The Best Cartier Tank Watch Alternative Under $100 You've Never Heard Of: Seiko 7740-5000 vs SWR052
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
- Today's video is an unboxing and review of one of the best Cartier Tank watch affordable alternatives on the market-the Seiko Dolce Tank (ref. 7740-5000). In my search for a more economic option from the greatest watch brand in the world, I discovered a goldmine of vintage 80s offerings that not only have more varied and interesting styles, but are emblematic of Seiko's golden age of design-an interesting time of rivalry between Swiss and Japanese watchmakers that resulted in the Seiko Dolce, Exceline, and Lassale lines. In this video, I also take a look at the Seiko Essentials Collection Tank watch (ref. SWR052), compare it to my wife's Cartier Tank Must watch (ref. WSTA0041,) and discuss what makes the Cartier Tank watch design so iconic, and why it still endures well over a century later. Join me for a fun exploration of all things Cartier and Seiko Tank, with an unboxing and review of what could possibly be the classiest unisex dress watch for well under $100.
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great video as always !
at 14:21, I can see that this watch was given as a gift to a guy who worked at Toshiba (yes the electronics maker) for working 25 years at Toshiba
your fan from Tokyo
Wow, that is amazing, thank you so much for sharing that!!!!
I grew up always using Toshiba laptops before switching to Mac later in life.
Absolutely awesome.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry thanks for the reply TGV
if you need help buying watches from Japan, let me know ! Maybe I can help 🗾
@@naokisaito2224 Perhaps you have some insight into why so many nice, vintage watches come out of Japan? I recently bought myself a 90's Omega and a 70's Tudor, both in exceptional shape!
thanks for your participation!
Thank you so much for sharing. This is very interesting
I love the small 80s dress watches. And I love that you can find them for almost nothing because nobody else wants them. I don't really care about current styles. I wear what I like.
If you look old movies with De Niro, Al Pacino..they wearing small, elegant watches like this. (Just in real gold :))
Ditto! modern Monsters are tasteless.
As a child, I was always fascinated by the watches my uncles wore. None of them were Cartiers, of course, but their rectangular designs intrigued me. A couple of years ago I bought myself a Seiko SUP896 gold-tone "solar" for old-times sake. Every time I look at the watch it somehow transforms me back 65-years in an instant. GREAT episode...thank you.🥰
Your new Seiko looks very similar to a rectangular Seiko I received as a graduation present in 1984. Wore it for over a decade and still have it in my collection. I love Cartier Tanks!
So cool to see a Seiko Dolce covered! Love these more obscure lines from Seiko. Another awesome video, TGV!
Awesome to see you mention the Seiko Dolce line. Criminally underrated. I personally own a rectangular Dolce that has a case made of tungsten carbide and a Grand Seiko derived movement (cal 9531 , accurate to +-20 seconds a year) i bought mine in new old stock condition for only 70 euro!!
absolute steal tbh
Let’s just wait and see for the TGV tax for these now, hahaha.
What's the model?
@@the.Aruarian haha exactly...luckily I've just ordered mine 2 days ago. It supposed to come tomorrow...so should I go on and assume it will go up in price 🤣🤣
@@LordCohliani not sure exactly. Didn't get the original hangtag with the watch and haven't broused the catalogues yet. The movement + case code is; 9531-5090
As a complete and total sucker for square, rectangular, tonneau, etc. style watches, Cartier has always been a brand that I really liked. My current grail is the Cartier Francaise. There's something about the contrast of the classic / dressy style of the watch on a casual / sporty bracelet that just works for me.
This is why I enjoy your channel so much. You are always tastefully cognizant that not everyone can afford luxury watches. You are a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I appreciate you keeping it real! 🥃
Great older Seikos I had no idea existed, thanks for putting a spotlight on these.
Great to see you cover a style of watch that's become somewhat marginalised in recent years in favour of the more traditional round style. Classic, classy and timeless.
