Advice for my next purchase

[Dandy.75]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here, (even though I've joined few years ago), but have to admit that I'm not specially active on forums in general.
However as I'm considering my next purchase, I thought that it could be a great place to have some advice on it, even more because I'm hesitating between a YG DD (champagne or white dial) 36 mm and a Cartier Santos medium size YG.

Besides their styles they both have their pros and cons.

The DD is an amazing watch, iconic with its presidential band, tried it in the past at my AD, super nice. Plus, the movement is of great quality.
But maybe more "usual" than the Cartier.

The Cartier on the other hand is somehow more refined (although I don't consider the DD sporty), and I also love the fact that it could be worn on leather straps (thanks to its quick switch mecanism).
However it lacks a date (I tried the large model which has one, it was way too big for me, wear almost like a 44mm) and the movement (while manufactured) is not that great (basic, not cosc).

This would be my first full gold watch, I'm only looking for yellow gold (not more than 35k€) and I already own a Datejust (steel/WG), a Daytona (Steel White dial Ceramic), a Batgirl GMT and a Starbucks (+an IWC and a Panerai).

Anybody here having both models or in the same case ?

Thanks for your help.

[JayHantz]

I own a yellow gold Day-Date and the medium Santos (but in the SS).

From owning both, just know that the Day-Date hides normal wear really well, the president bracelet still looks new and it's so comfortable on the wrist. The bezel of the Santos will scratch if you just look at it, which can drive certain people crazy.

The ability to quickly size and swap bracelet for a strap is a leading benefit for the Santos, you get the ability to change the look in seconds. I don't think the lack of date is a bad thing, since it aligns more with the historical Santos. Next is availability and price, the Santos would be easier to acquire and it is cheaper MSRP than the Day-Date, with a possibility to get a discount.

Lastly, with your current collection I think I would pick the Cartier. You have a DJ which has the "Day-Date" look and I think this would complement your current watches wonderfully.

Let us know what you decide!

[joli160]

For me the DD is still the ultimate watch especially in 36.
Perfection and balanced, timeless and the President bracelet

[Trailboss516]

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, both are very iconic watches, both are beautiful in their own regard.

You literally cannot get any more classic than a 36mm champagne dial DD....but that Cartier isn't lacking either.

Both? :)

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JayHantz

I own a yellow gold Day-Date and the medium Santos (but in the SS).

From owning both, just know that the Day-Date hides normal wear really well, the president bracelet still looks new and it's so comfortable on the wrist. The bezel of the Santos will scratch if you just look at it, which can drive certain people crazy.

The ability to quickly size and swap bracelet for a strap is a leading benefit for the Santos, you get the ability to change the look in seconds. I don't think the lack of date is a bad thing, since it aligns more with the historical Santos. Next is availability and price, the Santos would be easier to acquire and it is cheaper MSRP than the Day-Date, with a possibility to get a discount.

Lastly, with your current collection I think I would pick the Cartier. You have a DJ which has the "Day-Date" look and I think this would complement your current watches wonderfully.

Let us know what you decide!

Really excellent summary from someone with first hand experience with both nothing to add really

[dannyp]

Have you tried both? Despite stated dimensions, I think the Cartier looks bigger in the metal. Voting for the DD.

[yowlie]

DD, Texas Timex, it is universal

[noshame]

Both beautiful pieces. I love the Santos medium, especially in steel & gold, but for full yellow gold, to me, the DD36 with champagne dial IS the one. Good luck!

[sss205]

I just purchased the full gold Santos large model. I'm loving it. One thing to consider (which you may or may not care about), you're much less likely to see another gold Santos in the wild. I see gold DD almost every week, but that's also a testament to how great of a watch the DD is.

I don't think you can go wrong either way.

[Dandy.75]

Thank you so much for your help I really appreciate !

Yes you're right the bezel on the santos is a real scratch magnet, but I can live with it, I've always considered scratches as part of the watch life (I really buy watches to enjoy them so it's inevitable).
I tried the santos in SS with bracelet and also in RG on leather, and yes you're right, while being "only" 35mm in diameter it wears bigger than the DD, but the size is still nice on my wrist.

Few years back it would have been much easier, I could have tried both and quickly make my choice, but now, both models are hard to source, even with a purchase history (while I'm still confident on the fact that I could get a DD in few months).
I think I'll go back to try the DD this weekend, maybe it will help (at least they still have some exhibition models).

Both are amazing, and strong icons.
As some of you said, one of the reason to look for a Cartier is also to have something different (and I admit that being born in the 80s and having worked in finance that Gordon Gekko vibe with the Santos is a nice touch) but at the same time the DD is so perfect (the design is just timeless).

Trailboss you're absolutely right, both is the best choice ! However if I only have to choose one I'll pick the DD (more iconic to me), but as I don't have to limit myself... :D

I'll go to the AD tomorrow and will keep you updated be sure of that !

