Rolex Datejust Vs. Cartier Santos: Which Should You Pick?

When you’re eyeing a luxury watch, Rolex and Cartier often pop up. Let’s compare two of their standout pieces: the Datejust and the Santos. Both have their fans, but which one might suit you better? We’ll break it down for you.

The Roots of These Timepieces

The Datejust and Santos didn’t just appear out of thin air. They’ve got stories.

Datejust’s Birth

The Datejust model was introduced into the market by Rolex in the year 1945. This was the first watch that could wind it on its own, protect against water, and have a window at 3 o’clock to show the date of the week. They made it to celebrate forty years of Rolex.

Santos Takes Flight

The Santos goes back even earlier to 1904. Louis Cartier made it for his friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian pilot who wished to know the time in the air. G shock is considered to be among the first watches designed for wearing around the wrist.

How They Look

These watches couldn’t be more different in looks.

Datejust’s Classic Vibe

The Datejust is round with Rolex’s signature fluted bezel. You can get it in steel, gold, or a mix. The face comes in loads of colors and finishes. You’ll spot the date magnifier right away – it’s a Rolex thing.

Santos’ Bold Square

The Santos stands out with its square shape and screws on the bezel. It’s got a more daring look than the Datejust. You’ll usually see Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands on the face. It comes in steel, gold, or both.

If you like things classic, you might lean towards the Datejust. If you want to turn heads, the Santos could be your pick.

Sizing Them Up

Both watches come in different sizes to fit various wrists.

Datejust Sizes

• You can get it in 31mm, 36mm, or 41mm
• Most folks think 36mm is the classic size
• It’s about 11.7mm to 12.1mm thick, depending on which one you choose

Santos Sizes

• It comes in “medium” (35.1mm x 41.9mm) and “large” (39.8mm x 47.5mm)
• There’s also a smaller Santos-Dumont model
• The medium is about 8.83mm thick, so it’s slimmer than the Datejust

Pro tip: Try them both on. Your wrist size and what feels good to you matter a lot.

What Makes Them Tick

Both brands make good watches, but their insides are a bit different.

Datejust’s Engine

• It uses Rolex’s own Caliber 3235 movement
• It winds itself and can run for 70 hours when fully wound
• Rolex says it’s accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day

Santos’ Heart

• It’s powered by Cartier’s Calibre 1847 MC
• This one can run for 42 hours when fully wound
• While not as famous for accuracy as Rolex, it’s still a solid movement

Toughness and Water Resistance

Both can take a beating, but they have different strong points.

Datejust’s Armor

• It can handle water down to 100 meters
• It’s got Rolex’s Twinlock crown to keep water out
• The steel they use (904L) is really good at fighting rust

Santos’ Shield

• It can also take water down to 100 meters
• Its steel (316L) is tough, but not quite as rust-resistant as Rolex’s

Note: You can swim with either, but don’t go diving with them.

Price Tags

Luxury watches aren’t cheap. Here’s what you might pay:

Datejust’s Cost

Typical prices for datejust watches in Dubai.

• Steel ones start around $7,000
• Gold versions with diamonds can hit $35,000 or more

Santos’ Price

Typical prices for Santos watches.

• Steel models begin at about $6,800
• Gold ones can reach $40,000 or higher

Keep in mind: Prices can change based on the exact model and what the market’s doing.

Selling Them Later

This is where you see a big difference.

Datejust’s Value

Rolex watches, including the Datejust, tend to keep their value really well. Sometimes they even go up in price over time. That’s partly because everyone knows the Rolex name and lots of people want them.

Santos’ Worth

While Cartier is a big name in luxury, their watches usually don’t hold value as well as Rolex. But the Santos does better than some other Cartier watches when you try to sell it later.

How People See Them

Both brands are fancy, but people think of them differently.

Rolex’s Image

Many see Rolex as the top dog in luxury watches. People often link it with being successful. Even folks who don’t know watches tend to recognize Rolex.

Cartier’s Reputation

Cartier is known more for jewelry that also makes great watches. People think of it as stylish and classy. It might not be as well-known for watches as Rolex to the average person.

Comparison Table

Unique Points to Consider

Datejust’s Hidden Strengths

1. Easylink Comfort: The Datejust bracelet has a neat trick. You can adjust it by 5mm without tools. Perfect for when your wrist swells in the heat.
2. Parachrom Hairspring: This tiny blue spring in the Datejust’s movement is super resistant to shocks and temperature changes. It’s a Rolex invention that keeps your watch accurate.
3. Chromalight Display: In the dark, the Datejust glows blue instead of the usual green. It’s easier to read and lasts longer.

Santos’ Special Features

1. QuickSwitch System: You can change the Santos bracelet or strap without tools. It’s great if you like to switch up your look.
2. SmartLink Sizing: Like Datejust’s Easylink, you can adjust the Santos bracelet length easily. But here, you can remove or add entire links without a tool.
3. Cartier’s Custom Service: Cartier offers more personalization options. You can get your Santos engraved or even set with custom gemstones.

Making Your Choice

Picking between the Datejust and Santos comes down to what you like. Think about:

1. Do you prefer round or square watches?
2. Is the brand name important to you?
3. Do you care about selling it later?
4. Which one feels better on your wrist?
5. Do you like the idea of easily changing straps?

There’s no “better” watch here. They’re both great, just different. The best one is the one you’ll love wearing.

Wrapping Up

Whether you go for the Datejust or the Santos, you’re getting a piece of watch history. They both offer quality and style, just in different ways.

If you’re still such kind of a person, then you need to attempt to wear them both. Sometimes, a man simply will not consider anything else: it has to be on the wrist, a certain way, and he has to like the feel of it. And whichever you choose you are not just buying a watch – you are getting something unique that you will, most likely, appreciate for quite a considerable amount of time.

FAQs