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Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Cartier Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet)
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 Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) ($2,500–$5,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Cartier
Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet)
$2,500–$5,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Cartier Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | Large model, about 28mm wide, 8mm thick |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Automatic with date, Cartier (ETA-based calibre 120 in the W51011Q3; ask to confirm) |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | Cartier automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel, curved case with brancard sides, blue cabochon crown |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
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 Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) offers Stainless steel, curved case with brancard sides, blue cabochon crown construction at Large model, about 28mm wide, 8mm thick with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic with date, Cartier (ETA-based calibre 120 in the W51011Q3; ask to confirm)
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) uses the Automatic with date, Cartier (ETA-based calibre 120 in the W51011Q3; ask to confirm) (Cartier automatic, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs Large model, about 28mm wide, 8mm thick — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) at Large model, about 28mm wide, 8mm thick. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Cartier Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) at $2,500–$5,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and About 42 hours on the Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) handles 30m (3 ATM). 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.
Check Price on AmazonCartier
Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet)
Choose the Cartier Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) if you value Cartier automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and Large model, about 28mm wide, 8mm thick proportions. At $2,500–$5,000, the Automatic with date, Cartier (ETA-based calibre 120 in the W51011Q3; ask to confirm) with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Cartier Tank Francaise large automatic (steel, silver dial, date, steel bracelet) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Cartier delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.