How would I decide on sizing? It seems larger watch faces are in, but will that stand the test of time?
Cartier or Rolex.....Which do you prefer??
- Thread starter BagLuver
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35mm is a great size because any smaller and the numbers can sometimes be a pain to read especially as one gets older.
Although if you prefer the chunky look 40-42 mm might be preferable. Also everything is relative to your wrist size!
This is such a personal choice — these are two very different (and beautiful!) watches and I had a similar predicament. I was choosing between a Cartier Ballon Bleu and a Rolex Datejust and ended up going for the Rolex after trying them both on. They both looked great (and I will get the Cartier one day ☺️) but the Rolex just suited my style and wrist the best. The Cartier is more “dressy” and delicate whereas the Rolex is chunkier and “watchy” (my word ). So, it all depends on your style. Can’t go wrong with either — good luck with your decision and let us know what you end up with!
I think the cartier watch is beautiful but it's a quartz watch, isn't it? if so, then you're basically paying for jewelry, whereas rolex is a "real" watch. I'd probably go with rolex but you do have maintenance on a mechanical watch and with the quartz, you may never have to do anything except change the battery.
is your Jewelry style classically feminine, then perhaps go smaller (I tend to think of people who like the panthere as classic and feminine, but that’s JMO)
are you more sporty and like oversized jewelry, then go bigger (men’s Rolex oyster, Cartier pasha c etc. at this point, a 35 is almost on the small size for men, so the trend seems here to stay. . .
what’s your body type/wrist size. I’m short but not petite. . . My wrist is large (as per my verdura SA Where I’ve save money bc sadly nothing fits) So, larger watch is best.
agree with @Christofle, that as one gets older, it’s hard to read a watch thats smaller, and I found rolexes ladies champagne colored dial difficult even when I had better younger eyes
@sdkitty, Cartier Is a jewelry company but watches come in quartz and automatic
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Go with an actual watch company...Rolex is a good entry level price point for a quality automatic watch.
Just a bit of history for those that might be interested:
I’m not entirely sure why Cartier’s historical watchmaking prowess keeps getting forgotten. However Cartier was producing watches before Rolex even existed. In fact they are credited with creating the first men’s watch in 1904 for the pilot Santos.
Moreover Rolex doesn’t have an haute horlogerie branch nor do they use elaborate hand finishing on their movements.
Cartier has been creating some truly technical masterpieces.
I’m not entirely sure why Cartier’s historical watchmaking prowess keeps getting forgotten. However Cartier was producing watches before Rolex even existed. In fact they are credited with creating the first men’s watch in 1904 for the pilot Santos.
Moreover Rolex doesn’t have an haute horlogerie branch nor do they use elaborate hand finishing on their movements.
Cartier has been creating some truly technical masterpieces.
thankyou for pointing this out!
Cartier is definitely my preferred brand as their models for women are more feminine to me And feel more like jewelry. I like Rolex for others but I feel it is too masculine looking for me to wear. Obviously it is a very personal decision.
you call Rolex entry level? then what is Tissot? hundreds rather than thousands to buy
I think what they mean is that it is a good entry to buying ones first “serious” watch.
It can be repaired basically by any watchmaker, parts are easily accessible, maintenance intervals are very long, waterproof/dust proof, “classic”, good resale value, etc...
And in the grand scheme of luxury watches it is considered an entry point into “luxury”. Aka minimal handwork, mostly assembled by robots, mass production, etc... Versus say a Geneva Seal certified watch costing more than a luxury sedan.
I like both models but opted to buy a Datejust myself. I think it's a timeless model (maybe more akin to the Tank Francaise) while the Panthere, having more of a specific style, might come and go. I think the Panthere in general is a bit 80's and has come back because the 80's look is really in now. I like it now but I'd be more concerned with getting tired of it at some point.
yes, compared to a luxury sedan a Rolex is a smaller purchase. But most people can't afford even a SS Rolex so to call it entry level seems rather out of touch and elitist to me. Again, you can get a perfecty respectable watch - Tissot, Movado, etc, for much less.
thank you for the explanation though
Or Seiko and Orient
I feel like too many people watched a certain video on YouTube where three independent watchmakers were asked what they would suggest as first purchase to the enter the luxury world of watches and they pretty much were split between Rolex and Nomos.
not familiar with Orient but Seiko is a respectable watch....not a status symbol but nothing wrong with themOr Seiko and Orient