Cartier Tank Solo Ref 3170 Circa 2010

Cartier Tank Solo W5200005 / 3710: A Contemporary Chapter in a Timeless Tale

Introduction: A Design Rooted in History

Among all the watch designs in horological history, few can rival the enduring legacy of the Cartier Tank. Since its debut in 1917, the Tank has become a symbol of elegance, modernity, and quiet confidence—qualities not just of a watch, but of a cultural icon. Over the decades, the Tank has evolved into numerous variants, each staying true to its essential DNA while offering subtle refinements to suit contemporary tastes. One such example is the Cartier Tank Solo, particularly the reference W5200005 (also known by its movement reference number 3710). Released in the early 2000s, this model is a modern reinterpretation that continues the tradition of the Tank with practical updates for everyday wear.

The Birth of the Cartier Tank

In 1917, Louis Cartier designed the original Tank watch in response to the mechanical and stylistic innovations of the First World War. Legend has it that the inspiration came from the Renault FT-17 tank, a French military vehicle with a rectangular chassis and two protruding tracks. The Tank watch mirrored this geometry with brancards (vertical sidebars) that flanked the case like the treads of an armoured vehicle.

But despite its military inspiration, the watch was anything but brutish. The clean lines, perfect symmetry, and absence of unnecessary ornamentation were revolutionary for the time, especially in a world still dominated by ornate pocket watches and turn-of-the-century flourishes. The first production model, the Tank Normale, debuted in 1919, and only six pieces were made that year. Yet it set the tone for over a century of refinements and reinterpretations.

Since then, the Tank has taken many forms: the Cintrée, the Louis Cartier, the Française, the Américaine, and the Solo, to name just a few. Each has played with proportions, movement types, and dial details—but all remain unmistakably Tank.

Enter the Tank Solo

Released in 2004, the Tank Solo collection was Cartier’s answer to a modern desire: to offer the classic elegance of the Tank design at a more accessible price point. It retained the essential elements—rectangular case, Roman numerals, chemin-de-fer (rail-track) minute markers, blued sword-shaped hands, and sapphire cabochon crown—while introducing updated materials and practical movements, including quartz and automatic options.

The reference W5200005, part of this collection, was positioned as an everyday watch for those who wanted the Cartier look without the high cost or fragility of more precious materials. Its appeal lies in this duality: a recognisable icon, reinterpreted for daily life.

Case and Dimensions

The Tank Solo W5200005 features a stainless steel case measuring 31mm x 24 mm, with a slim profile. While this might sound small by modern standards, especially for those accustomed to oversized sport watches, it wears elegantly and offers excellent proportions for a unisex wrist. The rectangular form, without lugs in the conventional sense, allows the watch to sit flat and comfortably. This is one of the key advantages of the Tank design—its ability to disappear onto the wrist while still making a statement.

The case is polished throughout, lending the watch a refined presence, although it is not ostentatious. The brancards continue to play their historic role, defining the vertical architecture of the watch while visually elongating the case. Water resistance is rated at 30 metres—not intended for submersion, but sufficient for daily protection.

Dial Design: Clarity and Restraint

The dial on the W5200005 is pure Cartier. Bright silvered opaline with a subtle satin finish, it offers excellent contrast against the black printed Roman numerals. There’s no date window, no lume, no flourish—just the essentials, executed with precision. The chemin-de-fer minute track frames the numerals and reinforces the balance of the design. At the centre, the blued steel sword hands—heated to achieve their signature hue—glide smoothly, their traditional shape adding an artisanal touch.

In typical Cartier fashion, the hidden ‘Cartier’ signature can be found in the ‘VII’ numeral—a quiet nod to the brand’s commitment to detail and an anti-counterfeiting measure that’s become a collector’s hallmark.

Movement: Quartz Reliability

Inside the Tank Solo W5200005 is a Cartier quartz movement, commonly referred to in collector circles by its internal movement number 3710. This is a no-fuss, battery-powered engine that prioritises reliability and accuracy over mechanical artistry. While it might not appeal to mechanical purists, its presence makes the watch more affordable and convenient for many wearers. There’s no winding, no need to reset frequently, and service intervals are significantly longer.

It’s worth noting that Cartier’s decision to offer quartz movements in the Tank Solo series was not a compromise, but a strategy. The brand understood that its customer base for this model might value ease and accessibility over horological complexity—and it worked.

Strap and Wearability

The W5200005 comes fitted with a black alligator leather strap, paired with a stainless steel tang buckle. The strap is supple from the outset and complements the case’s classic aesthetic. While Cartier has offered this model on a bracelet in other references, the leather strap remains more faithful to the watch’s dressy intentions.

At just over 5.5 mm thick, the watch slips easily under any cuff, making it ideal for formal wear—but it’s just as suitable for casual or business attire. This is one of the Tank’s most enduring features: its ability to adapt. Whether paired with denim or a tuxedo, the watch never looks out of place.

Cultural Relevance and Style

Owning a Tank, even an entry-level model like the Solo, places the wearer in rare company. Over the past century, Tank watches have graced the wrists of everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol, Muhammad Ali to Princess Diana. But unlike many watches that rely on brand-name cachet alone, the Tank has always stood apart because of its design integrity.

Andy Warhol famously wore a Cartier Tank that was never set. “I don’t wear a Tank to tell the time,” he said. “In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear.” That says everything about the role of the Tank in cultural history: it transcends function.

The W5200005 retains this lineage. It’s not about flash or prestige—it’s about aesthetic conviction. You wear a Tank because it suits your worldview: clean, balanced, understated.

The End of the Solo Line and Collector Interest

In recent years, Cartier has begun phasing out the Solo line in favour of the new Tank Must series, which offers updated proportions, mechanical options, and eco-friendly solar-powered movements. As such, the W5200005 and its siblings are no longer in production, which has stirred interest among collectors and enthusiasts.

Although not yet considered “vintage,” the early Tank Solo models represent a significant moment in Cartier’s modern trajectory. They were the bridge between traditional elegance and modern practicality. As newer models gain polish, decoration, and price, the simplicity of the W5200005 may well make it increasingly desirable to those seeking an unembellished version of the icon.

Final Thoughts

The Cartier Tank Solo W5200005 may not be the most complicated watch in your collection—or the most expensive—but it just might be the most versatile. It delivers a century of design history in a form that’s easy to wear, easy to own, and immediately recognisable. In a world of constantly changing trends, its constancy is refreshing.

The Tank story is one of balance: between past and present, military roots and civilian refinement, artistry and utility. And in this ongoing narrative, the W5200005 plays a crucial role. It keeps the Tank tradition alive, not just in museums or collections, but on the wrist—where it was always meant to be.

The case is in good condition, hairlines visible around the case, it is unpolished and can look brand new with a light polish. Strap is in excellent condition.

The dial and hands are in flawless condition.