Choosing a watch for my 40th birthday

[missfaraday]

Hello all and thanks for letting me share my research here. It’s my 40th birthday in February this year, and I would like to offer a watch to myself. I currently have just one watch, a Cartier Tank Solo (steel with leather bracelet), that I use every day. My style is quite simple (no logos, very minimalist) and I do love to complement my looks with special pieces of jewelry (my YG Love bracelet, my Love wedding ring) and bags.
I’ve been eyeing Cartier and Rolex, and I’ve tried on a couple that I like. The Panthère in YG + steel, and a Rolex Lady Datejust in RG + steel. I’m aware of how difficult it is to find Rolex watches available out there and in fact this was the only one they had at the boutique in this size (they had a 31 in steel, but with diamonds).
What do you think? Cartier or Rolex for this special occasion? Rose gold yes or no? And which size? Other suggestions?
Thanks in advance! ♥️

 

[Deleted 698298]

Congrats! And my vote is for Cartier because it is special!

 

[jyyanks]

I vote Rolex for a couple of reasons
1) you already have a Cartier so might be good to diversify and have something completely different from what you have
2) really like the rose gold with your skin tone
3) like the traditional round shape of the Rolex in that size on your wrist
4) not that I would buy thinking I’d regime but Rolex watches hold value better

You can’t go wrong with either so it really comes down to personal preference. Hood luck with whatever you decide.

 

[bernacular]

Another vote for rolex. I’m a sucker for a great watch that has the date. Very useful

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi! I am a huge Rolex fan, so Rolex for sure. The watch company is legendary. The Rolex watch in the photo is classic, sleek, timeless, iconic. If you are looking for a 31 Rolex, the one you have on is perfect. Two-tone, white roman dials, smooth bezel, oyster bracelet... the perfect combo to me. I would prefer YG though, not RG.

I am not a fan of the Cartier, especially the bracelet which looks busy to me (and a bit dated to be frank). It does not have that "clean look" you are after. I too like clean, crisp looking watches (I wear a Rolex stainless Daytona).

On RG, no for me. I think it's a trend, hard to match with other jewelry (unless you have other RG pieces), and also a possible maintenance issue. RG does change color, it takes years though, especially Cartier RG. You can read up Cartier's RG and how some ladies are seeing color change already. Rolex's Everose is not supposed to change color because they use a mix of platinum, but you may get tired of RG so it's still a no for me. YG and stainless/WG are classics. If you like RG, the combo is great. If not, I would get that same watch in YG and stainless.

Just my two cents for some thoughts. Good luck to you and happy birthday!

UPDATE: Since you asked about RG, if you are considering the Rolex only because it's in stock but you don't love it, I would skip. You can always order it. It may take time (Rolex is really backed up now), but you will get the perfect watch. I would not settle for RG if you are hesitating which is sounds like you are since you asked about it. It has to be love at first sight. For me, I would not settle for something just because it's in stock. I would order what I want.

 

[Gourmetgal]

Is the Rolex pictured a 31? It looks a little small on you but the RG really works with your skin tone. You already have a Cartier so my vote is def the Rolex. It sounds like the Rolex pictured is not your first choice Rolex? Do not be daunted by the possibility of waiting for what you really want. Celebrate your 40th all year long!

 

[880]

Happy Birthday!

Hi! I am a huge Rolex fan, so Rolex for sure. The watch company is legendary. The Rolex watch in the photo is classic, sleek, timeless, iconic. If you are looking for a 31 Rolex, the one you have on is perfect. Two-tone, white roman dials, smooth bezel, oyster bracelet... the perfect combo to me. I would prefer YG though, not RG.

I am not a fan of the Cartier, especially the bracelet which looks busy to me (and a bit dated to be frank). It does not have that "clean look" you are after. I too like clean, crisp looking watches (I wear a Rolex stainless Daytona).

On RG, no for me. I think it's a trend, hard to match with other jewelry (unless you have other RG pieces), and also a possible maintenance issue. RG does change color, it takes years though, especially Cartier RG. You can read up Cartier's RG and how some ladies are seeing color change already. Rolex's Everose is not supposed to change color because they use a mix of platinum, but you may get tired of RG so it's still a no for me. YG and stainless/WG are classics. If you like RG, the combo is great. If not, I would get that same watch in YG and stainless.

Just my two cents for some thoughts. Good luck to you and happy birthday!

UPDATE: Since you asked about RG, if you are considering the Rolex only because it's in stock but you don't love it, I would skip. You can always order it. It may take time (Rolex is really backed up now), but you will get the perfect watch. I would not settle for RG if you are hesitating which is sounds like you are since you asked about it. It has to be love at first sight. For me, I would not settle for something just because it's in stock. I would order what I want.

