incorrect Buckle Font
Genuine Cartier straps use premium alligator leather with precise stitching. The buckle should be engraved with "Cartier" in the exact typeface used by the maison. Sloppy stitching, synthetic leather, or buckles with incorrect font weight or spacing indicate a counterfeit.
Scan your Tank Américaine now
Upload a few photos and get an AI-powered authenticity report in seconds. First scan free.
Start ScanningFor high-value purchases, we recommend pairing your AI scan with an in-person inspection by a certified watchmaker for complete peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Tank Américaine relaunched?
Cartier relaunched the Américaine in 2023 in updated sizes (small, medium, large) with refined case proportions. The relaunch generated enormous waitlists due to the model's iconic curved design.
What sizes is it available in?
Three sizes: small (34.3 x 19mm), medium (45.1 x 26.6mm), and large (52 x 32.4mm). The medium is the most popular. Available in steel, yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold.
What movement does it use?
Depends on the size — the small uses a quartz movement, while the medium and large use Cartier's automatic caliber 1847 MC. The mechanical versions can be identified by the smoother seconds hand sweep.