Maybe I’m completely wrong about this as I am no expert, but my impression has always been that Cartier watches are more of a high end fashion watch than a true luxury watch. Like a real watchophile or whatever they call themselves would not be impressed with a Cartier watch. So it’s not true luxury. And because it’s so recognizably Cartier, not quiet either.
Is a Cartier watch more “quiet luxury” than a Rolex?
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You're absolutely correct. I belong to the Rolex Forum and those guys are die hard watch enthusiasts. You never see them posting pics of their Cartier watches, because most don't have one. They always post their Rolexes (obviously), AP, Patek Philippe, Omega, etc. Plus, to those guys, they tend to not like the Quartz movement either. I tend to agree with you and feel that Cartier is more like jewelry, not a true watch, if that makes sense.
If you’re looking for a quality luxury watch, don’t get either. Neither of them are “quiet” - although a Tank with its tiny font and subtle distinguishing details might be more likely to slip under the radar.
Rolexes are now made to be disposed of (no authorized service after 25 years) and Cartier hasn’t made a technical improvement in their watches since the mid-70s.
If you want something pretty, get Cartier and if you want flashy get a Rolex. If you want a luxury watch, look at A Lange, Patek, or IWC, AP, Jaeger le Coultre or Paneri.
Rolexes are now made to be disposed of (no authorized service after 25 years) and Cartier hasn’t made a technical improvement in their watches since the mid-70s.
If you want something pretty, get Cartier and if you want flashy get a Rolex. If you want a luxury watch, look at A Lange, Patek, or IWC, AP, Jaeger le Coultre or Paneri.
This is not entirely true. “In 2018, Cartier introduced a high-efficiency quartz movement with an autonomy of approximately 8 years – twice as long as traditional movements.” (Quote from official Cartier website). There’s also the anti-magnetic patented technology in Santos…perhaps also worth mentioning the ‘quick release bracelet’…I’m not very knowledgeable about their Tourbillons and other high end watches (over £70k, etc) but I bet there’s a lot going on in terms of design. I’m baffled when people ignore what Cartier did/does for the watch world. A side note, since someone mentioned it…Calling Cartier ‘not a luxury’ is also a bit silly.
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We wouldn’t have wrist watches if it wasn’t for Cartier - they did more to attract a masculine audience and push the technical bounds of what movements could do a century ago. They are the inventors of the commercial wristwatch and deployment buckle.
But they’ve been an établisseur for most of their history - gone out of house for their movements. Le Coultre for the first 60 years, Ebel since the late 70s.
I believe that the did buy Ebel around 2000, but still had reliability issues until fifteen years ago.
Antimagnetic technology for watches has been around for sixty years. As for their innovations in quartz movements - I stand corrected.
When you spend sixty years coasting on past glories, it’s kinda hard to take a company seriously even after ten years of work.
I thought Breguet was the first wristwatch, but admit my memory is fuzzy on this. Regardless of the accolades of either Rolex or Cartier, I don’t think either is thought of when considering the art of watchmaking. DH’s Alanges outshine both, as well as Breguet, IWC, and JLC. JLC used to provide movements for many watch brands, and their workmanship is highly respected.
i do think the Cartier pasha C is a bit less flashy or recognizable than a popular Rolex GMT or Submariner, but only a bit.
If you define luxury as less mainstream, more artisanal, more high art horology, neither Rolex nor Cartier (at least the popular models seen on TPF and IRL) might qualify. I’m not saying this to bash either brand; I love the Cartier and Rolex watches that I own.
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Breguet did make the first wristwatch for Napoleon’s younger sister, Caroline Murat in 1810. But it was a one-off commissioned piece, with a moon-phase indicator, a repeater and a thermometer, on a bracelet of hair and golden thread. Caroline Murat actually had 30 Breguets.
Cartier, a century later, was the first to make a commercially viable and available watch in the Santos in 1904. They were also the first to market watches to men and have a brand spokesman in the form of Alberto Santos Dumont
I think if you spend time on the non Rolex part of TRF there are plenty of people posting pics of their Cartier watches, there is considerable love for the Santos. I agree that quartz movements are indeed not popular with watch enthusiasts, but there are many Cartier references with automatic movements. I do not consider Cartier watches fashion watches.
To the original question - not sure either is quiet luxury but a Cartier watch is less recognisable. Rolex is probably the most recognisable watch brand worldwide. Anecdotally that is my firsthand experience as well.
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I am also on that forum--and those guys can give us TPFers a run for the crazy!
But I agree--Cartier, Chanel, for example, have their inner workings made by some other manufacturer, whereas Rolex makes the entire watch. And no quartz. Rolex are watchmakers, not jewelry makers.
Neither is quiet by a long shot but Cartier has some very funky and fun complications.
The rotonde line by cartier is the star of their roster IMO.
The rotonde line by cartier is the star of their roster IMO.
Actually Rolex made quartz watches. They stopped about 20 years ago.
I was surprised to see that Cartier was the second most popular watch brand of 2022, after Rolex.
Below is the Top 10 Watch Brands By Revenue in 2022:
I've been toying with the idea of selling my Rolexes and just keeping the rest of my collection, which includes Cartier timepieces. Rolex has the tendency to be a bit "loud" in today's climate.
Below is the Top 10 Watch Brands By Revenue in 2022:
I've been toying with the idea of selling my Rolexes and just keeping the rest of my collection, which includes Cartier timepieces. Rolex has the tendency to be a bit "loud" in today's climate.
Interesting. I own a Cartier but debating whether to add a Rolex too. Curious about your thoughts on Rolexes more in today’s climate. Is it because of theft? Or because of the quiet luxury trend?