Cartier Tank vs. Söner Tank
Rectangular watches carry an enduring appeal, balancing tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Two strong contenders in this category are the Cartier Tank Must and the Söner Tank Stockholm. Both timepieces are iconic in their own right, but they differ in design, materials, and functionality. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which of these rectangular beauties best suits your style and needs.
Design & Aesthetic
Cartier Tank Must
The Tank Must is the epitome of minimalist luxury. Its black lacquered dial is devoid of numerals or indexes, creating a sleek and clean aesthetic. This dial is complemented by Cartier’s signature blued sapphire stone on the crown, which subtly contrasts against the steel case. The rectangular shape of the case remains one of Cartier’s most iconic designs, and while the watch leans heavily on its heritage, the absence of numerals makes it feel contemporary, even avant-garde.
Söner Stockholm
The Stockholm from Söner, while also minimalist, takes a more modern and robust approach. Its black dial features stick markers, giving it a structured and practical appeal. The rectangular case has sharp lines that are accentuated by its polished stainless steel finish, adding a modern twist to the classic rectangular form. The Stockholm carries a bolder presence on the wrist, exuding confidence and a modern Scandinavian design ethos, ideal for those who appreciate clean lines with a strong aesthetic.
Verdict:
The Tank Must offers a pure minimalist approach with no indexes, perfect for those who prefer elegance in its simplest form. The Stockholm balances minimalism with functionality, adding stick markers for better readability and a more contemporary feel.
Craftsmanship & Materials
Cartier Tank Must
Cartier’s Tank Must features a polished stainless steel case, known for its refined appearance but without additional reinforcement for scratch resistance. The sapphire crystal offers standard protection but lacks anti-reflective coating, which may cause glare in bright light. With 3 ATM water resistance, the Tank Must can withstand minor splashes but isn’t suitable for swimming or diving.
Söner Stockholm
The Stockholm, on the other hand, uses extra-hardened steel, rated at 800HV on the Vickers hardness scale, making it about four times as scratch-resistant as the Tank Must. This durability means the Stockholm can handle more wear and tear, maintaining its polished finish over time. Additionally, it features five layers of anti-reflective coating on the inside of the sapphire crystal, dramatically reducing glare and improving legibility in bright environments. With 5 ATM water resistance, the Stockholm is tested for snorkeling and can endure more exposure to water, making it a more versatile companion for active lifestyles.
Verdict:
The Stockholm excels in craftsmanship, offering superior scratch resistance and enhanced water resistance. Its anti-reflective coating also ensures better visibility. While Cartier delivers luxury and refinement, Söner outshines in durability and practicality.
Comfort & Wearability
Cartier Tank Must
The Tank Must is designed to be a slim, lightweight dress watch. With its dimensions of 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm and a thickness of 6.6 mm, it’s one of the most discreet and elegant watches available. Its slim profile allows it to slip under a cuff easily, making it perfect for formal occasions or everyday wear with a suit. The leather strap adds a soft touch, enhancing comfort for all-day wear.
Söner Stockholm
The Stockholm offers similar elegance but with slightly larger dimensions at 40 mm x 28 mm and 7 mm thickness. Despite the minimal size difference, it features a curved back and glass, which helps it conform more naturally to the wrist, improving both comfort and wearability. This curved design also allows the watch to slide effortlessly under cuffs, enhancing its suitability for both casual and formal settings.
Verdict:
While both watches are comfortable for daily wear, the Stockholm’s curved back and glass provide a snugger fit, making it feel more comfortable on the wrist and offering better cuff clearance. The Tank Must, being slightly thinner, remains an ideal choice for those prioritizing ultra-slim design.
Performance & Features
Cartier Tank Must
The Tank Must is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement, providing reliable and precise timekeeping with minimal maintenance. However, the 3 ATM water resistance limits its practical use to light splashes, making it unsuitable for any water-based activities. The lack of anti-reflective coating also means the watch can be difficult to read in bright conditions due to glare on the sapphire crystal.
Söner Stockholm
The Stockholm also features a Swiss-made quartz movement, ensuring the same level of precision as the Tank Must. However, it stands out with 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for activities such as swimming or even snorkeling. The five layers of anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal give the Stockholm an advantage in terms of legibility, especially in outdoor or bright environments where reflections can impair visibility. The Nostalgia Stockholm watch also boasts an impressive 11-year battery life, a significant upgrade over most quartz watches, reducing the need for frequent battery changes.
Verdict:
Both watches offer reliable Swiss quartz movements, but the Stockholm delivers superior water resistance, better readability with its anti-reflective coating, and a remarkable 11-year battery life, making it a more practical choice for those seeking longevity and versatility.
Warranty & Value
Cartier Tank Must
Cartier offers a 2-year international warranty with the Tank Must, which is standard for luxury watches. This warranty covers manufacturing defects but doesn’t offer extended protection or benefits beyond the two-year period.
Söner Stockholm
Söner offers an impressive 10-year warranty on the Stockholm, providing long-term peace of mind and demonstrating confidence in the watch’s durability. This extensive warranty is a significant advantage, making it a more attractive option for those seeking long-term value.
Verdict:
With a 10-year warranty, the Stockholm clearly outshines the Tank Must in terms of long-term value and customer assurance. For buyers looking for a timepiece that stands the test of time, Söner’s extended warranty is a key selling point.
Price & Value
Cartier Tank Must
Cartier’s Tank Must comes with a premium price tag of about $4 000 that reflects its luxury branding, iconic design, and historical significance. You’re investing in a piece of horological heritage with the Tank Must, but the price does not include enhanced durability or features like water resistance for more than basic protection.
Söner Stockholm
The Stockholm offers remarkable value for its $410. While it doesn’t have the same brand prestige as Cartier, it compensates with superior materials, including a scratch-resistant hardened steel case, higher water resistance, an anti-reflective crystal, and an 11-year battery life. Combined with its 10-year warranty, it’s priced significantly lower than the Tank Must, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish, well-crafted rectangular watch with modern practicality.
Verdict:
If you value luxury branding and heritage, the Tank Must is an excellent choice, but be prepared to pay a premium for those features. However, if you’re looking for a timepiece that offers durability, functionality, and long-term value, the Söner Stockholm stands out as the better option, offering impressive features at a more accessible price point.
