The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Need some of your expert opinions. I want another watch for those special fridays and night out with friends/clients.
I've narrow it down to: Panerai 210 or a Cartier Santos 100 (rubber or steel, haven't decided).
I currently own a rolex submariiner as a daily wearer and a big Hamilton Below-Zero as a birthday present from the lady. Obviously there are much better watches out there, but I think these two fits the price range and is defenitely good enough for me. Thanks.

I rarely comment on threads like this because it is really a personal opinion, you should only be buying watches that appeal to you and whether anyone else on the planet agrees is totally irrelevant.

Having said that, those are two very different watches. Panerai has a more modern styling while Cartier has been around for ages and looks much more classic. Romans contribute to that. Outside this forum, where Panerai has its (many) adepts, the Cartier will be instantly recognized, less so for the Panerai imo for that special night out, as you say.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

I chose the Santos...

I like it more... it was a tough decision for me too actually...

the square case with the deployant...

oozing with class...

The Panerai is nice too and I am a fan of the Radiomirs but.......

no further comment... don't have anything more to say...

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

No question, take the Panerai!

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

I would choose Cartier

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End of Discussion.

I agree with F14 and Jlee, the Cartier has a classier look to it than the Panerai does. If I had to choose one for a more formal occasion it would be the Cartier for me too.

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Never been a Cartier fan.... I vote PAM!

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Past: BlackBird, Navi World, SA, Rolex DJII, IWC Yacht Club
Present: CE, DSSD
Future: Changes daily

Steel Cartier

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

With what you already have, my impulse is to suggest Cartier. You don't have anything like a while dial with romans and I think there are some strong similarities between the Below Zero and the Panerai. Then again, if you love the look and simply want that at a higher level, the Panerai might be the best choice. I have owned that "almost" watch before and if that's where you are, it'll drive you nuts until you do it.

Mechanically I think the Panerai is better. A little while back my watch guy told me he would steer me away from Cartier. We didn't discuss why but next time I'm in, which is later this week, actually, I'll try and remember to ask him. He was also thinking pre-owned. If you're getting something new with warranty, I suspect you'd be fine.

On looks alone, I like the Cartier on steel. Based on your collection, I'd say either Cartier. For you, its a question of what you want to glance at on Friday night at dinner. All I can offer is the scattered suggestions above. Follow your gut, and good luck.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I'd go with the Cartier. I liked the 210 until I tried it on and thought it just felt too flat on the wrist.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
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It's a mixed bag so far...

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

One question I have about Cartier, I understand they use movements from JLC, Vacheron Constatine, and AP. Is this true and do they make any in-house movements? I've never given them much of a look as I had not researched them too much and had initially thought of them as a "Fashion Brand". After conducting some limited research, it appears I was wrong to consider them as such, but would like to know a little more about the brand if anyone can enlighten me. Hope this isn't considered Hi-jacking from the OP.

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Lately they have been moving towards in-house. The calibre series comes to mind. Some of their in-house pieces will give the big boys a run for the money. Beautifully crafted. They have been earning my respect in terms of establishing themselves as a bonafide watchmaker.

Now only about the prices...

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Thank you for all your opinions. As for the movements of both watches, I think they are pretty much the same since both are just ETA's. History wise, I believe Cartier has a richer history (although, very often overlooked as just jewlery/fashion) and should be one of the first few to make wristwatches. For Panerai, they were known to be the official supplier of watches to the Royal Italian Navy. I believe this brand only started to become a hit during the last 10-15 years or so since so many celebs have been wearing Panerai's.

Please keep the polls coming, as I'm still torn apart as I like them both. I love the Panerai because of the soft cusion shape of the case, the slightly domes saphire crystal, and the sandwich dial it has. As for the Cartier, a classic look, the brushed and polished case detailing, and the roman numerals on the dial.
Thanks.

Im surprised to see such a mix bag of opinions....At first I assumed it would be all PAM, but quite of few guys whose taste in watches i really appreciate are looking at the Cartier.

That being said....The Radimors are the only Panerai I have ever been interested, and I just think it is a much cooler looking watch IMO. However I have been catching myself drawn more and more to the square and rectangular case watches while desiring a Reverso, and the Santos is just as nicely done.

Good luck with the decision....it's a tough one