Cartier Santos vs Explorer Polar

[MSL]

Originally Posted by watchnwine

To me, the six-digit polars have the wrong size hand set (too large). I'd go for the Exp II if it was a 16570.

Agree

[Michael T]

Cartier. I have the white dial all steel, and an alligator and rubber strap for it.

[boa2]

I love the Santos, and on my wrist I don't care for the Exp II.
Given your Rolex-rich collection, I would add the Cartier.

[THE_FOOT]

Cartier santos really is a watch for all occasions, equally at home as a dress watch or slumming it in jeans and a t-shirt.

[Llamathurst]

Just picked up the new blue dial. It's a great watch! Different than the Explorer for sure, but personally I prefer it.

[BraveBold]

Considering what you have, the Cartier.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by RoRoRo

I have both and the explorer is going. People dislike the Santos because it doesn’t say Rolex on the dial.

It’s a really nice watch to wear and admire on the wrist

100% - This is what originally kept me from getting the Santos. I danced around it for two years and I beat myself over not getting it sooner. The watch is impressive and one that I would buy over and over and over.

[sambb]

santos, but the white dial one... and maybe the two tone... pure class and can be worn as dress or sport. Exp 2 is ok, but a regular GMT is preferred, or a santos. dopnt really see why the polar would be desired when you have a pepsi, etc.... santos is great at any event - dressed up or down.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by RoRoRo

I have both and the explorer is going. People dislike the Santos because it doesn’t say Rolex on the dial.

It’s a really nice watch to wear and admire on the wrist

That’s not true in my case. I like a lot of other watch brands.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Copasetic]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The older Santos XXL are nicer IMO since they have no date window. Cleaner lines on the dial and great prices on the secondary market.

Cartier had a very short lived XXL model which was rubber clad with a rubber strap. Super cool idea, making it a true working mans watch.

I just can’t get my head around the screws on the rubber bracelet. I had a chronograph with that strap and sold the watch after a short time because of it.

[JSCP]

Both!

[NavalFlight]

Cartier Santos… its pedigree is second to none… first Mens watch, first sports watch, first pilots watch, first tool watch.

An explorer is a GMT II substitute.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[csaltphoto]

If I ever get a second "Nice" watch it will be a Santos. Terrific design language and heritage, and distinctly different than a Rolex.

Those of you with a Santos, how have you found it's timekeeping and general durability?

[Ny325]

Rolex is sportier. Santos for elegance.

[enjoythemusic]

+1 both

all_of_them.jpg

[Llamathurst]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

If I ever get a second "Nice" watch it will be a Santos. Terrific design language and heritage, and distinctly different than a Rolex.

Those of you with a Santos, how have you found it's timekeeping and general durability?

Surprisingly more accurate than expected. Rather short power reserve though. Not as solid feeling as a Rolex, but it can take a few knocks. Amazing bracelet sizing tech, which is great as there are no screws to mar.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

If I ever get a second "Nice" watch it will be a Santos. Terrific design language and heritage, and distinctly different than a Rolex.

Those of you with a Santos, how have you found it's timekeeping and general durability?

It’s very accurate. Up to par with any of my Rolex watches. I can’t speak for long term durability as I’ve only had mine for about a year but it looks and feels great. I have the large with the polished bezel which is a scratch magnet but looks amazing with scratches on likely due so the different surfaces on the case with some sharp lines.

You will not regret getting a Santos.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

If I ever get a second "Nice" watch it will be a Santos. Terrific design language and heritage, and distinctly different than a Rolex.

Those of you with a Santos, how have you found it's timekeeping and general durability?

Extremely accurate. 2 to 3 seconds fast per week.

[JAJ2349]

Harsh, but there is nothing I like about the Santos,
If I was in the market for a comparable shape, I’m buying a Reverso.

The Polar is one of my favorite Rolex models. It is my second most worn Rolex after the Daytona on Oysterflex.

[BillA]

go to a Cartier dealer and see if it puts a smile on your face.

[obywan]

The polar explorer wins it for me

[monsieur_z]

The explorer II won't match all wrists due to its large size. It's too big for me.

The Santos is awesome (I own 2), so I would pick the Santos, but with the white/silver dial, over this PVD-coated one.

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

[dmash]

Everybody is different, but I just can’t ever vibe with a Santos. I feel it looks like the Armani watches I used to see in the mall back in the 2000s and they look cheap in my mind. A lot of guys like them though.

Exp2 vote here (although it’s strictly a sport watch, dress attire would look silly with that one).

[1William]

I have been trying to motivate myself to purchase a Santo for years and have made dozens of other purchases and trades but no Santos. Every time I get close something tells me not to make the purchase. I like the looks of the Santos and many of the colors and have spent sometime watching reviews on YouTube but still no Santos. I own the Polar Explorer II and the Black version also. Great watches and they get a lot of wrist time. If you have the wrist then go for the Polar, if not, find an older 40mm version. For me it is a no brainer in an either/or discussion.

[yankeeromeo]

Had both. Cartier much dressier. Cartier bracelet was a little meh. It used to also trap my arm hairs

[alex.cicollo]

Cartier hands down. Classy watch.