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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2023
Location: The Swamp
Watch: 126622 & 214270
Posts: 88
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How does Cartier Santos stack up against Rolex?
I am almost certain the Santos will be my next purchase and first non-Rolex.
I have a few questions. Is Santos on-par with Rolex of similar price point (let's say a Sub, Datejust, Explorer, etc...) in terms of prestige? How recognizable is it compared to Rolex? Lastly how is the quality and durability? I know Rolex can sustain rough use but how about the Santos? Thanks. |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Real Name: Michelle
Location: Canada/Florida
Watch: WG Breguet Typexx
Posts: 2,849
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I see Cartiers out and about often. Usually will see half a dozen at the mall. My AD has said he sells 30 per week on average. I have the mid size santos with diamond bezel. The bracelet design is very clever. Cartier service is the best. Especially at the boutique in NYC.
Cartier is Cartier. The moments in my experience with 3 are that they are very accurate. On a whole a would say in my opinion the build quality of Rolex is much higher. |
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#3 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy
Location: Metro Detroit USA
Watch: It's a Rolex!
Posts: 5,773
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I have the mid size SS Santos as well
I think it's one of the most comfortable watches I own. I own several Rolex models from the Sub to the DD and I find myself wearing the Cartier quite a bit. It's a great watch for a lazy Sunday at home or dressed for a nice dinner out. Cartier has always been relevant. Actually I like the Santos so much I keep kicking around the idea of getting one in YG. The new quick swap system for the bracelet is great, the only problem for me is I just like watches on bracelets more so I only put it on the strap once. It was so easy though!
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"You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun |
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bay Area
Watch: DD 40RG Olive dial
Posts: 4,427
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Another Medium Santos owner. I love mine. Very comfortable and as others have said, the quick change strap is great. I also have multiple Rolex watches and the Santos gets quite a bit of wrist time
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Michelle |
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#5 | |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,378
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Quote:
Of course, many who know Rolex is a high end watch can't actually pick one out in a crowd, they just know the brand. Cartier is a great watch and part of the Richemont Group.
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(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Illusive Man
Location: NYC
Watch: Omega Worldtimer
Posts: 638
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Own a couple of Rolex and the large Santos. The versatility of the Santos is impressive. The ability to change the strap/bracelet with the quick switch system, as well as quick link with sizing it, A+ Personally I see myself wearing my Santos more than my Rolex. Brand recognition? I don’t think you could ever mistake a Cartier from anything else in general, they are known for their shapes. Build quality is great, I find them to punch higher than their weight with build, quality and price. I say go for it. My only issue before I got mine was whether I wanted to go with large or medium. I have to have a date function so I went with large. It wears so well that the large ended up fitting my wrist perfectly. Medium would have been a bit small for me. Cheers
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#7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: USA
Posts: 813
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Cartier is apparently hot right now per Ben Clymer.
I have the TT medium. it's a beautiful watch and I think is way more elegant than any rolex. I think AP and Cartier make the best TT watches in the game. love the stainless steel and the gold screw/bolts however, these are not as sturdy as Rolex of course, and the bezel on the Santos will scratch if you just look at it |
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#8 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Real Name: A-Aron
Location: Utah
Watch: 126710BLNR
Posts: 2,058
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#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Real Name: Michelle
Location: Canada/Florida
Watch: WG Breguet Typexx
Posts: 2,849
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#10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Real Name: Howie
Location: Florida
Watch: Varies
Posts: 556
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30 per week? Wow! That’s over 1500 per year. Is your AD a single store or does it have multiple locations? That’s a lot of watches, especially for only one model.
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#11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,898
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They are very nice but definitely won't be as robust as a Rolex.
I've come close to buying one a few times and my main issue is that they look quite a bit worse with some wear. |
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#12 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: USA
Posts: 813
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Quote:
in any case, the Santos go for a lot under retail from my knowledge and I think it's a great buy compared to basic rolex models like DJ, OP, and Subs |
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#13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: U.K.
Watch: YM40
Posts: 819
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I have the Cartier Santos large amongst 4 Rolex watches.
The Santos gets worn the most, it is my daily. Primarily because it is un-Rolex. I don’t want conversations to happen daily in my work about my watch, I prefer the elegance of it, and it’s a chameleon when you change the strap from bracelet to leather to rubber. I actually like the way the smooth bezel scratches and has its own charm and patina. |
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#14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Real Name: Michelle
Location: Canada/Florida
Watch: WG Breguet Typexx
Posts: 2,849
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#15 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Watch: Rolex/Others
Posts: 46,630
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I like the Cartier Santo and most things about it. With that said, Rolex is the one for me. I would probably own the Cartier if I had an AD close by but I do not.
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#16 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 205
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My wife and I have had multiple Cartier watches over the years, but not (yet) a Santos. They have all be accurate, rugged, waterproof and fast and relatively inexpensive to service and the customer service is top notch.
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