Recently, I finally pulled the trigger on something I’ve been eyeing for a while now – the Cartier Tank Americaine. Man, I’ve wanted one of these for ages!

My Journey to the Tank
I first got into watches a few years back. I started with some cheaper stuff, learning what I liked and what I didn’t. Then, I started to appreciate the classics, you know, the timeless designs. That’s when the Cartier Tank really caught my eye. Especially the Americaine, it’s longer and more curved than the regular Tank, it just looks so elegant. And it’s been around since 1989! That’s some serious staying power.
Finding the Right One
I knew I didn’t want to buy it brand new, the prices are just crazy high. I started looking around online for pre-owned ones, and it was a wild west out there! So many fakes, so many different prices. I read a bunch of forums, even saw a post on WatchUSeek from 2016 about someone’s thoughts on the Americaine and another from a couple months ago about real or fake ones. It was helpful to know I wasn’t the only one going through this.
The Discovery
Then, one day, I stumbled upon a listing for a pre-owned Americaine in solid yellow gold. It had just been serviced by Cartier, and the price was surprisingly good. I couldn’t believe it! I contacted the seller, asked a million questions, and looked at all the pictures. It checked out.
Taking the Plunge
After a few days of thinking it over, I decided to go for it. I wired the money, and a few days later, the watch arrived. I was so nervous opening the box, but man, it was even more beautiful in person. It fit perfectly, and I just loved the weight of the gold on my wrist. And you know what’s cool? Some sites even let you do custom engraving on the case-back. I didn’t do it for this one since it was pre-owned, but maybe for the next one, who knows.
Living with the Americaine
I’ve been wearing it almost every day since. It’s such a classic, it goes with everything. And it’s surprisingly comfortable for a dress watch. I know some people think it’s just for celebrities or royals, but I’m just a regular guy, and I love it.

Final Thoughts
Getting this Cartier Tank Americaine was a journey, but it was totally worth it. I learned a lot about watches, about buying pre-owned, and about what I really value in a timepiece. And now, I have a beautiful watch that I know I’ll treasure for years to come. If you’re thinking about getting one, I say do your research, be patient, and don’t be afraid to go pre-owned. You might just find a gem like I did!