A fake Cartier Tank 2083 is a replica or counterfeit watch that copies the vintage Cartier Tank model tied to reference 2083. It mimics the rectangular case, Roman numeral dial, and Cartier branding, but uses lower-grade materials and a non-Cartier movement. Because the genuine 2083 is an older reference that Cartier no longer produces, fakes and rebuilt watches are common on the secondary market.
What Is the Cartier Tank 2083 Reference?
The 2083 is a reference number for a specific Cartier Tank variant, most often linked to Tank Louis Cartier or Tank Must models from the 1970s and 1980s. Cartier used these numbers to track case size, metal, and movement type. A genuine 2083 caseback carries the reference number along with a serial number and metal hallmarks.
Cartier no longer makes the 2083. That fact drives the fake market. Buyers who want the vintage look turn to replicas, and scammers pass off cheap copies as original vintage pieces.
Why the 2083 Attracts Fakes
The Tank 2083 has a simple design. A rectangular case, a white dial with Roman numerals, and a blue cabochon crown are easy to copy with modern tools. Replica factories in China and elsewhere produce thousands of Tank-style watches each year.
Demand stays high because the Tank is a famous dress watch. Many buyers shop online and never handle the watch before paying. That gap lets low-quality fakes reach the market.
- Simple case shape with few curves
- Widely available quartz movements
- Strong brand recognition
- High prices for genuine vintage pieces
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Tank 2083
Start with the details that fakes get wrong. A close look at the case, dial, movement, and caseback will reveal most copies.
Case and Crown
Genuine 2083 cases have crisp edges and even polish. Fakes show rounded corners, uneven brushing, or soft lugs. The crown on a real Tank holds a smooth blue spinel or sapphire cabochon. Fakes use plastic or glass that looks dull or cloudy.
Dial and Hands
Real Cartier dials have sharp printing and even Roman numerals. Fakes use thick paint, misaligned numerals, or the wrong font. Check the hidden signature in the VII or X numeral. Cartier adds this detail, and most fakes miss it.
The hands should be blued steel with a polished finish. Fake hands look painted blue or have rough edges.
Movement
A genuine 2083 runs on a Cartier-signed quartz or manual movement. Open the caseback or ask a watchmaker to check. Fakes use generic quartz or cheap automatic movements with no branding. The movement number on a real Cartier caliber will match known references.
Caseback and Serial Numbers
Genuine casebacks have deep, clean engravings. The reference number, serial number, and metal hallmarks should sit in straight lines. Fakes use shallow laser etching, wrong fonts, or missing hallmarks. Cross-check the serial with an authorized service center or a trusted dealer.
Weight and Feel
Solid gold Tanks feel heavier than gold-plated or steel fakes. An 18k gold 2083 has a warm tone and real heft. Fake gold plating wears off at the lugs and caseback edges, showing the base metal underneath.
What Does a Genuine Cartier Tank 2083 Look Like?
A genuine 2083 has a rectangular case with brancards (the vertical side bars). The dial shows Roman numerals, a chemin de fer minute track, and a secret Cartier signature. The crown sits at 3 o'clock with a blue cabochon.
Case sizes for the 2083 run small by modern standards. Most examples measure under 30mm wide. The watch comes in 18k yellow gold, white gold, or vermeil (gold over silver). Vermeil versions use a gold layer that can wear over time.
Movements in the 2083 include Cartier-caliber quartz and manual-wind mechanicals. The caseback is solid and snaps or screws into place.
Replica vs Counterfeit: What Buyers Should Know
A replica is a watch made to look like a Cartier Tank and sold as a replica. A counterfeit is a fake sold as a genuine Cartier. The legal and practical difference matters.
- Replica: labeled as a copy, no Cartier warranty, no genuine resale value.
- Counterfeit: passed off as real, often sold online with fake papers and boxes.
High-end 1:1 replicas can look close to the real thing. They still use non-Cartier movements and lack the original serial numbers. If a seller claims a watch is genuine but the price is low, treat it as a counterfeit.
Price Checks for Fake and Genuine Tank 2083 Watches
Genuine vintage Tank 2083 watches trade in the low thousands of dollars. Solid gold examples cost more than vermeil or steel versions. Replicas sell for a few hundred dollars.
If someone offers a "genuine" Tank 2083 for $300, it is fake. Real vintage Cartier Tanks hold value, so no seller with a real piece will dump it at a bargain price. Check sold listings on watch marketplaces to see current ranges.
FAQ
Is a Cartier Tank 2083 still in production?
No. Cartier stopped making the 2083 reference years ago. Any "new" 2083 from an authorized dealer is not genuine. Cartier's current Tank line uses different reference numbers.
Do fake Cartier Tank 2083 watches use real gold?
Most do not. They use gold plating or stainless steel with a gold finish. A small number of high-end replicas use solid gold, but those cost far more and still lack Cartier serial numbers.
Can a jeweler tell if a Tank 2083 is fake?
Yes. A watchmaker can check the movement, hallmarks, and caseback engravings in minutes. Weight and finish also give away a fake. Ask for a written appraisal if you plan to buy a genuine piece.
What should I check before buying a vintage Tank 2083?
Ask for clear photos of the caseback, movement, and crown. Request the serial number and reference number. Compare them to Cartier records. Meet a watchmaker for an inspection before you pay.
Bottom Line
A fake Cartier Tank 2083 copies a vintage design that Cartier no longer makes. Fakes range from cheap quartz copies to high-end replicas. The genuine article has crisp details, a signed movement, and deep caseback engravings. Buy from a trusted source, and walk away if the price or paperwork looks wrong.