Discussion: your opinion on Cartier? how do they compare to watches from different brands?
So basically I’ve heard some people say Cartier is a jeweler and not a watch maker but I strongly disagree, Cartier made the first men’s wristwatch, and they have a number of iconic designs in their history (santos, tank, crash etc)
also how do you think their watches compare to others from different brands, for instance the tank to the reverso, or dress watches from Grand Seiko?
thanks in advance for commenting
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Roee
Beginner watch nerd from Israel, 1 year into the hobby, feel free to message me
Israel
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Last active: 3 months ago
6.40”
As you alluded to, those people are wrong. Cartier is a high-end watch maker. What other brand made a watch movement fully enclosed in a rotor in 2022? Do they make some obtainable quartz models? Yep, but so do Grand Seiko and JLC.
How do they compare? They are not as well finished overall as either of those brands. They have a better bracelet than GS. I was faced with the Reverso or Santos dilemma and ultimately chose the house of Cartier because anywhere in the world you go, folks know a Cartier tank. Only us nerds notice a Reverso.
I'd say that Cartier is a jeweler AND a watch maker. A jeweler without any watchmaking chops could not possibly create something like the Masse Mystérieuse. I had personally dismissed them as not being a serious watch brand until I started researching them after becoming smitten by the Santos. My opinion changed as I learned more. I happen to find many of their designs to be quite compelling, and my collection currently includes s Santos De Cartier and a Pasha C, and I have plans on adding a Tank, but haven't decided on which one. Their designs can be polarizing, so I can certainly understand that they won't appeal to everyone, but they have become one of my favorite brands.
They can be both, and isn't that wonderful! They have an excellent watchmaking history, pioneered many legendary case and dial designs which are copied (sorry, "homage'd) by others, and make some very unique and fantastic movements themselves. Having said that, their watches are more on the decorative over practical side, and that's fine. I'd happily buy a quartz Tank just for the rectangular case and classic Cartier dial, to add some variety to my collection.
As you alluded to, those people are wrong. Cartier is a high-end watch maker. What other brand made a watch movement fully enclosed in a rotor in 2022? Do they make some obtainable quartz models? Yep, but so do Grand Seiko and JLC.
How do they compare? They are not as well finished overall as either of those brands. They have a better bracelet than GS. I was faced with the Reverso or Santos dilemma and ultimately chose the house of Cartier because anywhere in the world you go, folks know a Cartier tank. Only us nerds notice a Reverso.
Well unsurprisingly I agree with 100% of what you said, thank you for commenting
I'd say that Cartier is a jeweler AND a watch maker. A jeweler without any watchmaking chops could not possibly create something like the Masse Mystérieuse. I had personally dismissed them as not being a serious watch brand until I started researching them after becoming smitten by the Santos. My opinion changed as I learned more. I happen to find many of their designs to be quite compelling, and my collection currently includes s Santos De Cartier and a Pasha C, and I have plans on adding a Tank, but haven't decided on which one. Their designs can be polarizing, so I can certainly understand that they won't appeal to everyone, but they have become one of my favorite brands.
Thank you for commenting mate, I agree, they’re both, also would love to see a photo of your collection :)
They can be both, and isn't that wonderful! They have an excellent watchmaking history, pioneered many legendary case and dial designs which are copied (sorry, "homage'd) by others, and make some very unique and fantastic movements themselves. Having said that, their watches are more on the decorative over practical side, and that's fine. I'd happily buy a quartz Tank just for the rectangular case and classic Cartier dial, to add some variety to my collection.
thank you for commenting, I agree, they’re both, also what is your opinion on the santos?
Thank you for commenting mate, I agree, they’re both, also would love to see a photo of your collection :)
Here is my Santos De Cartier (WSSA0037)
And my Pasha C
Appreciate the history and watches they make.
I'm more of a Tudor guy. But hey we all have different taste but can appreciate other excellent brands. I basically love them all. Who am I kidding lol.
Cheers!
thank you for commenting, I agree, they’re both, also what is your opinion on the santos?
I think the Santos looks great! The same square Cartier DNA, but more "normal" than the Tank. Same with the Panthere. At the end of the day I wouldn't buy a Cartier watch for their movement or their specs, I'd buy the one which I felt was most visually appealing to me and my style. Going for style alone is a little uncommon within this hobby, but I think for most Cartier watches that's the way to go.
The Masse Mystérieuse was undoubtedly the pinnacle of watchmaking in 2022. What a mind blowing achievement.
The Santos and Tank have been around for over 100 years. They have been producing wristwatches in unbroken succession since the dawn of wristwatches. They have a recognizable design language and multiple iconic designs. It’s hard to argue that they aren’t a legitimate watchmaker.
