OK. Rolex, yes; Tudor, yes; Omega, Panerai, respect; but Cartier?

[MiloDiThernan]

I love Rolex, no question. I tried the blue Tudor BB58 and did not love it, so it’s been sold. This forum is loyal to both brands. But I am not comfortable walking around West London wearing any Rolex. And Tudor doesn’t do it for me. So I looked around for an attractive daily wearer, which would not attract Rolex attention on the street. Omega, Panerai, not interested. I’ve had the Cartier solo. No. And the Ballon Bleu. Too heavy and clumsy. And the Drive de Cartier is beautiful, but no large second hand and no steel bracelet. So I bought the steel 40mm Cle de Cartier. And I look at it with more fondness than the BB58 or an Arabic numeral DJ II I just traded in. So, the question is, does Cartier, with good looks and brand status, belong in the same conversation as Rolex or Tudor? Or is is still just a fashion watch?

[vh2k]

Cartier is pure class.

Tudor is easily one full step below. Tudor makes $3,000-5,000 pieces. Not in the same league as Cartier, Breitling, Rolex, etc.

[DC116710LN]

I can't speak to the quality of the manufacturing or the experience of owning, but from a design perspective, I quite like Cartier. I much prefer Cartier designs to Omega or Tudor.

[Jack T]

In my opinion, Tudor doesn’t belong in the same conversation as Rolex. And Rolex would probably agree, they’ve positioned it that way.

But Cartier is much more than a fashion watch; some timeless models, overall aesthetically pleasing designs, excellent movements and solid quality. A very good, top 10 watch brand.

[McinRolex]

I think Cartier is a classic and iconic timeless brand.

[Michael T]

Cartier has top notch finishing on their high-end guillouse dials. I have a Louis Cartier Tank XL and a Louis Cartier Ronde. They are exceptionally finished, with Camille Fournet alligator straps and rose gold deployants.

[kieselguhr]

Cartier makes solid watches! The Santos being my favorite from the brand. Very reasonably priced too.

[szabo_martin]

Nothing but love for Cartier, it plays in its own sandbox. I like Tudor as well, but it is what it is, an economical Rolex alternative. I would put Omega above Tudor. I don't know where the heck Panerai sits anymore. I like the older base luminors with the screw down case back and screw lugs. The new stuff I feel is a bit cheaply made.

[denmanproject]

Cartier is a solid choice, above Tudor IMO

The Santos medium would be my choice out of the current offerings

[ap1]

Santos awesome and preferred over a DJ imho

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by szabo_martin

Nothing but love for Cartier, it plays in its own sandbox. I like Tudor as well, but it is what it is, an economical Rolex alternative. I would put Omega above Tudor. I don't know where the heck Panerai sits anymore. I like the older base luminors with the screw down case back and screw lugs. The new stuff I feel is a bit cheaply made.

Well said

Cartier is so classic, you really need one within a 'proper collection'. jmho

[Brny11]

Breitling vs Tudor is debatable. I also prefer Tudor to Rolex or Cartier.

However, Rolex and Cartier are undeniably a class above for sure.

[Onti]

The Cartier brand has always been among the top tiers of of the watch industry. I like there designs and watches in general.

[soho]

Very much like Cartier. There is a Santos in my future.


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[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Cartier is pure class.

Tudor is easily one full step below. Tudor makes $3,000-5,000 pieces. Not in the same league as Cartier, Breitling, Rolex, etc.

Breitling might MSRP for more than the 3-5k that Tudor sells for, but i would never pay more than 60% of retail. They drop like rocks and can be had at huge discounts new. Cartier isn’t for me outside of the santos but they are a well respected brand, a notch above for certain.

[fskywalker]

Rolex, Tudor, Omega: Yes
Cartier: No


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[TimeAZ]

They fill a role in the watch market as a brand that is widely recognized, has great history, and conveys class. As such, I view Cartier mostly as dress pieces, but I also find them a little "boujie" and occasionally a little contrived (e.g. ostentatious sapphire-tipped crown).

[Theothergreg]

This thread needs pictures. I love my Santos ADLC

[upsidedownbelt]

[GB-man]

I put Cartier as a brand right up there with Rolex. I put a big emphasis on aesthetics though. They have so many classics from the santos to tank to crash.

[uniqueMR]

Cartier is not really a watch brand.
There are all over the place.

Rolex, on the top.
Omega, 2nd.
Tudor, 3rd.

[mongrelnomoad]

Cartier is a manufacturer with great pedigree and history.They make fantastic watches, at (relatively) reasonable prices.

Top tier brand for sure.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Cartier is pure class.

Tudor is easily one full step below. Tudor makes $3,000-5,000 pieces. Not in the same league as Cartier, Breitling, Rolex, etc.

Well if you think the listprice is an indicator to quality all I can say is that you’re pretty wrong

Marketing makes you believe it’s better but that’s it

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by unknown

Well if you think the listprice is an indicator to quality all I can say is that you’re pretty wrong

Marketing makes you believe it’s better but that’s it

To me, the question was regarding brand status -- not quality, per se.

Pricing/positioning is an important element of the branding strategy. Tudor understands they are not competing with Breitling, Omega, Rolex, etc.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by vh2k

To me, the question was regarding brand status -- not quality, per se.

Pricing/positioning is an important element of the branding strategy. Tudor understands they are not competing with Breitling, Omega, Rolex, etc.

In that case you’re right.
The brand positioning of Tudor is less than for example Cartier.
But I hope enthusiasts like us on a watch forum look beyond “prestige”

I absolutely like the new blue dial santos Cartier and will probably buy one.
But if you look at that movement.... men that’s some basic cheap crap.
Definitely not more interesting than the one we find in a black bay Tudor.
And definitely not worth 7500 euro !
That aside I like the watch an like said will probably buy it

[rootbeer7]

Apart from a few pieces I’ve always felt Cartier were jewellery and not in the same league as Rolex for example.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Apart from a few pieces I’ve always felt Cartier were jewellery and not in the same league as Rolex for example.

I understand that feeling and had the same long ago .... but we have to reconsider our thoughts ... things DO change
Cartier an Bvlgari are for jewels, right ? Go take a look at the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo. That is a lot more special than those other overhyped Genta designs like .. well you know which ones I refer too :-)

[Old Expat Beast]

Well, Cartier has been making wristwatches for longer than Rolex, and in a room full of Rolex fanboys, the Cartier wearer is likely going to seem the classier guy in the room.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well, Cartier has been making wristwatches for longer than Rolex, and in a room full of Rolex fanboys, the Cartier wearer is likely going to seem the classier guy in the room.

This I can’t disagree with

[Etschell]

Cartier has classic designs. However, just not for me personally.