Daytona vs Ballon Bleu

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#16
loveisparis said:
Hi everyone!

I am considering two watches now.....the first is the classic SS white face Rolex Daytona and the other is the Cartier Ballon Bleu in two tone SS/rose gold with diamond markers. What do you guys think? I love the look of both. Also, do you think the ballon bleu will look dated eventually? I have a SS pasha that I sometimes think looks a bit passe.

Thank you!
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I don't really understand the comments about the BB looking "dated" eventually. It's simple, streamlined, and is a "traditional shape". It has a clean dial and the Roman numerals make it look very classy to me. The only "unusual" thing about it is the bubble of metal that covers the crown, and I hardly think that would make it look dated.

Then again, I'm probably biased, since I have one :roflmfao:

Although I'm not a huge fan of the Cartier TT, I would still pick it over the Daytona. I like my watches to be simple and clean - I agree with the poster who said that the Daytona has too much going on. If you were considering an all gold/all steel watch, I would choose the BB, hands down.

Some gratuitous eye candy attached :graucho:
 

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#17
lizz66 said:
I think I would go for the Daytona but they are both such different watches. I personally love the BB more but my favorite part is the Roman Numerals so with the diamonds you don't have that.

They are both gorgeous though
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+1,

I agree with Liz on the fact that Cartier does really nice Roman Numerals and if you go with a diamond dial that is lost. I also like the "Secret Cartier signature" that is generally on the Roman 7 or Roman 10.

I own a few Cartiers and Rolex including Daytonas. So I like both brands. However, the Ballon Bleu is not a piece that I really like. I find the crown overly stylized and silly, it distorts the dial where the date is, and the watch lacks any true history. Watches like the Pasha, Tank, Santos, Tortue, etc all have so much history, and are classics.

Beyond that, the movement in the Ballon Bleu is pretty basic and come from an outside source ETA. They build good workhouse movements, but nothing special. The Movement in the Rolex Daytona is completely made by Rolex, has a 72 hour power reserve (if you are not using the chronograph) and you will not find it in anything other than a Rolex Daytona. The base movement in the Cartier may be found in other watches that are less expensive than a Cartier.

So my vote is the the Daytona, but good luck with whatever you decide.

Below is a quick photo of my Tank in case anyone is not familiar with the "Secret signature." Look at the small side of the "V" in the Roman Numeral 7 and you will see that it actually says Cartier in small letters.

DSCN3484.jpg
 
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