I have two Cartier Tanks. I wear the Must XL as a casual daily piece and occasionally switch to the strap because it feels so right.
I also have an Américaine that my wife wears but I will wear it for formal events.
The one major hole I have in my collection - no Cartier yet.
My main issue is not whether they are a jeweler or a watchmaker - they, of course, are both.
My issue is that any of the references I really like, have a touch of the feminine in the design. I think it's the jeweled crown and the curvaceous case. I just can't see it on my wrist.
For example, this beauty...
Very impressed with the brand.
The only one to really tempt me is the Tank Cintree. Almost purchased the 100th Anniversary, but got major push back from the wife. There aren't many regrets I have with the watches that got away from me, but that is definitely one of them.
The Cartier of my dreams...
Cartier are Cartier and they will never let you forget that they are jewelers on top of being watchmakers.
The one major hole I have in my collection - no Cartier yet.
My main issue is not whether they are a jeweler or a watchmaker - they, of course, are both.
My issue is that any of the references I really like, have a touch of the feminine in the design. I think it's the jeweled crown and the curvaceous case. I just can't see it on my wrist.
For example, this beauty...
Very impressed with the brand.
The only one to really tempt me is the Tank Cintree. Almost purchased the 100th Anniversary, but got major push back from the wife. There aren't many regrets I have with the watches that got away from me, but that is definitely one of them.
The Cartier of my dreams...
I agree that there is a touch of feminine in the design, but I don't see that as a problem, especially since the design itself is so strong. The same Santos shape with the black lacquered dial is much more masculine in appearance, and is one that I'd love to add to my collection. I personally would have preferred it with a black cabochon instead of blue.
Firstly, imo finishing is not even close to Grand Seiko.
Cartier is a watchmaker, yes, historic, definitely. Do they bring their expertise as a jeweller into it? Yes and no. Ornate, beautiful designs yes, but synthetic cabachon? at that price, kinda expected a sapphire or even something semi precious. Love the Santos Dumont though. Not at the top of my personal list however.
Very cool. I have just bought o e and waiting for delivery. Hopefully i will have it on my wrist Monday! Its a rare beast
If Cartier isn’t a watch maker then this isn’t a watch but I still love it and bought It before watches from many ’real’ watchmakers. 😂😅🤷🏻♂️
Awesome mate, thank you for commenting, would love to see your tank and other cartiers
If Cartier isn’t a watch maker then this isn’t a watch but I still love it and bought It before watches from many ’real’ watchmakers. 😂😅🤷🏻♂️
The santos is a 100% a watch and a great one
Beautiful collection, what year is that santos? Also what’s the name of the red watch?
Beautiful collection, what year is that santos? Also what’s the name of the red watch?
About 1980 and vendome must de Cartier!
Cartier have single handedly made the most recognisable case designs and are definitely big players in terms of movements. I mean the movement that built inside the rotor is absolutely insane.
About 1980 and vendome must de Cartier!
Beautiful watches
I think that if you're one of those people who likes to enjoy a nice pâté baguette with a glass of red wine while sitting outside your favourite café, they are ideal for you. The Calibre de Cartier divers have dials which are a bit busy, but everything else is quite nice.
honestly didn’t know about the Calibre de Cartier divers but I agree, their dials are a bit busy
Cartier have single handedly made the most recognisable case designs and are definitely big players in terms of movements. I mean the movement that built inside the rotor is absolutely insane.
Yea those are insane, and their designs are indeed iconic
Some believe they're just jewelry which used to be true. For some time now, they've been using much, much better movements and are considered well-made watches. As to being the first men's watch, that is a common myth. There were some made late in the 19th century but they never caught on. I believe the Santos to probably be the first "tool" watch and most definitely the first aviation watch.
Some believe they're just jewelry which used to be true. For some time now, they've been using much, much better movements and are considered well-made watches. As to being the first men's watch, that is a common myth. There were some made late in the 19th century but they never caught on. I believe the Santos to probably be the first "tool" watch and most definitely the first aviation watch.
The santos will probably be my next watch for 2023, brilliant piece
Well I suppose some may say that the right watch is all the jewellery you need 😁. On a serious note the people in the watch community who’s opinions I value most all recognise cartiers place in history and iconic designs which have stayed true to their origins throughout time.
Well I suppose some may say that the right watch is all the jewellery you need 😁. On a serious note the people in the watch community who’s opinions I value most all recognise cartiers place in history and iconic designs which have stayed true to their origins throughout time.
I agree, also a beautiful santos 🔥
The Cartier tank was and still is a classic. The rest of their line is off my radar
The Cartier tank was and still is a classic. The rest of their line is off my radar
its truly a classic, thanks for replying!