Cartier Panthere vs Rolex Lady Datejust

[AJCat]

Hi ladies, I am looking to get a watch and I’m torn between these 3!

I’m not really a watch person but would like to have atleast one nice watch in my collection so this will be my only watch beside my Apple Watch.

Don’t really care about it being quartz, etc. Resale value is also not important to me. It’s more the looks and wearability for me. I think all 3 are beautiful. Just can’t decide what’s the right one. This would be my only NICE watch so I want to get it right. Any thoughts? Anyone wear these for everyday?

The Rolex is 28mm and both Cartier is small.

 

[caruava]

I would go with the Rolex. Much easier to read in the long run. That said, do you have modelling pics of them?

 

[lill_canele]

Initially I chose the Rolex but after reading your post more thoroughly I changed to Panthere with diamonds

Pros of Panthere
1) I have a Panthere and it is very comfortable to wear daily, even asleep.
2) Diamonds around the bezel help protect that raised area from scratches (I don’t have diamonds around mine)
3) I actually think black again white has a greater contrast and is easier to read.

Cons of Panthere
1) Panthere will not hold value as well as Rolex (I know it doesn’t matter to you but it’s still something I would consider)
2) Rolex has a stronger presence if that’s what you’re looking for (this is a matter of personal style and preference though)
3) Some watch fans would consider Rolex a true watch and Panthere more like jewelry since Rolex is automatic and Panthere is quartz. And to pay that much for a quartz watch is quite a bit.
4) Regarding Panthere size, if you haven’t tried them on yet, I highly recommend. The Panthere small is quite small. I initially thought I would go for a small and ended up with a medium. (Though again, personal preference sort of thing)


Though they are all stunning watches and both are classics in their own right. Please let us know what you end up deciding! Happy shopping!

 

[sleepydoc.]

In addition to what has been mentioned above, do you plan to keep this watch for a long time? Do you plan to use it to tell time or more as a piece of jewellery/bracelet. Both of these references have quite small dials and as you get older neither one will be super easy to glance down and read the time. I know it's annoying when people suggest other choices but I will be that person 🙃 and say perhaps try the Rolex 31 and the Panthère medium - with diamonds as I agree diamonds are protective to the bezel (and gorgeous). The 31 also comes with the hidden clasp on the bracelet if that's a feature you like.

 

[gabbs1123]

I don’t know where you’re located but there are some Rolex ADs that sell both Rolex and Cartier. Another thing I may add, which may not matter to you, is that the Panthere goes in and out of style whereas I can’t say the same about the DJ. I tried both on, but the medium, and ultimately went for the DJ.

 

[A bottle of Red]

I chose the Rolex because the numbers are more elegant in the gold on the mop face; the black panthere numbers are easier to read but clash with the elegant feel of the gold & diamonds

 

[N_Tonks]

Is this jewelry or a watch? If a watch, Rolex all the way. If jewelry, go with the one you like better.

For watches, Rolex is my preference for several reasons. One, my Rolexes have all been bombproof watches. Reliable. Easy to wear. My one Cartier watch has been a pain in the butt. Looks great, keeps horrible time. Next, Rolex is a watchmaking house only. You will get a timepiece that is truly waterproof with a screw down crown. Cartier has a push pull crown and is water resistant only. You can wear a Rolex swimming with zero issues. It will also have an automatic movement, as opposed to the quartz in a small Panthere.

I echo what @Sleepydoc says above—consider a slightly larger face. I started out with a 26 mm Rolex (they literally don’t make it anymore) and now I’m in 40mm men’s watches. As your near vision goes, a larger face is really nice. And there are plenty of options between the smallest and largest. 31 is a great size—still feminine, but easier to read.

 

[880]

Hi ladies, I am looking to get a watch and I’m torn between these 3!

I’m not really a watch person but would like to have atleast one nice watch in my collection so this will be my only watch beside my Apple Watch.

Don’t really care about it being quartz, etc. Resale value is also not important to me. It’s more the looks and wearability for me. I think all 3 are beautiful. Just can’t decide what’s the right one. This would be my only NICE watch so I want to get it right. Any thoughts? Anyone wear these for everyday?

The Rolex is 28mm and both Cartier is small.

