Cartier Panthere vs Rolex Lady Datejust?

[GoldenGlitter]

These are the two watches in question! The panthere in the small size and the ldj in 28mm. I’m 23 and petite so I’m ruling out large watches, since I don’t think they suit me. I went to both boutiques and tried on each watch (at the Rolex boutique, they didn’t have this particular one, I could only see a 28mm for size reference and there was a 31mm with diamonds so I could get an idea of the look). Honestly from what I saw, I loved them both. I was considering an all gold Rolex, but from what I gather they’re very heavy! When I tried one on it wasn’t the most comfy for daily wear, but the gold panthere is much lighter. The TT ldj is a good weight as well. They’re both so beautiful! I don’t really wear watches on special occasions (eg black tie events), so this would for the most part be a daily/frequent wear piece with my other jewelry. Thoughts?

 

[lill_canele]

Both are beautiful classic watches that are timeless and perfect for many occasions.

I think it depends on:

- Brand preference (if you have one). Is there a brand you've always wanted an item from?
- How badly you want one over the other? Cartier watches are more accessible than Rolexes for sure. Rolex usually has a waitlist. Are you willing to wait?
- Style preference. Panthere is more like jewelry. It has a more elegant touch (IMO) than a Rolex which is more of a statement with slightly more masculine features.
- How much of a watch person are you? If you are a big watch person, you may not consider the Panthere to be a "true" watch, since it comes from a fine jewelry house and not an "official" watch house. If not, then this does not apply.

I generally consider all gold watches to be reserved for more upscale occasions but honestly wear whatever you want for anything haha.
Also, all gold watches (like all gold jewerly) will show wear and scratches more easily than a watch with SS. Though if that doesn't bother you, then it also does not apply.

I have the Panthere, medium, TT, YG and SS. It is a very very comfortable watch to wear. So comfortable that I often go to bed with it it on and forget to take it of haha. In terms of style an aesthetic, I am more of a Cartier girl.
The only thing that would make me choose Rolex over Panthere is that Rolex holds it's value better than Cartier watches, by quite a long shot. If you look at the resale market, Cartier watches have a huge depreciation of 40-50%. But again, if you intend to keep and not resell, then this does not apply to you!

Either way, both stunning watches! Please let us know what you end up deciding on!

 

[jellyv]

Are you comparing a quartz and an automatic? Big difference in day-to-day experience. Cartier is dressier and harder to read, in case that matters. I myself wouldn't pay big money for a quartz watch. If it's just functioning as jewelry, however, the Cartier certainly is beautiful.

I am not a fan of blinged-out watches in either brand, but this is strictly preference. I'm a Rolex wearer.

 

[sleepydoc.]

These are two very different watches. I agree with the above - I think for a daily watch the Rolex with its SS and jubilee bracelet is more robust and will show less wear. I prefer the Rolex fluted bezel as I think it is classic and beautiful but also less dressy than a diamond bezel. Yes the Rolex will be easier to read but you have young eyes .

Do you care about the movement? While Cartier is well known for its watch making, the Panthere is a quartz movement while Rolex is automatic. You may know this already but many watch enthusiasts prefer automatic movements. Some people like quartz movements as they merely require an occasional battery change and will not need to be set. The Rolex will require setting each time after the power reserve is depleted, (but if you wind it / wear daily it will keep going).

As far as waiting to purchase - not a huge factor imo as the Rolex Ladies 28s are not that difficult to obtain and are often the only references available for purchase at Rolex boutiques and ADs. That said, you will likely have to wait some amount of time for the specific DJ 28 you like - diamond markers. MOP dial, diamond bezel - as there are so many variations made.

 

[Pop Art Suzy]

I agree with the posters above. Both watches are completely different, and it's just what you want them for. The Cartier is very dressy, especially since it's all YG with a diamond bezel. Whereas, the Rolex can be dressed down as well as dressed up since it's a TT. Also, not to beat a dead horse, but there is always a waitlist with Rolex to buy new now. If you can't wait, and you know you want the Rolex, then consider going grey. Might be a bit more expensive, but you can get a brand new Rolex with box and papers without the wait. Also something to consider, Rolex AD's require some sort of purchase history in order to receive a new Rolex. I bought my Rolex pre-loved because I didn't want to wait and I knew what I wanted.

I have a SS Datejust with diamond markers, jubilee bracelet and a fluted bezel, and I absolutely love it. I wear it with jeans and dressed up as well. It's a versatile style and it's gorgeous. You'd love the Rolex, but then again, I'm biased.

I think the Cartier is gorgeous, but like others have brought up, it's difficult to read and with the Rolex, it appreciates in time, whereas the Cartier won't.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck!

 

[Mmh1995]

I was debating exactly these two watches (except for the Rolex, I wanted 31mm rather than 28 which unfortunately made it harder to get). I wanted the rolex a bit more because as others have pointed out - holds value better, automatic movement and the two tone is a bit better for wear and tear. I put my name down at some ADs for the Rolex thinking I wouldn’t get it anytime soon and if I didn’t get it after a year I’d just buy the Cartier as it’s readily available. Ended up being offered the exact Rolex I wanted through my Dad’s AD so that’s what I got and I’m so happy with it! However I will most likely add the Cartier to my collection in future but I’m glad I received the Rolex first.