Celebrating a milestone. Rolex or upgrade e-ring?

[Rosebloom]

Sounds like you've decided on a Rolex, but just in case...here's a real life shot of my tank.

GORGEOUS!!!!!

What model is that one?

ETA: nevermind, I remember you said it was the Tank Solo. I am in love!!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

About 3 yrs ago Rolex went to a random serial number sequence.

Why?
What is the benefit to Rolex?

I don't know why???.. maybe b/c by using the random serial numbers system "we the buyers" can't figure out how long had that Rolex been sitting in the jeweler's case?

 

[LovelyHearts]

Thanks, DF! I do see some new ones with SDJ after them, so I see what you mean.

LovelyHearts, if you are considering Cartier quartz, I would consider buying those new from non authorized dealer since there is rarely ever an issue with quartz. Here is the large ladies Roadster like DeeJay has:

http://www.jomashop.com/w62016v3.html

Nice deal on mid-size tank

http://www.jomashop.com/cartanfranme4.html

Thanks DS! My husband really thinks I should get something brand new and he really prefers the look of the tanks, so I'll be going to another store today and trying those on.

If I buy from a non authorized dealer, would Cartier service the watch if something were to happen to it as long as it is authentic?

 

[LovelyHearts]

About 3 yrs ago Rolex went to a random serial number sequence.

Why?
What is the benefit to Rolex?

I don't know why???.. maybe b/c by using the random serial numbers system "we the buyers" can't figure out how long had that Rolex been sitting in the jeweler's case?

That's a ridiculous excuse though.. We should be able to tell exactly when it was made.. normal consumers would want to know this info right? Kinda like LV bags and the date codes on those...

 

[Dancing Fire]

Thanks, DF! I do see some new ones with SDJ after them, so I see what you mean.

LovelyHearts, if you are considering Cartier quartz, I would consider buying those new from non authorized dealer since there is rarely ever an issue with quartz. Here is the large ladies Roadster like DeeJay has:

http://www.jomashop.com/w62016v3.html

Nice deal on mid-size tank

http://www.jomashop.com/cartanfranme4.html

Thanks DS! My husband really thinks I should get something brand new and he really prefers the look of the tanks, so I'll be going to another store today and trying those on.

If I buy from a non authorized dealer, would Cartier service the watch if something were to happen to it as long as it is authentic?

If you buy a watch from jomashop or any other gray market dealer they will provide their own warranty service.

 

[LovelyHearts]

Sounds like you've decided on a Rolex, but just in case...here's a real life shot of my tank.

So pretty! You are making my decision really hard! Yesterday, I was set on a rolex, and today, not so much. Can you tell me more about your watch? Which tank is it? and the size? Do you wear it every day or do you rotate it? I'm really looking for something that I can wear anywhere, for example, if I have to wash my kids hands, not worry about it getting water splashes. Wear it poolside, or out and about on weekends with jeans, as well as to the office. Am I asking for too much? lol

 

[baby monster]

Thanks DS! My husband really thinks I should get something brand new and he really prefers the look of the tanks, so I'll be going to another store today and trying those on.

If I buy from a non authorized dealer, would Cartier service the watch if something were to happen to it as long as it is authentic?

Warranty is only good for 2 years so I wouldn't get hung up on that. Highly unlikely for watch to break down that soon. Cartier will service watches purchased overseas or on gray market if they verify authenticity AND no one else modified or repaired them. So you can have it serviced by a third party but then never by Cartier.

 

[LovelyHearts]

Thanks, DF! I do see some new ones with SDJ after them, so I see what you mean.

LovelyHearts, if you are considering Cartier quartz, I would consider buying those new from non authorized dealer since there is rarely ever an issue with quartz. Here is the large ladies Roadster like DeeJay has:

http://www.jomashop.com/w62016v3.html

Nice deal on mid-size tank

http://www.jomashop.com/cartanfranme4.html

Thanks DS! My husband really thinks I should get something brand new and he really prefers the look of the tanks, so I'll be going to another store today and trying those on.

If I buy from a non authorized dealer, would Cartier service the watch if something were to happen to it as long as it is authentic?

If you buy a watch from jomashop or any other gray market dealer they will provide their own warranty service.

On Jomashop it shows 2 years warranty. What about beyond that?

What are the chances that retail stores that carry the watch are willing to price match online stores? Should I try or is that tacky?

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Sounds like you've decided on a Rolex, but just in case...here's a real life shot of my tank.