You have to try both on, and I think you will know immediately which one is most you. Personally I prefer no diamonds on a watch. If this will be your one and only,* Rolex is more classic. But, I find Cartier watches very beautiful. This particular line, thr panthere, has come in and out of style for decades.

*many of us have said we only want one xyz. And, years later, that ship has sailed lol. Have fun deciding
ETA: I have owned several Rolexes and cartiers (now with cousins etc). I find Rolex a bit harder to read as I get older.

 

[jellyv]

Don’t really care about it being quartz, etc. Resale value is also not important to me. It’s more the looks and wearability for me.

I trust you're aware that if you choose Rolex you're committing to hand winding it, or using a winder when not on the wrist. It's not wear and go like a battery watch. Just a fact to account for in however you're defining "wearability."

Agree with @N_Tonks about figuring out what you're after, jewelry or watch, and choose accordingly. I love the looks of both options, but unless you're tiny and/or have a tiny wrist a larger size might be better long term (fan of 31mm in Rolex DateJust). Nothing beats putting a watch on your wrist and seeing how it fits and looks.

 

[Swanky]

I don't prefer a square shape, so Rolex for me.

 

[AJCat]

I would go with the Rolex. Much easier to read in the long run. That said, do you have modelling pics of them?

Thank you. Sadly I forgot to take pics when I tried them on!

Initially I chose the Rolex but after reading your post more thoroughly I changed to Panthere with diamonds

Pros of Panthere
1) I have a Panthere and it is very comfortable to wear daily, even asleep.
2) Diamonds around the bezel help protect that raised area from scratches (I don’t have diamonds around mine)
3) I actually think black again white has a greater contrast and is easier to read.

Cons of Panthere
1) Panthere will not hold value as well as Rolex (I know it doesn’t matter to you but it’s still something I would consider)
2) Rolex has a stronger presence if that’s what you’re looking for (this is a matter of personal style and preference though)
3) Some watch fans would consider Rolex a true watch and Panthere more like jewelry since Rolex is automatic and Panthere is quartz. And to pay that much for a quartz watch is quite a bit.
4) Regarding Panthere size, if you haven’t tried them on yet, I highly recommend. The Panthere small is quite small. I initially thought I would go for a small and ended up with a medium. (Though again, personal preference sort of thing)


Though they are all stunning watches and both are classics in their own right. Please let us know what you end up deciding! Happy shopping!

Thank you for the detailed response. I do prefer small watches but yes I think I need to try the medium to compare. Do you mind the Panthere without the diamond plain? I would wear the watch on my left hand with my ering and wedding ring so I’m wondering if a diamond bezel watch would be too much for everyday

In addition to what has been mentioned above, do you plan to keep this watch for a long time? Do you plan to use it to tell time or more as a piece of jewellery/bracelet. Both of these references have quite small dials and as you get older neither one will be super easy to glance down and read the time. I know it's annoying when people suggest other choices but I will be that person 🙃 and say perhaps try the Rolex 31 and the Panthère medium - with diamonds as I agree diamonds are protective to the bezel (and gorgeous). The 31 also comes with the hidden clasp on the bracelet if that's a feature you like.

Thank you. Yes I do plan to keep this watch for a long time. I like to buy a few nice items that I can wear everyday rather than a big collection sitting in my jewelry box. I tend to not take things off once I have them on. Hmm yes looks like I might have to try 1 size up just to compare and be sure

I trust you're aware that if you choose Rolex you're committing to hand winding it, or using a winder when not on the wrist. It's not wear and go like a battery watch. Just a fact to account for in however you're defining "wearability."

Yeahh that would be slightly annoying but not a dealbreaker. Thanks!

 

[Cartier<3]

This one is a hard one. I have worn Cartier panthere with diamonds everyday for about 2 years now and still love it. It is more of a jewelry piece and not a proper watch as it is quartz. I was set on adding Rolex date just 28 or 31 MOP with diamond bezel but when I actually tried it, it didn’t make my heart skip a beat. Both are very nice watches but you should try them both on to see how you feel. It does make it hard when Rolex doesn’t have them readily in stock though. Here are some photos for comparison.

