Quick answer
The Cartier Tank Must Small measures 29.5 mm by 22 mm and runs on a quartz movement. Replica versions of this model are common because the case is simple, the dial is flat, and there is no exposed movement to copy. The main differences between replicas sit in case size, case thickness, crystal material, and dial print.
Genuine specs
- Case: 29.5 mm x 22 mm, steel, brushed sides and polished bezel
- Thickness: about 6.6 mm
- Movement: Cartier quartz caliber 157
- Crystal: sapphire
- Water resistance: 30 m
- Dial: silvered opaline, Roman numerals, blued steel sword hands
- Crown: steel with a blue spinel cabochon
- Signature: the word Cartier is hidden inside the VII numeral
The Tank Must line launched in 2021 and replaced the Tank Solo. It comes in three sizes: Large (33.7 x 25.5 mm), Small (29.5 x 22 mm), and Mini. All are quartz.
What to check on a replica
- Case size. Measure with calipers. A listing marked "small" often ships a 25 mm or 30 mm case.
- Thickness. Quartz replicas run from 7.5 mm to 9 mm. The real case is thin and sits flat on the wrist.
- Crystal. Many replicas use mineral glass. Sapphire resists scratches.
- Dial print. Roman numerals should have sharp edges. Check the secret signature in the VII.
- Crown. The cabochon should be a blue stone, not molded plastic.
- Movement. The genuine watch is quartz. A replica with an automatic movement is a different watch, and the caseback will sit deeper.
- Strap or bracelet. Lug width on the Small is narrow, in the 15 to 16 mm range. Confirm against the exact reference, since Cartier does not publish one number for every version.
- Caseback. Look at engraving depth and screw position. Snap backs and engraved backs are both sold as correct.
Price ranges
Replica Tank Must Small watches sell from about $80 to $300. Price tracks movement type, crystal, and strap. The genuine steel model on a leather strap retails in the low thousands of dollars. Cartier sets the current price, so confirm it at a boutique or on the brand site.
Legal note
In the United States, importing counterfeit goods is illegal. Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments. Selling counterfeit watches carries civil liability under trademark law. Buying one for personal use does not make the item legal to import.
Bottom line
The Tank Must Small is a small, thin quartz watch with a simple dial. That simplicity is why replicas look close in photos and fall short in hand. Case size and thickness are the two numbers that decide whether a replica reads as the real watch.