Gold-Plating Durability on a Cartier Tank Louis: Feedback Needed

[Nimrodormin]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently on the fence about looking into a gold-plated Cartier Tank Louis. I absolutely love the elegant design of this iconic dress watch, but I’m hesitant about how well the gold-plating will hold up with regular use.

I’m not planning to use it for heavy-duty activities, but I do like to wear dressy watches as daily pieces. That means there’s a chance it could get knocked against a doorframe or a desk here and there. Since I want this to stay looking sharp for as long as possible, I have a few questions for anyone who owns or has owned a gold-plated replica:

1. Durability of Gold-Plating: How well does the plating on replicas hold up with regular, careful wear? Do certain areas (like the crown, or edges of the case) start to show wear faster?
2. Practicality for Daily Wear: Is a gold-plated replica like this worth it for someone who wants to wear it regularly? Or would I be better off sticking to stainless steel if I’m concerned about long-term aesthetics?
3. Any Personal Experiences? I’d love to hear from anyone who owns a replica of the Tank Louis—how’s it holding up, and would you recommend it for someone in my position?

I’m really torn, so any insights or advice you can share would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance for helping me make a more informed decision.

 

[Reaps]

You want "durability" and "practicality" and "long term use" stick with stainless steel. Noone will promise anything about replica gold plating.

 

[Hesekiel]

Poor.
Go to eBay. Search for Cartier Must de Tank.
Those came in the 1970s and '80s in 925 Sterling Silver cases with Vermeil, which is the thickest yellow gold plating ever used, at least 2.5 microns in thickness, so 5 times (!) as thick as "regular" gold plating, which is usually 0.5 microns. Only "gold filled" is thicker.

Almost all of those watches are in horrible condition now, unless they have been re-plated.
If you were to wear a gold-plated dress watch twice a year, that would probably work out okay, but wearing it as you indicated, is a recipe for disappointment rather sooner than later.

 

[Nimrodormin]

Thank you both for your feedback—it’s clear to me now that gold-plated watches, especially replicas, might not be the best choice for daily wear if durability is a concern. I appreciate the perspective on how plating tends to wear over time, even with careful use.

I’m curious if there are any specific tips for maintaining the appearance of a gold-plated watch, or if it’s just a matter of accepting that wear and tear will happen. Also, if either of you has experience with a stainless steel replica Tank, I’d love to hear how close it comes to the look and feel of the original. From what I've heard, considering the quartz movement and the printed dial, it should not be too far off.

Thanks again for your insights—it’s been really helpful in weighing my options!

 

[Seefeld]

More than 2 years with my k11 gold tank and it's perfect. Using it twice a week all day long.