Thanks for all your replies

[huncho]

i have a dd36 and would like to one day add a santos in steel or two tone. i think between the 2 you're considering i would go with the day date without hesitation

[Etschell]

Cartier at a discount.

[You]

I would go with the DayDate but a full gold Cartier is sweet also.

[amphr1]

I'd say DD also.

Hey how about showing some pic of your collection? Would help to see if it fits in. Are you going full gold from steel only? No Two tone?

[danwang0520]

DD for sure

[karleone]

DD all day! One of the most iconic watch ever made!

[Meyrin]

DD for me. Gorgeous watch, so classic! I´ve nothing against Cartier...the Santos, albeit rich in history, is just not my cup of tea.

[csaltphoto]

As someone else said the DD and the DJ have a pretty similar aesthetic while the Santos is something completely different. I own one Rolex (sub) and the Santos is the only other watch that is on my radar. Classic and iconic in it's own way while being completely different than a Rolex.

[HAL330]

I'm sorry, at the risk of sounding like a total snob... but if you have to ask this question, you probably shouldn't be wearing the Rolex... because you'd be wearing it for the wrong reasons.

Might as well ask if you should be looking at a Hublot...

[HAL330]

But at least the Cartier also has an in-house movement in this particular case... even if it's absolutely unspectacular and simple .. if you can get 30% off, maybe..

[Chewbacca]

I think this is a the first cross shop between a dd and Cartier santos. I’d say dd but also look at a Cellini if any are around if leather is an option

[Dandy.75]

Hi everyone,

So I went back to both ADs today, the Cartier Santos has been requested from another store in Europe and should be available in the next 10 days.
On the other hand my Rolex AD told me that it will probably be really really hard for me to get a DD.
He doesn't receive many of them, and the few he would get are already reserved for bigger customers with a longer purchase history (I appreciated his honesty).

I'm a little disappointed as I thought that maybe a DD will not be that hard to get, since I'm already a customer, but it seems like things are worse than what I thought.

Hal330: I don't really understand your comment, on a pure horological side none of them are impressive (but I agree that the Rolex is far superior).
That watch is more a gift I wanted to offer myself, for having reach a milestone in my career (and so the reason for the first FG which I always wanted in YG). I don't think Cartier and Hublot can be compared, at least in my opinion.

Anyway in my budget (35 k€) they are the only watches I like and can consider. I'll try directly the Santos, if I like it on the wrist I'll go for it, if not I'll look for a 128238 on the grey market.

I'll keep you updated.

[HAL330]

Originally Posted by Dandy.75

Hi everyone,

So I went back to both ADs today, the Cartier Santos has been requested from another store in Europe and should be available in the next 10 days.
On the other hand my Rolex AD told me that it will probably be really really hard for me to get a DD.
He doesn't receive many of them, and the few he would get are already reserved for bigger customers with a longer purchase history (I appreciated his honesty).

I'm a little disappointed as I thought that maybe a DD will not be that hard to get, since I'm already a customer, but it seems like things are worse than what I thought.

Hal330: I don't really understand your comment, on a pure horological side none of them are impressive (but I agree that the Rolex is far superior).
That watch is more a gift I wanted to offer myself, for having reach a milestone in my career (and so the reason for the first FG which I always wanted in YG). I don't think Cartier and Hublot can be compared, at least in my opinion.

Anyway in my budget (35 k€) they are the only watches I like and can consider. I'll try directly the Santos, if I like it on the wrist I'll go for it, if not I'll look for a 128238 on the grey market.

I'll keep you updated.

It might have come off a bit harsh I suppose... but to my mind they're just not in the same league... it's like asking "Should I buy a BMW M3 or a Porsche 911 GT3".... if the question had a budget constraint, then the answer would be obvious .. but if money is no object (which it sounds like with you), then it's a "no brainer"

[Dandy.75]

Thanks it is much clearer.
I understand what you mean, for the price the DD is a better value, I agree.

I think that I'll be fixed the second I'll put the Santos on my wrist (it will make it or not). But if not, the hardest part will be to find a DD at a "correct" price (and as I'm only looking for a 128238 because of the 3255 movement, it won't be easy)

Let's see in few days when he'll call me back.

Thanks again for your help.

[Jedahl]

Follow your heart

[Ksbi]

DD for me

[Krash]

DD for sure. It’s not even a contest for me.


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[ogbeans]

Whatever you do don’t get the 36mm ……40 or bust

[Dandy.75]

Well the 40 is nice, but if you're going for a YG DD champagne dial (my case) I think that 36 is the way to go, it is the classic icon.

However I have to admit that for other combination 40 can be appealing. I saw yesterday the new platinum fluted bezel DD in 36 and 40, and while the 36 was amazing, the dial in that 40 was something special (ice blue roman).

But given my wrist size (6.3") 40 looks a little bit off IMO, so 36 for me.

[Andad]

Was the Pt 36 fluted available to purchase?

I have a YG 36 DD white dial with Romans.

I would choose it over the Cartier.