AF Factory Cartier Tank 33.7 × 25.5mm Technical Guide
The AF Factory Cartier Tank is built around one of the most recognizable characteristics of the Tank collection: a rectangular case with vertically extended side sections and a symmetrical dial layout.
The supplied medium-size configuration measures approximately 33.7 × 25.5mm.
Its main visual elements include a white dial, Roman numeral hour markers, blue-colored hands, an inner minute track and an octagonal crown fitted with a blue cabochon-style element.
Depending on the specific AF Tank reference, different movement configurations may be available, including quartz, manual-winding and automatic mechanical versions.
For this reason, movement type should always be recorded together with the exact model rather than treating every AF Tank as mechanically identical.
33.7 × 25.5mm Rectangular Case
The supplied medium configuration measures:
33.7mm × 25.5mm
Rectangular watches should not be evaluated in exactly the same way as round watches.
On a round watch, diameter is normally the primary measurement. With the Tank, both length and width have a significant effect on how the watch sits on the wrist.
The relatively narrow 25.5mm width creates a substantially different wrist presence from a 33–34mm round watch.
For an individual example, useful measurements include:
- Case length
- Case width
- Case thickness
- Complete weight
These measurements are particularly useful when comparing different Tank sizes.
Tank Case Architecture
The case shape is one of the defining characteristics of the Tank.
Rather than placing a conventional round case between separate lugs, the vertical case sides visually continue into the strap or bracelet attachment points.
This creates the elongated geometry associated with the collection.
From a technical photography perspective, the front view documents the overall proportions while side and angled photographs reveal the curvature and case thickness more clearly.
Useful inspection areas include the case edges, polished surfaces, crown, crystal and strap connection.
White Roman Numeral Dial
The supplied configuration uses a white dial with Roman numeral hour markers.
The large Roman numerals occupy much of the available dial area, while an inner rectangular minute track follows the geometry of the case.
Because the Tank dial is highly symmetrical, alignment is relatively easy to examine.
Useful reference points include:
XII → III → VI → IX
The printing around these four positions can be used as a quick reference before inspecting the remaining numerals and minute track.
Blue-Colored Hands
The white dial is paired with blue-colored hands, creating strong contrast against the Roman numeral display.
For technical documentation, the useful characteristics are hand shape, surface appearance, alignment and clearance.
Color should preferably be photographed under neutral lighting because highly reflective blue hands can change considerably depending on viewing angle and light source.
Rather than automatically describing every AF version as thermally blued steel, the specific manufacturing process should only be stated when it has been established for that model.
Octagonal Crown and Blue Cabochon-Style Detail
Another recognizable Tank detail is the octagonal crown with a blue cabochon-style element.
Macro photography is useful for documenting the crown shape, blue insert and its relationship with the case.
The crown should also be tested mechanically.
Depending on the movement configuration, this may include:
Time Setting → Manual Winding → Additional Crown Positions
A quartz Tank and a mechanical Tank can have different crown behavior, so the exact movement should be identified before documenting the operating procedure.
Different Movement Configurations
One important point when building an AF Factory Tank database is that “AF Tank” does not identify one single movement.
Different Tank references can use different movement solutions.
The supplied information references three broad categories:
Quartz
A battery-powered quartz movement generally provides a thinner and simpler movement architecture.
For QC records, useful checks include hand alignment, crown operation and battery/movement operation.
Manual-Winding
A manual mechanical version requires the mainspring to be wound through the crown.
Useful testing includes winding feel, power reserve and timekeeping performance.
Automatic
An automatic mechanical version incorporates a self-winding mechanism in addition to the basic mechanical gear train.
Timegrapher measurements and automatic winding operation become relevant for these versions.
Therefore, each individual Tank QC record should identify the exact movement type rather than simply listing “AF movement.”
Why the Exact Reference Matters
The Tank family contains numerous references that can appear similar while differing in dimensions, dial configuration, movement and strap.
