Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)

Bulova's dress watch meets Cartier's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) ($5,000–$10,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

BulovaSurveyor Automatic$250–$500 Check price CartierTank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)$5,000–$10,000 Check price

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Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

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Cartier

Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)

$5,000–$10,000

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Bulova Surveyor Automatic	Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)
Price	$250–$500	$5,000–$10,000
Case Size	39mm	Small model, about 35mm long
Movement	Automatic Miyota 8215	Quartz (Cartier small model)
Caliber Type	Miyota Automatic	Cartier quartz
Power Reserve	42 Hours	Battery
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine
Crystal	Sapphire Crystal	Sapphire Crystal
Case Material	Stainless Steel	18k yellow gold, curved rectangular case
Origin	Made in Japan (Movement)	Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Cartier's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) offers 18k yellow gold, curved rectangular case construction at Small model, about 35mm long with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Bulova

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Quartz (Cartier small model)

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) uses the Quartz (Cartier small model) (Cartier quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The Surveyor Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Cartier

39mm vs Small model, about 35mm long — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) at Small model, about 35mm long. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) at $5,000–$10,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and Battery on the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) handles 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine. Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

Choose the Bulova Surveyor Automatic if you prioritize Miyota Automatic engineering, Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve.

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Cartier

Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)

Choose the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) if you value Cartier quartz technology, Swiss Made heritage, and Small model, about 35mm long proportions. At $5,000–$10,000, the Quartz (Cartier small model) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Cartier delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. On price, the Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits a band lower ($250–$500 against $5,000–$10,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Surveyor Automatic at 39mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) at Small model, about 35mm long with 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine is similarly capable. Both use Sapphire Crystal, which resists scratches well.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.