Executive Summary (TL;DR)
Bottom Line Up Front:
The Cartier Tank Solo is an icon. Because it is a simple quartz watch, replicas have perfected it. AF Factory (AF) stands at the top of the food chain.
- The Movement: Features the same Swiss Ronda Quartz movement found in the genuine watch. You literally cannot tell them apart.
- The Hands: Real Thermally Blued Steel hands, not painted plastic.
- The Verdict: This AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica is classified as “NWBIG” (Not Worth Buying In Genuine). Why pay $3,000 when this exists?
- Score: 9.9/10
Watch Specifications Sheet
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Factory | AF Factory (AF) |
| Model Name | Tank Solo (Small / Large) |
| Reference | W5200013 (Small) / W5200014 (Large) |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel (High Polish) |
| Movement | Swiss Ronda Quartz (Same architecture as Gen) |
| Dial | Opaline White with Raised Roman Numerals |
| Hands | Thermally Blued Steel (Sword Shape) |
| Strap | Calf Leather with Alligator Print (or AF Custom Croc) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Water Resistance | 3 ATM (Splash Proof) |
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: The “NWBIG” King
In the world of replicas, some watches are good, and some are perfect. The AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica falls into the “Perfect” category.
Because the genuine Tank Solo is a relatively simple stainless steel watch powered by a quartz movement, there is nowhere for factories to hide flaws. Every line, every angle must be perfect.
AF Factory has achieved this perfection. By using the same Swiss movement supplier and mastering the dial printing, they have created a watch that even experts struggle to distinguish from the original. It is widely considered the best entry-level Super Clone Watch on the market.
👉 🔗(Buy the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica Here)
Why the Tank is Iconic: 100 Years of Style
Before you buy the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica, you should know what you are wearing. Designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, it was inspired by the Renault tanks of WWI. The parallel brancards represent the tracks, and the case represents the cockpit. From Andy Warhol to Princess Diana, the Tank has been worn by style icons. Wearing this replica connects you to that legacy. It is not just a watch; it is a piece of design history. AF Factory respects this by keeping the proportions exactly right.
2. The Movement: The “Swiss” Secret
This is the biggest selling point of the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica.
Genuine vs. Replica Movement
- The Genuine: Cartier does not make their own quartz movements for the Tank Solo. They buy them from Ronda (a Swiss movement maker) and rename them Calibre 690.
- The AF Replica: AF Factory buys the exact same Ronda movement off the shelf.
- The Result: When you open the caseback, you see a Swiss-made movement. It keeps time exactly like the Gen. It has the same battery life. It is, for all intents and purposes, the same engine. This is why we call it a “Super Clone.”
The Great Debate: Why Quartz is Better for the Tank Solo
Many replica collectors only buy automatic watches. Here is why the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica (Quartz) is actually the smarter choice.
- Accuracy: The Swiss Ronda movement loses maybe 2 seconds a month. An automatic replica loses 10 seconds a day.
- No “Ticking” Tell: The Tank Solo Quartz has no seconds hand. This means you cannot see the “tick-tock” motion that usually gives away a quartz watch. It just sits there, looking elegant.
- Thinness: The quartz movement allows the case to be 5.5mm thin. The automatic version (Tank Solo XL) is much thicker (7.65mm) and feels clunky on a dress watch.
3. The Dial: 3D Printing & Blued Hands
The face of the Tank is iconic. AF Factory nailed the details.
Thermally Blued Hands
- Cheap Fakes: Use painted blue hands. They look flat and plastic.
- AF Factory: Uses Thermally Blued Steel. The steel is heated to ~300°C until it turns blue naturally.
- The Look: Under direct light, it is a vibrant electric blue. In shadow, it looks almost black. This dynamic color change is the hallmark of luxury watchmaking.
The “Raised” Printing
If you look closely at the Roman numerals on the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica, you will see the ink is slightly raised (3D effect). This is called “Oil Pressure Printing.” Cheap versions have flat, glossy printing that looks cheap. AF captures the matte, rich texture of the genuine dial perfectly.
The Secret Signature
Look at the VII (7) or X (10) numeral. One of the legs of the numeral is actually the word “CARTIER” written in microscopic text. AF executes this micro-printing cleanly, without smudging.
4. The Case & Cabochon
The Synthetic Spinel
The blue stone on the crown is called a “Cabochon.”
