5 Budget-Friendly Alternatives to the Cartier Tank
There’s something undeniably suave about the Cartier Tank. Maybe it’s the crisp Roman numerals, maybe it’s the art deco roots, or maybe it’s just the fact that it’s graced the wrists of style icons from Princess Diana to Andy Warhol. But let’s be honest—it also comes with a price tag that’ll have your bank account asking for a lie-down.
Luckily, you don’t need a trust fund to channel that same vintage glamour. We’ve rounded up five rectangular wrist candies that’ll give you serious Cartier energy, without the “sell a kidney” budget.
Credit - Longines
1. Longines DolceVita
Price: £1,700
Why it’s a contender: Automatic movement, sharp Roman numerals, that silvered flinqué dial... it’s giving “Tank, but make it Longines”.
The DolceVita collection is Longines’ love letter to laid-back luxury, and this particular model nails the aesthetic. With its clean lines, slender case, and blued steel hands, it wouldn’t look out of place on the wrist of a Riviera playboy circa 1965. It’s automatic too, which is rare at this price point—and yes, that makes it just a little sexier.
Credit - Hamilton
2. Hamilton American Classic Boulton Mechanical
Price: £840
Why it’s a contender: Hand-wound movement, art deco vibes, and all the character of an antique shop gem (without the questionable smells).
Hamilton might be Swiss-owned these days, but the Boulton has proper vintage Hollywood charm. It’s manual wind—which adds to the romance—and features a curved rectangular case that feels lifted straight from a noir film. Pop on a linen suit, and you’ll feel like you’re in Casablanca before you’ve even left the house.
Credit - Raymond Weil
3. Raymond Weil Toccata Rectangular
Price: £950
Why it’s a contender: It’s a sleek, steel beauty that says “boardroom ready” without screaming about it.
If the Cartier Tank is the watch of creatives and royals, the Raymond Weil Toccata is for the elegant everyman. This quartz-powered number is thin, minimalist, and sharp as a tailored blazer. It’s also a breeze to wear thanks to its lightweight feel—and it flies under the radar, in that “if you know, you know” kind of way.
Credit - Oris
4. Oris Rectangular
Price: £1,800
Why it’s a contender: Bold dial colours, automatic movement, and serious indie watch brand kudos.
If you want a Tank-alike with a splash of personality, Oris has you sorted. This one has an automatic Swiss movement and comes in bold navy blue or white dial with a retro railway minute track. Oris is one of those brands beloved by enthusiasts, so while it’s still classy, it’s also a bit more “if Cartier went to art school”.
Credit - Bulova
5. Bulova Sutton
Price: £279
Why it’s a contender: Classic looks for the price of a weekend away in Margate.
Say hello to the latest addition to the Sutton family – now with a snazzy new shape that’s anything but square (well… technically it’s rectangular, but you get the idea). This stainless steel stunner features a crisp white dial with warm rose gold-tone details and a sneaky little aperture that lets you peek at the inner workings – because who doesn’t love a bit of horological theatre?
Flip it over and there’s a mineral crystal caseback giving you front-row seats to the automatic movement doing its thing. All this charm is strapped up in rich brown leather, the kind that says "I’ve got impeccable taste" without shouting about it.
If you're after a watch that blends timeless elegance with a bit of flair, this one deserves a spot on your wrist – not just your wishlist.
Final Thoughts: Ticking the Right Boxes
You don’t have to fork out several grand to get the refined look of a Cartier Tank. Whether you want mechanical charm, Swiss-made swagger, or a reliable daily dress watch, there’s something here for every budget—and every kind of wrist drama.
So go on—treat yourself. After all, if your watch says "class", no one needs to know it cost less than your electricity bill.