So pretty! You are making my decision really hard! Yesterday, I was set on a rolex, and today, not so much. Can you tell me more about your watch? Which tank is it? and the size? Do you wear it every day or do you rotate it? I'm really looking for something that I can wear anywhere, for example, if I have to wash my kids hands, not worry about it getting water splashes. Wear it poolside, or out and about on weekends with jeans, as well as to the office. Am I asking for too much? lol

Thanks! It's the Tank Solo in the small size, which is the one someone linked to in previous pages. I wear it daily- to the office, with dresses, business suits, shorts, jeans, etc. It's been splashed before, and I don't take it off with my kids (yours are adorable, btw), but I don't wear it to the pool (I would only wear a sports watch to the pool, personally). I have my kids' names and birthdays engraved on the back.

Btw, I stopped by a Cartier recently to ask about having it serviced/polished. They don't recommend doing it more than a couple times over the watch's lifetime, for some reason (don't remember why- was in mental shock/delight over having tried on an all-diamond Trinity).

 

[Dancing Fire]

Thanks DS! My husband really thinks I should get something brand new and he really prefers the look of the tanks, so I'll be going to another store today and trying those on.

If I buy from a non authorized dealer, would Cartier service the watch if something were to happen to it as long as it is authentic?

Warranty is only good for 2 years so I wouldn't get hung up on that. Highly unlikely for watch to break down that soon. Cartier will service watches purchased overseas or on gray market if they verify authenticity AND no one else modified or repaired them. So you can have it serviced by a third party but then never by Cartier.

AFAIK,most gray market watches does not come with an AD stamped warranty card,so no,Cartier will not repair it for free.

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="LovelyHearts|1373648784|

On Jomashop it shows 2 years warranty. What about beyond that?

What are the chances that retail stores that carry the watch are willing to price match online stores? Should I try or is that tacky?[/quote]


Even if you bought from an AD after 2 yrs any repair $$$ comes out of your pocket.

Depending on the watch... you can haggle b/t 25%-30% off of MSRP from an AD,and if you buy out of state you can save more $$$ on the sales tax...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Sounds like you've decided on a Rolex, but just in case...here's a real life shot of my tank.

That is beautiful, Logan! I really have that watch on my wish list! I am surprised the small one is that large!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

[quote="LovelyHearts|1373648784|

On Jomashop it shows 2 years warranty. What about beyond that?

What are the chances that retail stores that carry the watch are willing to price match online stores? Should I try or is that tacky?


Even if you bought from an AD after 2 yrs any repair $$$ comes out of your pocket.

Depending on the watch... you can haggle b/t 25%-30% off of MSRP from an AD,and if you buy out of state you can save more $$$ on the sales tax...

I just feel like they aren't going to take that much off a $10-12k watch. But if anyone knows AD's who take off 25% or more, there are probably a lot of people who would like to know!!!

 

[LovelyHearts]

Logan, you inspired me to try on some Cartier today (and more Rolex). BTW, this is so addicting and fun! But it's horrible... I should be studying instead!

I had a light bulb go off in my head when I was looking at the Rolex.. I did not like any of the ones without the diamonds... some of the fluted ones were pretty, but it's because they are shiny. So I don't know if I like the watch or the diamonds! Crazy right??!

The Cartier were beautiful in person! So much more than I expected when looking at the pictures. The blue arms (is that what they are called?) are gorgeous. I tried on the Tank Solo small, which was plenty big, bigger than the medium Tank Francaise, but was approx $2K cheaper. What gives?! I asked the sales guy and he said the movements are the same but the case and band are different. The Francaise was thicker (both band and head). I also tried on the small Francaise, but it was way too small for me.

I'm leaning towards the small solo, which felt right. It SANG to me lol.. the medium Francaise sang to me too, but when I saw the price comparison, the song wasn't as loud. I think Cartier would fit better w/ my lifestyle. I want something nice to celebrate, but I don't think I can justify a rolex with diamonds... definitely not that price point... Not only that though, I don't dress up enough. I wear jeans most days to the office, but the dress code is pretty casual at ebay. (sorry! I'm thinking out loud)

So now that I've chosen a watch (or narrowed it down), I need to decide where to buy it from. The store I went to, Jade Galore, said they don't offer discounts on Cartier watches. He said there was a recent price increase also. The small Solo is $2,475 on Jomashop but $2,700 at the store. There's an 8.75% tax rate at the store, which brings me to $2,936.25. But consider this. I've been wanting to get my ering/band rodium plated and polished, which they do there, but at $130/piece. He said he would do both rings for me for free. Also, If I purchase the watch from them, he will give me the next battery for free, and free lifetime polishings/cleanings. It's inside a mall so I can drop it off, shop, and pick it up in an hour or so.

So here is where I need your help. Which one do you think looks better on my wrist? And if you where should I buy from? Now that I'm typing this up, I wish I got some shots with the rest of me, so you can see.. oh well! Such a hard decision right?

