Which Cartier for wife while Rolex in for service?

[DJMC]

Her bi-metal OP DJ silver DD dial is in for a service and new glass. It looks like this...



...and so she "fancies" something to take its place for the next 2-3 months.

Looked at the Cartier Panthere 27mm to start with...



But now prefers the Santos Galbee 29mm.

But which is better, all steel or Bi-Metal?...





She can't decide! Here's an all steel on her wrist...





I realise it's down to personal preference, but does anyone have any "reasons" why she should choose one over the other?
Is 29mm too big?
Her Rolex is her only watch (so far).

Here it is with a different bracelet...



Her engagement ring is yellow gold/rubies/diamonds, wedding ring platinum with thin yellow gold edges.

Thanks for any opinions.

Edited by DJMC on Sunday 30th April 21:32

[DJMC]

My wife always wear an 18k white gold and diamond bracelet (see above) next to the Rolex.

She wants to know if the diamonds are more likely to scratch the Cartier steel than they are the Rolex steel when the bracelet flips over, diamond to steel?

In other words, is Cartier steel less hard than Rolex?

[DJMC]

So said:

If there's any difference it will be of little relevance I'd have thought. You've got a white gold setting and diamonds rubbing up against a stainless steel surface. Damage to both the watch and bracelet will occur.

The Rolex probably has polished sides to the case, so scratches may be less noticeable. The Cartier, being brushed, will show bright scratches more.

Personally I dislike seeing people wearing any other jewellery adjacent to a watch because of the risk of damage. But if that's the look she wants, that's her business.

I'd have thought scratches would show more to a polished steel surface and less on a brushed one?

[DJMC]

Zoon said:

Is it worth buying a relatively expensive watch for 2-3 months?
Will it ever get worn again.

In reality I think she has the intention of keeping it and the Rolex, hence the thought to buy the all steel Santos for a different look, size, style, and tone. But then again, the only reason she's considering it is her being parted from her Rolex.

A second quality watch also gives me more leverage to buy a GMT to add to my bi-metal DJ, for the same reasons.
But then again I'm almost over buying a GMT as I type.

[DJMC]

We went out to try the Santos on again and she was sidetracked by a Tank Anglaise, small, which she now prefers...




As here: http://www.cartier.co.uk/en-gb/collections/watches...

Now of course I have to research another strange (to me) range of watches. Why is the Anglaise so much more than the Francaise?
Why is the Solo cheaper than both? Which watch will she decide she likes "best" when we next go out...?

Any views on Tanks anyone?

Here's someone with a Francaise next to an Anglaise, just to show the difference twixt those...

Edited by DJMC on Wednesday 3rd May 16:04

[DJMC]

OK, she's tried all the likely suspects and has settled on Tank Francaise mid size WSTA0005 on Cartier's website:
watches/womens-watches/tank/tank-francaise/wsta0005%20tank%20f

Found a brand new one with 25% off, but just before we buy... what's the difference between this and the mid sized one I'm finding used with model number W51003Q3 ???

They look identical. Does Cartier make modifications and then use a new model number, like Rolex does?

[DJMC]

So said:

Don't know. But if you manage to spin this out just a bit longer the Rolex will have returned.

Haha, she's telling me she may sell the Rolex... yeah right. Retailer is selling off Cartier's at a discount as they are "unpopular" and they are ending their Cartier agency. What IS popular?
Rolex... Rolex, Rolex, Rolex. They are a Rolex dealer and can't get enough of them.
When will the over-popular Rolex bubble burst I wonder?

Meanwhile, here's today's bargain find, on hold for her currently...

[DJMC]

It's quite loose, just the way photo taken, needs a link or two taking out she thinks?

[DJMC]

She says grumpily "OK, if you insist, but I carry a Chanel bag on the other wrist. Won't that get damaged too, or be uncomfortable?"

Also... "it hasn't damaged my Rolex so why would it damage the Cartier?"

Edited by DJMC on Monday 8th May 23:28

[DJMC]

Cartier Tank Francaise bought. 25% off. Free cleaning kit too!

She's happy. I'm off to research some more on Zenith...

[DJMC]

Zoon said:

Does she always drop brand names into everyday conversation?

Yes. Another first world problem.

As for Santos. Call them. Winsor Bishop in Norwich. 25% off all Cartier they have in stock. Some have lost their warranty paperwork so ask. My wife's was all present and correct.

Edited by DJMC on Wednesday 10th May 14:36

[DJMC]

She's put the bracelet on the other wrist now so that's saved me £96,000! Enough for a nice Zenith for me?

[DJMC]

You could be right, no matter how much I tell myself "buy what you like" I still like the idea of Rolex, Cartier, Porsche... But then they have proven to be good devices also, not just brand names. I'd be turning this concept around, buying a good instrument which mostly flies under the radar. Will that suit the egoist inside me? I struggle with wearing the Seiko when my Rolex could be on my wrist. I guess part of me is trying not to be so shallow as to crave brand identity constantly as it is so crass and puts me on the level of the kind of moneyed people I really don't like. Wearing the Seiko and getting compliments is like some kind of therapy!

[DJMC]

I do wish those haters, particularly those who lack either a Rolex or a Cartier, would stop posting on my thread.

You can't possibly have anything useful to impart, as has been proven by the frivolous nature of your contributions to date.

Most kind.

Castroses - I note your offensive remarks. Aren't you clever.

Edited by DJMC on Wednesday 24th May 14:41

[DJMC]

V8Matthew said:

Hoping to be in the market for a Classic myself within the next few years. (If I can convince the Mrs to let me spend the money). Currently giving some wrist time to a Casio Alarm Chrono. Some say it's a bit 'couldn't afford a Classic', but it's a damn good watch and I've successfully used the backlight to operate a portable camping toilet in a pitch dark forest.

V8Matthew said:

Hoping to be in the market for a Classic myself within the next few years. (If I can convince the Mrs to let me spend the money). Currently giving some wrist time to a Casio Alarm Chrono. Some say it's a bit 'couldn't afford a Classic', but it's a damn good watch and I've successfully used the backlight to operate a portable camping toilet in a pitch dark forest.

Odd that you should say that...

...I was looking at a Patek Philippe repeater on Sunday just as you posted this/these. Must be an omen?

[DJMC]

I do hope my analogue ones are originals? Do you think they are too "posh" for the public houses you speak of frequenting?

[DJMC]

Oh... just remembered, apart from my OP DJ I had this tucked away in a drawer...









Anyone worn two watches, one on each wrist? I saw that chappie Neil on Posh Pawn doing exactly this. Could wear a nice automatic on one, and then a cheapie quartz on the other for accuracy? Show one arm when entering the Ritz, the other for the pub? Ideal!

Or maybe just a Rolex on each?
Or in my wife's case, Rolex one, Cartier the other. Perhaps a Chanel bag on each arm, and each shoulder? (she has four).

Edited by DJMC on Thursday 25th May 15:06

[DJMC]

DJMC said:

I guess part of me is trying not to be so shallow as to crave brand identity constantly as it is so crass and puts me on the level of the kind of moneyed people I really don't like.

Zoon said:

I'd wager you could have fooled the whole forum.

I did say "part of me"!