Cartier Solarbeat Question
I was wondering if anyone out there in this great community owns one of these and what your thoughts were. This is one of those watches I am curious about and for whatever reason, remains on my mind. I am thinking about getting on a waiting list but would like to hear from any of my watch friends about your experience with this watch.
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Stephen
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Marysville, Michigan
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
+1
I tried to get one last summer with no luck. I don’t know what the current situation is like, but they were difficult to get, at least here in the US.
Long term delighted owner of the larger model. It is in my top two watch purchases (I used to say a categoric number one - but the quartz grand seiko I got is also very special.)
Where else can you get a true watch icon for £2.5k? That doesn’t buy many submariners or royal oaks (not that you can even buy them.)
It’s also great to pop different straps on and mix up the look.
The precise cut out numerals are a beauty - I prefer them to the painted numerals on some of my other cartier pieces. The solar movement is interesting - and I saw someone has opened one up and it’s of a robust construction - not just throw away plastic.
8 years warranty. 16 years between battery changes.. should I go on?
Ps. Large is a brilliant size. Captures the smallness of the classic tank look whilst being not quite as small as the medium. To me the XL mechanical version looks absurd (On my wrist anyway.)
Do it. If you can get one.
I’ve enjoyed mine. I’ve never owned a tank before, so all I can say is it has lived up to my expectations. I know the design is not for everyone but if you admire the original then the solar flavor shouldn’t disappoint.
The only quibble I’ve had is that my watchbox has a solid lid, so when it’s been out of rotation for an extended period it takes a couple minutes of sun bathing to get it going again. And with no seconds hand, it’s hard to know when it has been powered up 😂 That being said, I’ve started pulling it out every now and then to sit it on my window ledge to power up. Gives me an excuse to grab the camera and take a shot or two, so a very personal/small quibble from someone who’s never owned a solar-powered watch.
Long term delighted owner of the larger model. It is in my top two watch purchases (I used to say a categoric number one - but the quartz grand seiko I got is also very special.)
Where else can you get a true watch icon for £2.5k? That doesn’t buy many submariners or royal oaks (not that you can even buy them.)
It’s also great to pop different straps on and mix up the look.
The precise cut out numerals are a beauty - I prefer them to the painted numerals on some of my other cartier pieces. The solar movement is interesting - and I saw someone has opened one up and it’s of a robust construction - not just throw away plastic.
8 years warranty. 16 years between battery changes.. should I go on?
Ps. Large is a brilliant size. Captures the smallness of the classic tank look whilst being not quite as small as the medium. To me the XL mechanical version looks absurd (On my wrist anyway.)
Do it. If you can get one.
Agree with everything you said except the numerals. I much prefer the painted look and that is pretty much the determining factor for me in which one I should/will get, as aside from that they are identical in look and feel.