For your database, a more useful structure is:
Cartier Tank → Reference → Case Size → Factory → Movement → Strap → Individual QC
This prevents technical information from different Tank models being mixed together.
It also allows future AF versions to be added without creating several nearly identical general articles.
Leather Strap Configuration
The supplied information references a textured leather strap.
Leather changes the appearance and wrist feel of the rectangular Tank case considerably compared with a metal bracelet.
Useful areas to inspect include:
- Surface grain
- Stitching
- Edge finishing
- Lining
- Case connection
- Buckle/clasp connection
Because leather varies naturally in texture, small differences between straps should not automatically be treated as manufacturing defects.
Stainless-Steel Bracelet Configuration
Selected configurations are also available with a stainless-steel bracelet.
A bracelet changes both the visual proportions and total weight of the watch.
Useful QC points include link articulation, edge finishing, case-to-bracelet fit and clasp operation.
For database purposes, leather and steel versions can usually remain variants under the same technical model when the case, dial and movement are otherwise unchanged.
Quartz vs Mechanical Tank Versions
The movement type should be considered separately from external appearance.
A quartz Tank can look nearly identical from the front to a mechanical configuration while using a fundamentally different internal architecture.
This is why search terms such as “best AF Tank movement” are less useful than identifying the actual reference first.
A better comparison records:
Reference → Dimensions → Movement Type → Thickness → Weight → Functional Test
This provides information that can actually be compared between versions.
Super Clone Watch and AF Tank Specifications
The term super clone watch is widely used within the replica-watch market, but it is not a standardized technical classification.
For an AF Factory Cartier Tank, measurable characteristics provide more useful information: actual case dimensions, thickness, weight, movement type, dial alignment, crown operation and strap or bracelet construction.
For measurements from an individual watch, see our AF Factory Cartier Tank QC test.
Details Worth Checking
For an individual AF Tank, first identify the exact reference and movement type.
The actual length, width, thickness and weight can then be measured.
The dial should be photographed directly from the front to inspect Roman numeral printing, minute-track alignment and hand positioning.
The blue-colored hands and crown cabochon can be photographed separately under neutral lighting.
Finally, the functional checks should follow the installed movement type. Quartz, manual-winding and automatic Tank versions should not all use the same QC procedure.
Technical Specifications
Specification Details
Factory AF Factory
Collection Cartier Tank
Size Medium
Case Dimensions Approx. 33.7 × 25.5mm
Case Shape Rectangular
Dial White
Hour Display Roman Numerals
Minute Track Rectangular Inner Track
Hands Blue-Colored
Crown Octagonal / Blue Cabochon-Style
Movement Options Quartz / Manual / Automatic, depending on reference
Strap Options Leather / Stainless-Steel Bracelet
Thickness Reference-Specific
Weight Reference-Specific
FAQ
- What size is this AF Factory Cartier Tank?
The supplied medium configuration measures approximately 33.7 × 25.5mm. Thickness should be recorded separately for the specific reference.
- What movement does the AF Factory Tank use?
There is no single movement for every AF Tank. Depending on the reference, AF versions may use quartz, manual-winding or automatic mechanical movements. The exact model should therefore be identified first.
- Is a 25.5mm Tank equivalent to a 25.5mm round watch?
No. Rectangular watches wear differently from round watches because both their width and vertical length influence wrist presence. The 33.7 × 25.5mm dimensions should be considered together.
- Are the blue hands necessarily heat-blued steel?
That should be confirmed for the specific version. A blue appearance alone is not sufficient to establish the manufacturing process, so blue-colored hands is the safer technical description when the process has not been verified.
- Should quartz and mechanical AF Tank versions share the same QC data?
No. Their exterior information can share a general model guide, but movement testing should be specific to the installed caliber. Mechanical versions can include timegrapher and power-reserve testing, while quartz versions require different functional checks.
- What should be checked during QC?
Useful checks include exact reference, movement type, actual dimensions, thickness, weight, Roman numeral alignment, hand positioning, crown operation, crystal, strap or bracelet fit and clasp operation.