What an awesome find on that Seiko Dolce! My vote for Tank alternative is one of the many rectangular Bulova's out there, especially the Frank Sinatra one. Very vintage styling that I think is just sublime.
i got my eyes on that one too, but the lug to lug is too big (49mm)
Besides learning everything and anything about watches from you, what I also really enjoy is learning how to correctly pronounce names of famous artists, actors, brands, places, etc. Great work mate!
Thank you Andreas, I really appreciate. I still get things wrong every so often, but the important thing is to try and try again.
Best regards,
TGV
The Cartier tank is my favorite square faced dress watch ⌚ even over the JLC Reverso. Even the Legendary Carey Grant was a fan of the tank. Another excellent video pizan 🇮🇹
You and me both fratello! I like your style.
Thank you LWM!
Best regards,
TGV
I don’t care for the Cartier brand or this style of watch but do find the history interesting and I appreciate you making the video.
Before I fell down the wristwatch rabbit hole I wore an Accurist goldstone tank with a pyramid cream dial for about 5 years, recently dug it out of a drawer, replaced the battery and after 10 years of resting it fired right up, its now in rotation. Still doing its thing.
This is not a line of Seikos I was aware of, excellent alternative to even the more expensive Seiko. Luckily I think that itch is already catered for as I have my late father's 1948 Rotary tank.
Good to see Hugo taking a part again. Loved that clip of Jeff Goldblum 😁
i've been scrolling on ebay for days now looking at 80'seiko, the design elements that seiko used truly capture the essence of that by gone era, I highly encourage looking at the Credor from the 80's as well, so tasteful these dolce's
The Dolce certainly lives up to its name. What a simply stunning dial. Wish you well in the wearing of it. 🙏
I've the Seiko solar tank. It's an excellent watch. At first, I thought it would be too small on my wrist, but no, it wears perfectly fine. Looks great too.
Just in time for tuxedo season. Happy holidays!
Once a man gets deeper into the watch collecting, there is no such thing as "alternative". Until you buy the real deal, your sould will have no peace 😄
Great video once again, Mister! Joy to watch.
Just found an old Seiko tank worn by my father 20 years ago! I will be taking it for restoration, hopefully can clear the rust and get the battery replaced. Very excited!!
After 3 month of looking, i finally find the same seiko dolce vintage watch, from this video and i just got it. I am so happy !!! Thanks a lot TGV. Buona fortuna...❤️
I have a Seiko Tank and a "no name" stainless steel tank in my collection, but The Cartier Tank Must Automatic with the stainless steel body is my dream watch that I am saving for...it is beautiful, sophisticated and can't wait for the day when I put it on my wrist
A few years ago, my dad gave me his old Seiko Lasalle that wasn't ticking. I put a new battery in, bought a new strap and gave it to my sis for Christmas that year. I sometimes wish I didn't. It was a sweet little piece! Good find TGV.
Fantastic video! I know the focus here is on low cost, but for my those interested in distinguishing features/HAQ, etc. the 8N41 movement is an HEQ temperature compensated movement used in similar Seiko watches, delivering +/- 20SPY. they were used in seiko dolce models, some of which have tungsten carbide cases. I just picked one up for around 250 USD... an incredible watch for the money. I love subverting modern sales pitches and brand hype with high technology from a forgotten era. Thanks for sharing the joy!
Have been wearing the seiko tank pretty much everyday and so far it has survived beautifully through TWO restaurant service jobs with only a few superficial scratches on the crystal and it is still running strong. Love it to death and i like that i dont feel i have to baby it lol
I don’t even collect watches. I appreciate the history specially when these videos are so well made! Great stories
Another perfect video for me, I’ve been after a Tank style watch for a long time but haven’t found anything that quite fit the bill without breaking the bank
Great overview of the whole line of "tank" watches. Glad to have the history laid out so clearly, video close-ups of classic examples. Thanks as always, TGV!
I love my Seiko Tank. I work in a military/ law enforcement store. I wear it with cargo pants and a polo shirt. Maybe it’s not the best watch to wear for the look, and a G Shock would fit in better. But I do really like the look and slim profile.
I have reviewed this video several times lately. I have found a whole mess of vintage Seiko Quartz watches in great condition. I recently purchased a Seiko Quartz from 1973 with the markings SQ. This watch is in great condition and I hope I can wear it for any years to come! Great Video once again!
