The Best Cartier Tank Watch Alternative Under $100 You've Never Heard Of: Seiko 7740-5000 vs SWR052

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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[naokisaito]

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

[thomasflynn]

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.

[Lamattack]

So cool to see a Seiko Dolce covered! Love these more obscure lines from Seiko. Another awesome video, TGV!

[Klaatu-ijuz]

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.🥰

[dannyg]

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!

[franka]

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!

[alvinmick]

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! 🥃

[jordongrant]

Great older Seikos I had no idea existed, thanks for putting a spotlight on these.

[williamthompson]

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.

[trevorhofmann]

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!

[johnviano]

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

[azrubel]

i've been looking for this exact video for a long time, thanks tgv!

[alexm]

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.

[HRM.H]

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!!

[kevinwall]

Love this video! I have two seiko tanks one was my grandfather’s from 1983. Two tone and scratched to bits but that’s ok. I recently picked up a “ gold” seiko tank from a garage sale but dropped it and shattered the crystal. Thinking I’ll get it fixed one day. I love how slim they are the small size and they work with everything. I’d even argue a track suit would work too 😊

[rolandbujeiro]

I purchased the seiko recraft about 2 months ago. Beautiful green face and gets a lot of compliments. Runs a little small for my wrist but I really only use it for special occasions. Worth the money to round out the collection.

[mrkitewine]

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

[poleatsky]

Very cool find! Your passion for the art and the ditails and the history of watches iss addicting. My favorite channel by far.
Onwards and upwards!

[kevinmaestroful]

Love watching your videos, each one is like watching a really well made interesting mini documentary. Love them ❤

[MastinoNapoletano]

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!