Cartier BB Watch or Bulgari Serpenti Bracelet???

Which item should I get???

  • Be practical: Cartier Ballon Bleu watch

    Votes: 15 55.6%

  • Bling it on: Bulgari Serpenti bracelet

    Votes: 12 44.4%
  • Total voters
    27
  • Poll closed .

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CEC.LV4eva

CEC.LV4eva

O.G.
Jun 4, 2006
16,773
1,151
#1
Hi everyone,

I need help deciding which item to purchase in the near future.

1. Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm with diamonds:
I’ve had my eyes on the BB for about a decade now. I was hesitant to purchase this watch before because it had just come out in 2006 and I wasn’t sure if it would last the test of time (so I got a Rolex instead lol). Fast forward a decade later, I think it’s made its stamp in history and is still a beautiful watch. I love the classy Roman numbers. The steel makes it more wearable for everyday, while at the same time the diamonds can also make this a very dressy watch. I am also hitting a special birthday turning 35… which is kind of a reminder that time is running out? :huh:

2. Bulgari Serpenti Viper in Rose Gold with full pavé diamonds:
I was really just browsing randomly one day when I tried on this bracelet and it simply took my breath away. I’ve been interested in the Serpenti collection for a few years but never considered it seriously until now… The bracelet is absolutely STUNNING and I’ve never fallen in love with a piece of jewelry so fast since I’m usually not a jewelry person. However, the price is twice as much as the Cartier watch and I’m afraid of making an impulse purchase? I plan to wear this alone (not stacked with my Cartier bracelets as shown below) and more for special occasions which would make cost per wear significantly more than the BB watch.

I know they’re very different from the looks, purpose, cost…etc so difficult to compare apples and oranges, but would appreciate everyone’s thoughts and insights. Thank you all very much!

Here are some pix for comparison:

D4D56677-729C-4D74-B95C-2F6D3715DF09.jpeg1314CC85-93FB-4132-9C85-2748B2C7B368.jpeg
 
Last edited:
#2
Are you a watch person? Obviously you have your rolex and have been eyeing the ballon for a while, but it sounds like it was love at first sight a while ago. I tried on the buglari not too long ago and it is absolutely stunning. Though I dont think you should buy it if youre not going to wear it fairly often. You said youre not really a jewelry person either, so its a lot to spend on an item that may not line up with your regular style. Both items are only going to go up in price thru the years but based on what you said I think (cost aside) that you want/use the watch more.
 
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#6
vinotastic said:
Are you a watch person? Obviously you have your rolex and have been eyeing the ballon for a while, but it sounds like it was love at first sight a while ago. I tried on the buglari not too long ago and it is absolutely stunning. Though I dont think you should buy it if youre not going to wear it fairly often. You said youre not really a jewelry person either, so its a lot to spend on an item that may not line up with your regular style. Both items are only going to go up in price thru the years but based on what you said I think (cost aside) that you want/use the watch more.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the thoughtful response. You’re right, I’m probably more of a watch person because it’s more practical. However in everyday life, I’ve actually been wearing less of my Rolex over the years, because I find it too blingy at work (hospital). Now ever since the pandemic, I’ve actually stopped wearing watches/jewelry in fear of bringing Covid home lol. I was speaking with my friend the other day, she said to me that the Cartier BB would be even more eye catching and is more of a jewelry watch. She said I probably wouldn’t wear it much either given that I’m so dressed down these days (scrubs). So I guess her point was that as much as I may think the BB would be more practical, it probably wouldn’t be…?
 
#13
I think watch makes a nice choice IF you're talking about ROI. But I'm not a watch person to begin with but then at the same time, I don't see how the bling bracelet can be a daily piece.

BUT it takes my breath away the moment I tried on. At the same time, I know that it won't see the light much if I own it.

Tried on both wrists which I already have other bracelets. I think this Serpenti is nicer sitting alone.
76C0A020-8D59-4977-8257-3313DF11C581.jpeg
 
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#14
Purrsey said:
I think watch makes a nice choice IF you're talking about ROI. But I'm not a watch person to begin with but then at the same time, I don't see how the bling bracelet can be a daily piece.

BUT it takes my breath away the moment I tried on. At the same time, I know that it won't see the light much if I own it.

Tried on both wrists which I already have other bracelets. I think this Serpenti is nicer sitting alone.
View attachment 5173301
Click to expand...

You’re right, I like the Serpenti bracelet on its own, thanks for the enabling:nuts:
I will have another appointment at both boutiques later this week to try them on, then make my final decision…
Thanks for all the help everyone!:heart:
 
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#15
For what’s it worth, I do wear my serpenti bracelets on regular days and to work and really love doing so… It may seem counterintuitive, but stacking it with other bracelets may make it more causal? Of course this is just for you to consider if you do get the serpenti, you could get more wear out of it this way.
I have also always loved the BB, and you’re right, it has stood the test of time.
 
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