I own a Seiko Dolce Tank made out of tungsten carbide with sapphire crystal. It's an incredible watch for the price.
Very cool, love that!
Thank you Jared,
Best regards,
TGV
Of course, I had to dive into one of my watch boxes to rustle through a number of old Japanese tanks (and additional rectangular pieces) from Seiko (including Lasalle), Pulsar and Citizen, plus a true tank-style piece from Lip, and found the appropriate all-gold-tone square Seiko from the '80s (5Y23-5099), complete with gorgeous integrated gold-tone bracelet. Watching one of your shows without the appropriate timepiece on wrist is a serious faux pas, after all. Thanks for another fabulously entertaining and informative video Tristian! You're one of the key reasons I dove so deeply into this sublime addiction. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I have a Seiko tank bought from a Charity shop for £2.50. On closer inspection it's 14k gold.
I gave it to my lady friend who is well pleased.
I think the Dugena Quadra Classica is the best. Its dimensions are the closest to the original Cartier and it has a date complication. Quartz, leather band can be broken in without wearing it, 109 euros. Have had it since June '22.
I had a 1970s Seiko Quartz that looks exactly like a Tank. My mom loved it so much she took it off my wrist and I never saw it again. The design is definitely timeless and it can go with almost anything
My first real watch was a Seiko Lassale from 1996. My girlfriend at the time returned a piece of jewelry. I returned it to the store, and had a large credit. The most expensive watch in the store became mine. At the age of 18 I owned a very dressy two-tone watch, with a pretty nice bracelet and a solid 18k bezel.
I replaced that watch in 2000, but found it a few years ago and gave it to a neighbor (it looked so small). With a new battery, it worked. He really enjoyed it. He was buried wearing it last year.
Damn the prices for the dolce have skyrocketed!
Hi TGV, the rectangular watch is a personal favorite of mine going back to the early 90's. I've always had at least one in my collection. Great video! Cheers, John
I have two pre-owned little Champs:
A 25€ SEIKO square full gold 30mm two hands 5mm thick and my loved CITIZEN Quartz square day date with a gold flake dial 34mm, 6mm thick. 💪🙏
A very timely video. I'm currently tossing up between an Alfred Dunhill London (Swiss made) tank and a Baume and Mercier tank with a beautiful copper coloured dial. I'm not a fan of Roman numerals on watches which has really restricted my choices. By the way, I'm a huge fan of vintage / antique shaving accoutrements. I notice that you are a Floris user. Personally I prefer Penhaligon's but both are more than adequate. Now, you need to be shaving with a very nice vintage Gillette, made in England double edge razor. I highly recommend an early 1920's New Improved or a late 1930's open comb Aristocrat. Both will shave you better than any multi blade razor ever could. Keep up the great work with the video's.
The slim Seiko Dolce looks amazing. I had no appreciation for square faces until I clocked a Cartier tank on a friends wrist. This video has re-ignited my love for watches. Although I cannot find a vintage model yet. Love the videos
After watching your video I went on the hunt for a Tank alternative. Low and behold a month later I have finally found it. I stumbled upon a Seiko 7N39 Presage. Love it!
I personally don’t like square watches, but I’m here to support my brother TGV. Great alternative watches to the tank mentioned here and as usual an amazing history lesson 👏
🙏🙏🙏🙏 I deeply appreciate that fratello. Lets deffo collaborate on something in 2023!
As always, my best to you and your family.
O&U!
t.
@@theurbangentry I would love that and my best to you and your family as well ❤️
great work, I was given a Seiko Dolce in 1982 for my 17th , after a few batteries and bands I still have it. This beautifully finished piece with black dial started my watch mania, as my wife calls it.
I would love to own a Santos but Its down the long list of priorities , just another way to say, "I can't afford It"
The engraving on the case back says that watch was given by Toshiba in 1986 for 25th anniversary on the job. ❤
amazing. thanks for the translation!
