I would any day prefer an automatic watch to a quartz. Quartz movement do never last as long as an automatic and I think you always do a better deal choosing an automatic. Just to get that strait.
The automatic movement in Cartier watches are of much lesser quality compared to a Rolex one. Cartier is a jewlery company and not a watch company. They buy their movements from ETA, which is OK, but ETA movements does in no way compare to the much better quality of the Rolex movements which are developed and produced by Rolex themselves.
Maintenance are probably more expensive on a Rolex (do not know the exact price of Cartier) but the watch will last forever unless you do something really bad to it.
I do not agree with the 5 year maintanace cycle on Rolex, my expirience and the advice I get is closer to 10 years but it varies. Some watches are 7 years some are 15 years before service. It depends how much they are used etc.
I own 6 Rolex watches and take them in for adjustments about once a year (which is free) so they always keep time well. At the same time they check if it is in need for maintanence. I have watches that are more then 7 years old with no sign of maitanence need. The 1997 Daytone I have, have only had one service since 97 and that was about 4 years ago.
So if you are in for the best movement and overall best technically watch, Rolex is by far the best compared to Cartier. As for design and look, that is an individual choice. I loved Cartier watches, they are so beautiful but I always end up buying a Rolex as I cannot get my self to buy Cartier due to the lesser quility of their movement.
You will live longer than a Cartier watch, a Rolex will be past on to the next generation.