- The Flaw in Others: K11 or F1 factories often use a bright blue plastic bead. It looks like a toy.
- The AF Fix: AF uses a Synthetic Spinel. It is dark, moody, and translucent. It looks like a real gemstone. The shape is also correct—a smooth dome, not too pointy.
The Case Finishing
The steel case features two polished brancards (the vertical bars) and a brushed caseback. The transition between polish and brush is sharp. The case thickness is 5.5mm, matching the ultra-thin profile of the genuine watch exactly.
5. Strap Options: Leather vs. Steel
- The Leather Strap: AF supplies a calf leather strap with an alligator grain print. It is soft out of the box and does not feel like stiff cardboard (a common issue with reps).
- The Deployant Clasp: The Cartier “C” buckle is unique. You don’t use holes; you fold the strap back on itself. AF replicates this mechanism perfectly. It clicks shut securely.
- Quick Switch (For Must Models): If you are buying the newer Tank Must version from AF, it comes with the “QuickSwitch” system, allowing you to change straps with your fingernail. The classic Tank Solo uses standard spring bars.
Elevate Your Look: Upgrading the Strap
While the AF strap is decent, putting a real alligator strap on this watch makes it look like a $10,000 precious metal piece.
- Material: Look for “Matte Black American Alligator” or “Shiny Navy Blue Crocodile.”
- Size: The Small model uses 17mm lug width (rare size!). The Large model uses 20mm.
- The Buckle: The AF deployant clasp is compatible with aftermarket straps, but make sure the strap is thin enough to fold into the buckle. We recommend buying from specialized leather artisans like ZicZac or Delugs to pair with your AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica.
6. Comparison: AF vs. K11 vs. Gen
Who makes the best AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica competitor?
- K11 Factory: Was the leader for years. Good case, but the dial printing is slightly flatter, and the crystal edge is sometimes rough.
- F1 Factory: Budget choice. Good for the price, but uses painted hands.
- AF Factory: The current King. Better hands, better dial print, and better strap quality than K11.
The Verdict: The price difference between K11 and AF is minimal (~$20-$30). Always go for AF. The blued hands alone are worth the upgrade.
👉 🔗 (Browse the full AF Factory Cartier Collection)
The “Tells”: Can You Spot the Fake?
If you hand this AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica to a Cartier boutique staff member, will they know?
- The Weight: The steel weight is identical to Gen.
- The Caseback Screws: AF uses the correct flat-head screws. On cheap fakes, these screws often protrude or have messy slots.
- The Only Tell: The only way to tell is to open the back. The genuine battery bracket might have a slightly different laser etching code than the stock Ronda movement used by AF. But without opening it? It is virtually impossible. This is the definition of NWBIG.
7. On The Wrist: Size Guide
Cartier sizes can be confusing. Here is a guide for the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica:
- Small (W5200013): 31mm x 24.4mm. Perfect for ladies. Classic and dainty.
- Large (W5200014): 34.8mm x 27.4mm. Unisex size. Good for men with smaller wrists or women who want a modern look.
- XL (Automatic): Much larger. Only for men who want a mechanical movement.
Note: The Quartz models (Small/Large) lack a seconds hand. This is great for replicas because there is no “ticking” hand to give away that it is quartz!
8. Pros & Cons Summary
The Pros
- ✅ Swiss Movement: Genuine Ronda quartz movement inside.
- ✅ Blued Hands: Real thermal finishing, not paint.
- ✅ Thin Profile: 5.5mm thickness is incredibly comfortable.
- ✅ NWBIG Status: Indistinguishable from Gen on the wrist.
The Cons
- ❌ Strap Feel: While good, the “Croc Print” leather is not real alligator. (Upgrade recommended).
- ❌ Scratch Magnet: The polished steel bezel scratches easily (just like the Gen).
9. Final Verdict
If you are looking for your first replica, or a gift for a loved one, the AF Factory Cartier Tank Solo Replica is the safest bet in the world.
It is simple, reliable, and visually perfect. Because it uses the same movement technology as the genuine watch, it doesn’t suffer from the reliability issues of complex mechanical clones.
Put simply: Buying the genuine Tank Solo in steel is a waste of money when the AF version exists. Save your $3,000 and buy this instead.
Overall Rating: 9.9/10