Used this Seiko alot and it's my favorite watch. Many compliments about it.
really love Hugo's passion for Cartier watches, i own the seiko too and i'm very happy with it
Great video! Got a sweet bulova limited Sinatra my way tank last year and get lots of compliments on it! Wear it with a brown ostrich, oxblood or the original bulova black clasp leather strap it came with. Class all around!
Rotary Cambridge, with sapphire. Excellent value for money. Looks great.
I have the Seiko SUP880 Solar Tank, and I love it!
Really love these Seiko's and the Cartier is an icon of course. Before I knew a little bit more about watches, on my first trip to Venice almost 20 years ago I bought an Armani Cartier style tank, champagne dial with silver plated case, which turned out to have a Seiko quartz inside. I paid a lot, too much maybe, but 20 years on it is totally pristine and my wife has claimed ownership of it. I admit, it looks very refined and attractive on her wrist. Though I wouldn't buy a pure fashion brand watch today, the quality of some older ones was pretty good. In some ways I regret not knowing more about watches at the time, but that feeling has receded as the watch still looks so good today, which of course is down to Cartier's timeless design. My wife has a Cartier she bought while attending a law symposium in New York, but depending on what on dress style she often wears Armani rather than the Cartier.
Thanks for this review TGV.
I love tank style watches and for black tie events I have the Seiko SFP608p1. It’s very small and would be considered unisex - 23mm across and 33mm lug to lug. It has a subtle silver pearlescent sunburst dial. Superb value for approximately £100
"...my wife has one, Hugo has one..." with a straight face, I love it!
Well spotted TGV. Great video with great context. I guess another option could be the Lip T18 or T24 (the Churchill). A bit more expensive, but nice history.
My favorite Tank alternative is my late 1970s/early 1980s Omega De Ville ST 162.0060 that I inherited from my father. I had it repaired, and I wear it on special occasions. That being said, I wouldn't mind having one of these Seiko alternatives, not to mention the original Cartier.
What a coincidence. I just got my vintage Seiko Dolce a few weeks ago. It really is very beautiful.
I am now on the look out for one of the Dolce ones. Beautiful watch, very elegant. Thanks for your content, so very well spoken, really appreciated. I come from the UK as well and wish my accent was this soothing, but I'm a born and bred Cockney West Ham supporter 🙂
Always the best source to get knowledge about watches.
One of your best videos!
Outstanding video. I have a Seiko from the late 1980s that is virtually identical to that Dolce but from the main range. Price was £52.50 in 1987, my first decent watch.
Lovely little thing, stainless steel case with a grey leather strap. The white dial is framed by a thin gold border just under the crystal, the crystal itself being faceted around the edge. Just perfect, it caught my eye immediately! Still working today which is testament to the quality and the straps Seiko supplied back then were decent. Better quality than you will find from most affordable Japanese or Swiss brands today, including the likes of Tissot and Oris.
There were also quite a few tank-style watches available in the 2000s when there was a mini-revival for the 'square look'. Watches like the Longines Dolcevita and Ebel Brasilia were being heavily promoted at the time. I have a Citizen Eco-Drive Stiletto from 2004 that looks the part and has been a great little dress watch. Not as sweet as the Seiko but still pretty classy.
It's not an homage to a tank as the case shape is different but the Lorier Zephyr is a fantastic alternative to the Seiko to fill that ultra thin, simple dress watch role. And the casee shape and texture dial gives it its own personality.
I could not agree more, hence why the Zephyr was in my recent top 10 video.
Great comment, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video as always. However, I bought the Seiko Tank two years ago and ended up selling it a few months after because it simply did not feel right and I did not even want to wear it. Since I still loved the Cartier Tank, I decided to pull the trigger on a new one a few weeks ago. I am more than happy with my decision to go for the „real deal“. So even if the Seiko is a great alternative (from a monetary perspective) it did not fill the gap for me. Greeting from Switzerland!
I have a Seiko 5Y91-5020 that belonged to my father. Very ‘80s
I have a refurbished Seiko tank on the way from a seller in India (cheap enough that I can painlessly write off the cost if it's crap, or never arrives). Doesn't look quite like any of these so will be interested to see if the case is dated. If it's good, I'll pair it with a strap that cost several times as much as the watch!
