Cartier BB - quartz or automatic

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abs914

abs914

O.G.
Sep 3, 2008
737
7
#1
I'm vacationing in Cabo this week and am considering a Ballon Bleu purchase. The SA here said the size 33 only comes in quartz, but when I just called the store in NYC, I was told it comes in both quartz and automatic.

Of course the cheaper cost is a factor in why I'd buy the watch in Mexico, but it's still a big purchase and I want to make the right choice. This would be my first premium watch and would probably be my only one for a long time.

Would you go for the quartz or hold off and wait for an automatic?
 
#2
I would go for an automatic. At that price point, why not go for something that'll last for a long time? I had the same dilemma when I was purchasing mine but I decided on the automatic and have never looked back. I wear it daily so I don't really need to wind it but I like the thought that I can just leave it there and start it back up again whenever I want to instead of worrying about the battery dying down the road.
 
#3
With Cartier they'll both last forever if you service them. My girlfriends hate their automatics because they don't like the little details of not being as accurate, getting magnetized ect. My Quartz to me is easy and I love that. I also have a men's Cartier auto that I love. It has one of their in house movements and it runs great. I don't know anything about the movement in a 33 mm BB. It's probably an ETA if they aren't advertising it as in house which to me is kinda meh.

The Quartz will be cheaper Than the auto too.
 
#6
Thanks for the replies. Looks like I should go for the automatic. I'll go back to the Cartier store later to see if maybe the SA was mistaken about only having quartz.
 
#7
dster1 said:
I would go for an automatic. At that price point, why not go for something that'll last for a long time? I had the same dilemma when I was purchasing mine but I decided on the automatic and have never looked back. I wear it daily so I don't really need to wind it but I like the thought that I can just leave it there and start it back up again whenever I want to instead of worrying about the battery dying down the road.
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Agree with all this.

Automatic is more expensive to maintain, but to me, it feels more luxurious.
 
#8
Now I need size help! Tried on the 33mm and 36mm automatics last night. But they only had a 33 with diamonds in stock. Which size looks better on my wrist? FYI, I'm 5'9".

ImageUploadedByPurseForum1451058220.767317.jpgImageUploadedByPurseForum1451058247.776430.jpgImageUploadedByPurseForum1451058272.560885.jpg
 
#10
abs914 said:
Now I need size help! Tried on the 33mm and 36mm automatics last night. But they only had a 33 with diamonds in stock. Which size looks better on my wrist? FYI, I'm 5'9".

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Both are gorgeous - however - the bigger one is slightly more edgy ... It has that "I'm wearing my husband's watch and don't care that's it not dainty" feel to it. The smaller is a safer bet and is more classically feminine. My vote is the smaller if this is going to be a staple in your collection. If you already own a smaller watch, then the large BB is a fun, whimsical option. My $0.02.
 
#11
abs914 said:
Now I need size help! Tried on the 33mm and 36mm automatics last night. But they only had a 33 with diamonds in stock. Which size looks better on my wrist? FYI, I'm 5'9".

View attachment 3222278View attachment 3222279View attachment 3222280
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I like the 36mm with no diamond on you! And automatic is better! I bought the 33mm in automatic and never regretted it! Kind of regretting on my Quartz watch. I'm shorter at 5"2 and 33mm fits better than 36mm, but 36mm looks good on you :)
 
#12
lanasyogamama said:
I'm tall like you, and I love my large BB
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roy40 said:
Both are gorgeous - however - the bigger one is slightly more edgy ... It has that "I'm wearing my husband's watch and don't care that's it not dainty" feel to it. The smaller is a safer bet and is more classically feminine. My vote is the smaller if this is going to be a staple in your collection. If you already own a smaller watch, then the large BB is a fun, whimsical option. My $0.02.
Click to expand...



sleepykitten said:
I like the 36mm with no diamond on you! And automatic is better! I bought the 33mm in automatic and never regretted it! Kind of regretting on my Quartz watch. I'm shorter at 5"2 and 33mm fits better than 36mm, but 36mm looks good on you :)
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Thanks for the opinions [emoji4]. Regardless, I wouldn't be getting the BB with diamonds. Can't afford it, plus I happen to prefer the Roman numerals. Just showed it as a size reference. I usually like dainty jewelry, so I assumed I'd prefer the 33, but now the 36 is throwing me off because I like that one too!
 
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