Cartier watches come in many sizes from the very tiny 28mm for ladies to the oversized 44mm for men, Rolex, on the other hand, does have smaller watches but they start at a slightly larger size of about 31mm and go up to about 42mm.
There may be some that debate this, but a fact is a fact. Rolex is superior to Cartier in terms of build quality. The stainless steel frame and rigid water resistance of its timepieces are unrivaled. On the other hand, Cartier isn't too far behind in terms of build quality, but Rolex has the slight edge.
Cartier vs Rolex about their prices and value
Cartier watches are often less expensive than Rolex watches in terms of price. They are not inexpensive, but if you are just getting started in the luxury watch market, Cartier would be the best alternative to consider. Rolex, on the other hand, has a higher resale value.
According to Morgan Stanley reports, Rolex and Omega generated the most estimated revenue in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. But, in their 2022 report, it was revealed that Cartier had toppled Omega for the number two spot. It was a massive shakeup to see in a watch world seemingly dominated by sports watch brands.
Do Cartier Watches Hold Their Value Like Rolex? Cartier watches don't hold their value like Rolex. Demand coupled with limited supply, even on the retail level, has created massive pre-owned value for most watches in the Rolex portfolio, causing major disparities in most Rolex retail vs market prices.
A Cartier watch is regarded as a luxury commodity, as the brand spares no expense in using only the highest-quality precious metals.
When it comes to luxury watches, few brands are as iconic as Cartier. From the elegant Tank to the sleek Santos, Cartier timepieces have been a symbol of style and sophistication for over a century.
This puts Patek Philippe in a more upper market position than Cartier, they are a more prestigious brand that is more collectible and with higher resale value.
1. Rolex. If there's one watch brand out there that everybody knows, it's Rolex.
1. Rolex. Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. The company is well-known for its high-quality and precision timepieces, and its watches are considered some of the world's finest.
With proper care, a Cartier will last a lifetime and Cartier watches are made to be passed down to future generations.
The majority of Cartier's pieces are made from solid 18-carat gold - one of the most expensive types of gold available - so investing in Cartier jewellery is worthwhile. Gold is a secure investment, with few fluctuations in price, so it's highly likely the price will continue to go up.
Your watch is certified water-resistant and its water-resistance is ensured by a series of seals. Before any contact with water, however, please ensure that the crown of your watch is not pulled out.
Patek Philippe arguably owns the top-tier of high-horology. Once, the most expensive watch ever sold was a Patek Philippe with many complications and sold for over 11 million dollars, second only to a Rolex that was worn by Paul Newman.
This is obviously just a small selection of famous people that have worn Cartier watches over the decades. Other stars include Mick Jagger, Duke Ellington, Truman Capote, Warren Beatty, Angelina Jolie, Tom Ford, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Piven, and Finneas.
Patek Philippe
They have since become one of the world's most respected watch brands, known for its impeccable craftsmanship, exclusivity, and elegant designs. Patek often costs more than Rolex on the retail level, but both companies are innovative and offer the highest quality available on the market.
The Trinity or 'big three' is a nickname given to the most luxurious watchmaking brands in the world. At the top of their game, the three watchmaking companies are Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.
In Paris, the tax refund on luxury jewelry is 12% off. The tax refund is one of the reasons Cartier is cheaper in Europe.
Cartier's focus on quality is evident in its designs and products. The company uses only the finest materials and the most skilled craftsmen to create its products. This attention to detail has made Cartier's jewelry some of the most sought-after in the world.
The short answer is yes, Cartier brand watches hold value and may even increase in value. The longer answer is that it depends on several factors. Vintage Cartier watches may go up in value more than a newer model. Trends may change as time passes and value may increase or diminish accordingly.
They are certainly worth the investment due to the models' collectability, craftsmanship and rich heritage, holding value with some rising versus retail over time, notably the Cartier Tank and Santos gold models.
While the brand is still perhaps better known for its jewelry than its timepieces, these are serious watches. Advancements in things like manufacturing tolerances and material reliability mean that Cartier watches have never been more suitable for daily wear.