I like tanks for the most dressy and formal occasions, but can't abide the Cartier tanks, ironically.
Well it wasn't due to arrive till late December, but actually turned up a couple of hours after I wrote that. It has no date on the back, but it does have the model number SO325714. Can't find anything much about it online, except that someone was selling one on Chrono24 for almost five times what I paid. Nice, clean looking tank in polished stainless steel with a creamy white dial (seller had black, burgundy, dark blue, and green option). The Roman numerals are applied in polished metal, the Seiko and SQ logos are printed. Inside the rectangle formed by the numerals is a subtle geometric texture. The case and crystal are unscratched, but there are a couple of tiny specs of dust on the dial. No cabochon on the crown, thank God. 6.5 x25x39mm Nice watch, or it will be when I've swapped out the strap. If anyone knows anything about the SO325714 I'd be interested.
I was fortunate enough to purchase my Bulova Frank Sinatra collection “My Way”, gold tone with the black leather band, very recently and still loving it. I was looking for a tank style and decided to go with one of my favorite singers and American icons. I also enjoy my lunar pilot and Devil diver, both from the timeless Bulova brand!
how much did you pay for it?
Cartier has a thing going with Balenciaga....so, I'm in for an alternative
The Hamilton Boulton quartz scratched my itch. Not the same as a Tank but still has that same vibe. I wear it everywhere.
Excellent choice, Hamilton has one of the richest histories of making that style of watch. Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Appreciate what you are saying about classy gentlemen from the past ..Carey Grant was born here in Bristol....his original house is down the road from me!..my father has a Seiko Lassale rom the late 80s,looks very similar but without the numerals...Black dial...with the dinner jacket,my dad actually looks cool...bizarre!
Inspiring me to put a new battery in my father’s Lassale. Rare to hear that watch mentioned these days. Great video!
Hello TGV. Thank you for another amazing video. Have you ever considered having a portrait done in the style of your Grandfather/Great-Grandfather that you have in your intro? All the best.
That would be amazing. I just need to find an artist. I love that idea, thank you Pedro,
Best regards,
TGV
Pure class TGV. As per other alternatives, my pick would be Bulova Sinatra, Rotary Cambridge and Montres Lip T24. I personally go rather vintage so my current tanks are 1952 Hamilton Bailey and 60s Precimax swiss mechanical as a clomage of Louis Cartier tank. Bull's eye definitely on silver Rotary Elite Tank as a next potential purchase.
Another great Seiko "Tank" is the SFP608 which is the same size as the Cartier Tank !!
How in the HELL did you get that for 80 bucks total?!?!?! DAMN. 🔥
It's as if you read my mind, T. I've been thinking about the Seiko Tank for some time now.
Excellent work, like always.
Vintage from the 40’s and 50’s is the way I get my square/rectangle fix👌
Gorgeous Seiko. Tremendous bargain. Pure class!
Thank you Michael! 🙏🙏🙏
Best regards,
TGV
I am a square watch lover, and own some Seiko Dolca watches and Citizen Exceed watches, these square watches have some insane quality imo, their cases are made of tungsten, so even the vintage one looks shinny as hell.
they have sapphire glasses by the way.
I purchased one for my girlfriend and she was absolutely chuffed to bits. She boasts Swiss heritage and is of descent of watchmakers but due to the generational divide, she never explored the world of watches. While it isn’t a mechanical Swiss piece like her forefathers were proficient in, it is certainly a gateway piece that brought her into the watch world. Cracking watch!!!
Very nicely done, a cracking watch indeed. Bravo sir!
Thank you for sharing that, I love hearing stories like this.
Best regards,
TGV
I love the Hamilton Boulton's but man its hard to beat these Seiko's for value. Great video1
Love this TGV. My Seiko 9521-5110 tank style watch has a NSAG super hard alloy case (5 times harder than stainless steel) and a gorgeous original mesh bracelet. It is more a piece of jewellery than any of my other watches and definitely the choice when a dress watch is appropriate. The thinness is insane. Also purchased in Japan.