 

[caruava]

This one is a hard one. I have worn Cartier panthere with diamonds everyday for about 2 years now and still love it. It is more of a jewelry piece and not a proper watch as it is quartz. I was set on adding Rolex date just 28 or 31 MOP with diamond bezel but when I actually tried it, it didn’t make my heart skip a beat. Both are very nice watches but you should try them both on to see how you feel. It does make it hard when Rolex doesn’t have them readily in stock though. Here are some photos for comparison. View attachment 6046619View attachment 6046620

That rolex! 😍

 

[lill_canele]

Thank you for the detailed response. I do prefer small watches but yes I think I need to try the medium to compare. Do you mind the Panthere without the diamond plain? I would wear the watch on my left hand with my ering and wedding ring so I’m wondering if a diamond bezel watch would be too much for everyday

No problem! Personally I don't mind the Panthere without the diamonds. I think it's still a very classic look. Perhaps a bit more mature and conservative due to the lack of bling.

Tbh, personally, I think any all-gold watch isn't a daily watch. Generally speaking, all-gold watches are items of significant material substance and social standing when worn. They are relatively rare compared to SS and TT and definitely attract a lot of attention when worn.
Of course, not saying you shouldn't buy it. If it makes your heart sing, by all means, it means it was the one meant for you and you should wear it with love and pride.
There is just a different presence and connotation that comes with wearing an all-gold watch vs none or TT watches. Comes with the territory.

My medium panthere is TT because I didn't want something that stood out too much but my husband insisted that there be some gold because he felt the SS was too ordinary and plain. He even preferred diamonds around the bezel for me but I am a little more conservative and low key. Wanting to wear the watch everyday (which I do), I chose no diamonds.
If I were to go back in time, I would not change my decision. However, if I wanted to buy another, then I'd probably go for diamonds just for a something a little special and fun to wear for certain occasions.

 

[Classy&Fab]

No problem! Personally I don't mind the Panthere without the diamonds. I think it's still a very classic look. Perhaps a bit more mature and conservative due to the lack of bling.

Tbh, personally, I think any all-gold watch isn't a daily watch. Generally speaking, all-gold watches are items of significant material substance and social standing when worn. They are relatively rare compared to SS and TT and definitely attract a lot of attention when worn.
Of course, not saying you shouldn't buy it. If it makes your heart sing, by all means, it means it was the one meant for you and you should wear it with love and pride.
There is just a different presence and connotation that comes with wearing an all-gold watch vs none or TT watches. Comes with the territory.

My medium panthere is TT because I didn't want something that stood out too much but my husband insisted that there be some gold because he felt the SS was too ordinary and plain. He even preferred diamonds around the bezel for me but I am a little more conservative and low key. Wanting to wear the watch everyday (which I do), I chose no diamonds.
If I were to go back in time, I would not change my decision. However, if I wanted to buy another, then I'd probably go for diamonds just for a something a little special and fun to wear for certain occasions.

I agree with this, mostly! I wear gold jewelry almost exclusively, but an all-gold Rolex, even at a demure 26-28mm is just “a lot of look” IMHO. I know some don’t prefer two-tone watches, but personally I think TT styles are a lot fresher and more wearable/less formal than an all-gold one. I love my TT Rolex and find it pairs super well with both gold and silver jewelry and is easy to dress up and down. I also don’t feel self-conscious about wearing it out and about, in certain friend groups and crowds, etc. which I think I would with an all-gold Rolex specifically. I also feel like an all-gold Rolex is a more dated or mature look (or would be on me; just my personal opinion — I’m sure many would disagree and rock this look well! 🙂)

I prefer Rolexes to Cartier watches, but if the option is only all-gold varieties, I would actually vote for the gold Cartier Panthere w/o diamonds because it’s more demure on the wrist and a bit less attention-grabbing than the Rolex IMHO. I don’t love diamonds on a bezel (again, just a personal pref.) but I actually have an 18k all-gold Omega that I love, but it is very tiny and delicate, so more of a bracelet than a watch. I honestly rarely reach for it because it feels more like a special-occasion piece than my TT Datejust.

Ultimately, though, I think you should go with whichever makes your heart sing and with whichever you’ll get the most wear out of! Taste is so personal to all of us and there are no right or wrong opinions. Good luck deciding — all options are beautiful! 💙