Cartier watches are defined less by complication depth and more by consistent case architecture across models. Below is a practical breakdown of the most popular models and their core specs.
Cartier Tank Must
One of the most recognizable rectangular watches in modern watchmaking.
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case sizes: ~29.5mm x 22mm (Small), ~33.7mm x 25.5mm (Large)
- Thickness: ~6.6mm–6.8mm
- Lug width: 15mm (varies by size)
- Water resistance: 30m
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
A more traditional, refined execution of the Tank silhouette.
- Case material: 18k gold (yellow/rose/white depending variant)
- Case sizes: ~29.5mm x 22mm (Small), ~33.7mm x 25.5mm (Large)
- Thickness: ~6.5mm–6.8mm
- Lug width: 15mm–18mm range depending on size
- Water resistance: 30m
Cartier Tank Française
A more integrated, bracelet-forward version of the Tank.
- Case sizes: ~25mm (Small), ~30mm (Medium), ~36.7mm (Large)
- Thickness: ~6.7mm–7.1mm
- Lug width: Integrated bracelet
- Water resistance: 30m
Cartier Tank Américaine
An elongated, curved take on the Tank design.
- Case sizes: ~34.8mm x 19mm (Small), larger variants available
- Thickness: ~8mm–9mm
- Lug width: ~14mm–18mm depending on size
- Water resistance: 30m
Cartier Santos de Cartier
The most “sports-adjacent” model in the lineup.
- Case size: 35.1mm (Medium) / 39.8mm (Large)
- Thickness: ~8.8mm–9.08mm
- Lug width: Integrated bracelet system
- Water resistance: 100m
Cartier Ballon Bleu
A more rounded, classical design in contrast to Cartier’s angular pieces.
- Case sizes: 28mm to 42mm range
- Thickness: ~12mm (varies by size and movement)
- Lug width: Integrated curved lugs
- Water resistance: 30m–50m depending variant
Cartier Panthère
A bracelet-first design with smaller, jewelry-focused proportions.
- Case sizes: ~22mm, 27mm, 30mm
- Thickness: ~6mm–7mm
- Lug width: Integrated bracelet
- Water resistance: 30m
Key Pattern Across Cartier Watches
Across models, a few consistent structural traits define the lineup:
- Low-to-moderate case thickness relative to surface area
- Strong reliance on geometric case identity (square, rectangular, or curved)
- Integrated bracelet systems on several core models
- Limited dial complexity across core designs
Bottom Line
Cartier specs are not built around extremes in size or technical depth.
Instead, consistency in case geometry and restrained vertical profiles define how the watches wear and how they are recognized across the lineup.