Love watching your videos, each one is like watching a really well made interesting mini documentary. Love them ❤
The Dolce looks really elegant even though gold/champagne dials are not my thing. Great video!
Best watch channel imho. ❤ Watching as I wear my new Squale 1521 Azzurro from your fondness of it has become mine. 😊Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge.
My wife's wedding gift to me in 1996 was a Hamilton tank with a curved case that wrapped around the wrist. With a seconds sub-dial it was Hamilton's own take on the classic style - Roman numerals and frame that separates the outer and inner parts of the dial. The watch has lasted longer than the marriage...
Excellent video. I am definitely on #TeamTankWatch. My current favorite affordable tank watch is the Dugena Quadra Classica. It's classy, understated, and sublime.
I have the SWR052 and it really is my fav watch atm
i've been looking for this exact video for a long time, thanks tgv!
I found a lovely little round Dolce with a gorgeous gold pattern for less than €50 a few months ago, ref. 8J41-6100. Perfect little formal watch with heritage, and truly understated.
Can I ask you where did you find this beautiful piece ?
@@zdenekh3224 Lucked out on a Dutch site called MarktPlaats (comparable to CraigsList). What I've noticed with non-watch geeks is that they only know the writing on the dial. So if you look around for 'Seiko Dolce' a lot of times you can find some people that don't know what they have.
@@the.Aruarian Thank you my friend :-)
@@zdenekh3224 No problem! Happy hunting :)
The dolce really suited you in your smart attire Tristiano. I think watches come to life when they are near some sort of cuff whether that’s a shirt an over shirt or even a large coat.
TGV! Just got my Casio f91w in the mail today. Loving it! Thank you as always for your enthusiasm!
👏👏👏👏 Congrats, you are in for some serious fun!
Enjoy and thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Don't forget the F-84W too guys.
Love the tank look, beatiful piece with history! I purchased one of the Seiko Dolce 5E31-5000, right after watching the video 🙂 Wife approves! We enjoy watching your content, she says "This is just for people with class" Made me laugh. Best regards and keep those videos coming.
great to see the dolce getting its due recognition. I own a gold dial seiko dolce and it is a stunning watch. i have 2 "tank" watches and the other one being the Tissot Z173.
It's really a fantastic thing that you're covering these tank seiko lines, which many disregard as not being good enough to scratch the Cartier itch. On this regards, I actually agree and disagree with it, at the same time.
Even though I believe these watches have amazing quality and style, especially for its price, one thing that I can't cope with is the size of these modern versions. While the SUP880 is clearly too big for a watch of this style with its 38mm x 28mm dimensions, the SUP250 is far too small for even a small men's wrist with its 26mm x 18mm dimensions.
Remember that Seiko already had a version with the perfect dimensions, that was discontinued. I'm referring to the 5y30-5060, which had amazing 32mm x 25m dimensions. These are now very sought after and are becoming really hard to find, especially for reasonable prices.
When digging for tank style watches, however, I stumbled on an amazing find from Raymond Weil, reference 5768/2. They are just one mm bigger on each dimension than the seiko 5y30-5060, have a sapphire crystal and the case has an amazing gold electroplated coating. I was able to grab one of these from ebay at less than 150€, which was an absolute bargain, I must say. These are also discontinued and aren't easy to find, even though, every now and then, one pops up on ebay or chrono24, for around 500€. Still amazing value, I believe.
Another fantastic video, TGV.
Onwards and upwards!
got a 25x33 seiko tank years ago and totally love it
Some guy at the fleamarket sold me a Concord SG with a solid 18k gold bezel for $2. I had no idea what the watch was when I bought it..and neither did he!
Best video of 2022 TGV! I've been dabbling in that space... P.S. loved the Hamilton press ad with the Kangaroo. G'day from OZ.
I recently started looking at the Santos and here you come along and try to sway me with a tank lol. Great video. Grazie caro!
I think your Freudian slip almost sent watch snobs to battle stations! 😂😂
🤣🤣🤣 Thank you Stephen,
Best regards,
TGV