The pick
A yellow-gold Cartier Tank Must replica from the high tier wins on case geometry. The same Guangdong and Shenzhen workshops that build the best Rolex replicas supply this tier. It uses a 316L stainless steel case with 3 to 5 microns of gold plating, a Swiss Ronda 763 quartz movement, and a flat sapphire crystal. Case width and length track the genuine within 0.3 mm. Street price sits between $380 and $650.
Fake Cartier Tank Must Yellow: A Comprehensive Guide
The step above, at $900 and up, adds a solid 18k gold case. Weight changes. Case shape does not.
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The genuine reference
Cartier sells the Tank Must in steel and in 18k yellow gold. The gold model runs a quartz movement, a sapphire crystal, and an alligator strap. Case size for the large model is about 33.7 mm by 25.5 mm. Cartier lists no plating spec because the case is solid gold. Retail sits in the four to five figure range in US dollars.
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How the three tiers compare
- High tier, $380 to $650: 316L or 904L steel, 3 to 5 micron plate, Ronda 763 or ETA quartz, sapphire crystal, hand-set spinel cabochon, leather or alligator strap.
- Mid tier, $150 to $300: 316L steel, 1 to 2 micron plate, Miyota or Chinese quartz, mineral crystal, glued cabochon, calf strap.
- Low tier, under $120: alloy case, sub-micron plate, Chinese quartz, acrylic crystal, printed dial with broken serifs, PU strap.
Option 1: high tier, $380 to $650
Closest match on the wrist. Gold tone holds for 2 to 4 years of daily wear before a replate. The Ronda 763 keeps time within 15 seconds a month. Caseback serials match the model code on the cards.
Option 2: mid tier, $150 to $300
Case shape is close. Plate wears through at the lugs in 6 to 12 months. Mineral crystal scratches. Dial printing shows soft edges under a loupe.
Option 3: low tier, under $120
Case is die-cast alloy. It weighs about 30 g less than a steel build. The crown cabochon falls out. Skip this tier if case shape matters.
Checks before payment
- Ask for a macro photo of the dial at 10x. Serifs on the Roman numerals must be sharp.
- Ask for a movement photo. A Ronda 763 shows a stamped Ronda mark on the bridge.
- Ask for caseback engraving depth. Shallow grey laser marks point to a low tier case.
- Ask for the weight on a scale. Plated steel with a leather strap lands near 50 g.
- Inspect the cabochon. Synthetic spinel has a faceted base. Glass does not.
Legal status
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import and sell in the United States. 18 U.S.C. § 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods. Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy shipments under 19 U.S.C. § 1526. Cartier is a Richemont brand. The Tank name and the case shape carry registered trademarks.
Prices and specs above come from seller listings and forum measurements. They vary by batch. Confirm details with the seller before payment.