Cartier vs. Rolex
- Thread starter petiteshopper03
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Rolex. If you have petite wrists, you can even go with the Lady Datejust. I know it doesn’t get much love lately since the trend is towards larger watches, but I have a Lady and the proportions are just right on my small wrist for an every day watch. I am looking at the 31mm date just for a more casual, modern option, but if I could only have one, I would pick my Lady Datejust any day of the year.
I do like the Cartier, but as others have said, it is really more of jewelry than a “timepiece”.
They are both beautiful, so neither one is a bad choice, just pick the one that feels right!
I do like the Cartier, but as others have said, it is really more of jewelry than a “timepiece”.
They are both beautiful, so neither one is a bad choice, just pick the one that feels right!
I have the Rolex Datejust in the smallest size and love it.
I have both Rolex and Cartier and they are both great watches. It all comes down to the esthetics you’re looking for. Rolex is more sporty, Cartier is more elegant. I just want to add that Cartier is an actual watch maker not just a jewelry brand. So I strongly disagree with the person who stated that Cartier watches are just jewelry. Good luck chosing. Try both if you can and see which one works better for your style.Hi everyone! I am thinking of purchasing my first "nice" watch after years of waring my Garmin running watches everywhereI originally had my heart set on the Cartier Tank Solo or Tank Francaise since I have pretty small wrists and am very petite. I started looking around and also like the Rolex Oystersteel even though it is about twice the price, but seems to be a better watch overall. Any recommendations? Trying to decide if I should go with the Rolex or save money and stick with the watch I originally wanted. I am 5'1 with tiny wrists for reference.
Curious which you choose as I am about the same height & small wrist. My parents both had Rolex and I liked it but Tank looks more elegant.Hi everyone! I am thinking of purchasing my first "nice" watch after years of waring my Garmin running watches everywhere
That simply means your ex's watch either needed to be regulated/adjusted if it was new, or it was in need of being serviced. Rolex watches can be incredibly accurate watches when properly adjusted and maintained.
To the OP both brands make great watches. I own several Rolex and several Cartier pieces and I love them all. Part of the reason for the price difference, between the Rolex and the Cartiers you are considering is Rolex makes the movement that powers the watch you are considering. The Cartier pieces you are considering have movements that are purchased from another company (there are models that Cartier does make the movements for, but they would be any of the really small sized watches). The Rolex also has greater water resistance, although that should be tested at your local Rolex/watch store roughly every 18 months if you plan to use it while swimming. Still if those issues do not matter to you, and you like the Cartier more, then go for the Cartier. I know lots of people that have the Cartier models you are considering and they are very happy with them. They are very good quality, durable watches.
You can't go wrong with any of the watches you are considering. They are all very nice. Wishing you lots of luck and fun making your decision.
I’m the same height as you and have a small wrist (now probably more small-med after my twins, lol). I collect watches and have several Cartiers, 2 Rolex and other brands such as Patel Philippe, IWC, Chopard, etc. Both C & R brands make great watches. I think the TF looks more elegant while the Rolex Datejust more sporty. I agree with babypanda that it’s about esthetics and also your clothing style and personal preference.
I’d suggest trying both on in person. My first luxury watch was a Cartier Santos with YG frame around the dial and YG screws. It was a wedding present from my DH. I wear this watch the most over the years because it goes with all my jewelry whether I’m wearing WG, YG and complements both my casual, work and dressier clothes. I originally coveted Cartier Panthere for a long time but when we went to try it on, it didn’t look good on my wrist at all. I was so disappointed. I never considered the Santos, thought it looked squarish but it ended up looking good on my wrist.
I find Rolex to be more sporty in terms of looks. My small one has a black dial and 10 D so I think to me it looks a little more dressy than one with a white dial. As for your wrist size, I have a 24mm (discontinued now) which I find to be too small now and prefer my 31mm. I’m even considering a 41mm for the big sporty look but haven’t had a chance to try it on in person. So you may want to try on different sizes and determine the look you like best.
Just wanted to mention though that in terms on value, Rolex retains its re-sale value the most. I keep all my watches though and hope one day my daughters will enjoy them or some of them just as much. The joy of owning a watch comes from wearing it. The one that brings a smile to your face when you look at the time is the one you should consider getting.
I’d suggest trying both on in person. My first luxury watch was a Cartier Santos with YG frame around the dial and YG screws. It was a wedding present from my DH. I wear this watch the most over the years because it goes with all my jewelry whether I’m wearing WG, YG and complements both my casual, work and dressier clothes. I originally coveted Cartier Panthere for a long time but when we went to try it on, it didn’t look good on my wrist at all. I was so disappointed. I never considered the Santos, thought it looked squarish but it ended up looking good on my wrist.
I find Rolex to be more sporty in terms of looks. My small one has a black dial and 10 D so I think to me it looks a little more dressy than one with a white dial. As for your wrist size, I have a 24mm (discontinued now) which I find to be too small now and prefer my 31mm. I’m even considering a 41mm for the big sporty look but haven’t had a chance to try it on in person. So you may want to try on different sizes and determine the look you like best.
Just wanted to mention though that in terms on value, Rolex retains its re-sale value the most. I keep all my watches though and hope one day my daughters will enjoy them or some of them just as much. The joy of owning a watch comes from wearing it. The one that brings a smile to your face when you look at the time is the one you should consider getting.
I forgot to mention that Cartier TF has quartz movement which means it uses a watch battery like most watches whereas Rolex, depending on models, is mechanical which means you have to wind it. It depends on whether you plan to wear your watch everyday. I find I have to wind my Rolex watch, and reset time & date every time I wear it because I don’t wear it all the time. You can use a watch winder to keep it going. So that’s another thing to consider. Let us know which you decide and show us mod pic.
I just had the same debate and decided on the tank solo! I was looking for an everyday watch but work in an industry where “glitz” (=Rolex) doesn’t go over well, so I felt the cartier would be slightly more subtle. Most Cartier felt a little too formal for my everyday style but the solo looked sporty enough to pull off. I’m so happy with my purchase! Adore my new watch.
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Did you decide? I have a 14cm wrist and loooove my Tank F!
I have a ton of Rolex photos too if you want to see..Rolex just never made my heart sing like the Tank! I feel like the Rolex styles change and it can end up looking dated.
I own the Tank Solo, Francaise, and a Rolex DJ 31mm. Since you are considering the Tank Solo I would like to point out that the dimensions of it are 24mm x 31mm. If you like the way that size looks on you, you would probably also like a 31mm and maybe also 34mm Rolex watches. Something to consider! Also you could go with a Tank Solo leather band and later get a Rolex with a stainless steel bracelet (or the other way around) so that you have nice variety/versatility. Pics to show you what I mean!
I love how both watches are perfect for every day, whether you are dressing up or wearing a t shirt and jeans.
I love how both watches are perfect for every day, whether you are dressing up or wearing a t shirt and jeans.
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