+1

IMO, you are actually hesitating between two very different watches. I would wait until you fall in love with one watch that eclipses both. For me personally, having lived with two tone in the 1980s, I do find them a bit to reminiscent of that period, and I would choose a single stainless steel or RG/YG (single color) as more modern and minimal. But that’s only my preference.

i think the watch you already own is more chic and minimal than either you are considering. JMO

 

[vinotastic]

Im not a Rolex person at all (and own a cartier watch) but I prefer the Rolex in this scenario. For a few reasons.

• You already have a cartier and diversifying your collection is always a plus
• Your tank is a square face where the Rolex is round. Adding the panthere seems a bit duplicative that way
• The face of the Rolex is so much more striking and i find the balance of metals with the white face more appealing

Good luck!

 

[missfaraday]

Thank you all so much for your wise advice! I knew I had to come here to decide ♥️
The one in RG above is size 28. I think it’s the perfect size for me, as I’m petite and I prefer dainty pieces, so definitely 28 for me .
I have just been in another boutique, and they had the 28 in bicolor, YG. I really like it too! The SA was incredibly nice too, so the experience at the boutique has also influenced. I’m not in a rush but I know I should decide a bit fast because they sell out quickly… what do you think? Posting both again:

 

[EpiFanatic]

Thank you all so much for your wise advice! I knew I had to come here to decide ♥
The one in RG above is size 28. I think it’s the perfect size for me, as I’m petite and I prefer dainty pieces, so definitely 28 for me .
I have just been in another boutique, and they had the 28 in bicolor, YG. I really like it too! The SA was incredibly nice too, so the experience at the boutique has also influenced. I’m not in a rush but I know I should decide a bit fast because they sell out quickly… what do you think? Posting both again:

View attachment 5298015View attachment 5298019

Prefer the white dial. Easier to see. The batons are great cause you can see it at night, but the white wins for me. What do you like better?

 

[BigAkoya]

Thank you all so much for your wise advice! I knew I had to come here to decide ♥
The one in RG above is size 28. I think it’s the perfect size for me, as I’m petite and I prefer dainty pieces, so definitely 28 for me .
I have just been in another boutique, and they had the 28 in bicolor, YG. I really like it too! The SA was incredibly nice too, so the experience at the boutique has also influenced. I’m not in a rush but I know I should decide a bit fast because they sell out quickly… what do you think? Posting both again:

View attachment 5298015View attachment 5298019

I think you need to order one and not settle. Since you like two-tone, I would order...
YG/stainless, smooth bezel, oyster bracelet, white roman numeral dial. That's the perfect clean two-tone watch to me. I love the clean look of the white roman numeral dial.

I do not like the champagne dial at all in the YG version you posted, a big no for me. The dial makes that watch look dated to me and not crispy, so for that alone, I would pass. I think the white dial keeps it fresh. That's just me, and it's all preference of course. You need to love it, so if you are thinking "it's not bad" or "I can live with it, " the answer is also no.

Since Rolex is in such high demand at the moment, another way to look at these watches is what is left over at the boutique is probably not a popular combo. The popular combos are sold out and distributed to prepays before they even hit the showcase. I have had to order all my Rolexes to get the exact combo I want. It is definitely worth the wait. Or have them do a search if they can. Also call Rolex in Vegas... they seem to have a lot of pieces.

Don't rush or settle... these watches will be around. To me, the white dial is so crispy on you and it pops!

 

[Cosmopolitan]

I assume your Cartier Tank has a white dial? So it’s not a bad idea to consider other dial colors in my opinion. Personally I have three watches and only one has a white dial. I like white dials but I like having other options too, depending on the outfit or occasion. Other people might want all their watches to have white dials because they think they’re easier to read. You need to mull over what would work best for you. Good luck.

 

[Hermes Nuttynut]

The Panthère has always been my favorite watch. I‘ve always thought of Rolex as too common. In this case, I LOVE the Rolex with the white face, gold Roman numerals, and the date!

They’re two very different watches. Either is a good choice.

 

[closetluxe]

Since you already have the Cartier, get the Rolex, but let me say since this is your 40th, get a Rolex with bling! It's a big one and you deserve it!
Here are my bling for inspiration.

 

[Hermes Nuttynut]

Since you already have the Cartier, get the Rolex, but let me say since this is your 40th, get a Rolex with bling! It's a big one and you deserve it!
Here are my bling for inspiration.

View attachment 5298074

I LOVE the Gibeon meteorite face!