 

[LovelyHearts]

All 3 for comparison. . from left to right.. small solo, medium tank francaise, small tank francaise

 

[LovelyHearts]

small solo and medium francaise side by side

 

[LovelyHearts]

small solo on its own.

 

[LovelyHearts]

medium francaise on its own.

 

[LovelyHearts]

And a blingy ladies size rolex for fun. loved this one. so shiny!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Your pictures are terrific! How great that you had the chance to try them all! I think if you like the Solo, it is a great choice! I am shocked that the small solo is larger than the medium Francaise! Good grief! The only thing is, if you can get a better discount on the Francaise, it might be a better buy on a more expensive watch as opposed to a small or no discount on the Solo. I love the Tanks and think they are great everyday watches. I love quartz because they are basically maintenance free other than changing the battery every couple of years. Can't wait to see what you choose!

Oh, and that Rolex is the one I like except for I wouldn't pay for the diamond bezel! Silver dial with diamond markers! Is it the 26mm or 31mm?

 

[JulieN]

My order of preference (are you taking votes?)

Small solo, small tank francaise, medium tank francaise. The tank francaise models look like they have a beefier case.

They are usually called hands. Hour hand, minute hand.

 

[yoyosaidfeia]

WATCH FOR SURE!!!!! And Congratulations on your accomplishment!

I personally love Cartier. I own their timepieces and jewelry.

Rolex has great value retention, see it as investment.
Cartier do tend to drop value throughout the years. When sales tell you they increase price each year (it is true), don't fall for it. Used Cartier drop value drastically. Unless it's gold/platinum.

I got my first Cartier after college, small tank francaise with pink mother of pearl dial.
http://www.cartier.com/collections/timepieces/womens-watches/tank/tank-francaise/w51028q3-tank-francaise-watch-small-model-1
4 years after, I took it into Cartier for service (out of battery, bad thing about Quartz. also it also started getting foggy every time I watch my hands.), grand total of $400. Owning luxury timepieces do require costly maintenance

I would suggest getting an automatic watch, better for the long-term I guess. My dad and husband both own Rolex watches, and they are low maintenance and very reliable. But it is your personal preference after all. Whatever makes you happy right? Good luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think I would vote for the medium Francaise followed by the Solo, if you buy the Francaise at a discount. I think the small Francaise is too small.

 

[LovelyHearts]

Your pictures are terrific! How great that you had the chance to try them all! I think if you like the Solo, it is a great choice! I am shocked that the small solo is larger than the medium Francaise! Good grief! The only thing is, if you can get a better discount on the Francaise, it might be a better buy on a more expensive watch as opposed to a small or no discount on the Solo. I love the Tanks and think they are great everyday watches. I love quartz because they are basically maintenance free other than changing the battery every couple of years. Can't wait to see what you choose!

Oh, and that Rolex is the one I like except for I wouldn't pay for the diamond bezel! Silver dial with diamond markers!

Thanks DS! I know! I kept asking if he was sure the Solo was the small size. I kept saying I want to try the smallest Solo that Cartier makes. He looked at me as if I was crazy. lol

And of course, DH likes the small francaise (sigh)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hmm, interesting. I think your husband must just be used to seeing traditional sized watches on women. I do not like large watches for myself, but I still think the small Tank Fr. looks too small. I think mid size watches are more likely to stand the test of time than the large. But which stood out the most to you? Did you feel like you really loved one of them?

 

[Rosebloom]

I agree that it's hard to believe the small Tank Solo is so large! The large must look like a boat! I love it on you. It looks perfectly proportioned. Classic, sexy, a little masculine, gorgeous. If I were you I'd get it!! (And I'd also get a DBTY with the extra!).

 

[LovelyHearts]

Hmm, interesting. I think your husband must just be used to seeing traditional sized watches on women. I do not like large watches for myself, but I still think the small Tank Fr. looks too small. I think mid size watches are more likely to stand the test of time than the large. But which stood out the most to you? Did you feel like you really loved one of them?

I agree that the small Fr. looks too small too. I like the med Fr. but def not the price. I believe it is $4,700 at the store, as opposed to the $2,700 for the Solo. I can buy the med. Fr. from Jomashop for $3,750, but no free/cleaning or polishing.. and no free rhodium plating/polishing for my rings (Doesn't $130/per ring sound a bit excessive to you?).. What do you think?

 

[baby monster]

My vote is for medium tank f....it's the one I originally linked to .

Jomashop is grey market so you won't get the 2 year direct warranty. But any service after 2 years is out of pocket anyway at Cartier so you can save money upfront.

 

[baby monster]

Thanks DS! My husband really thinks I should get something brand new and he really prefers the look of the tanks, so I'll be going to another store today and trying those on.

If I buy from a non authorized dealer, would Cartier service the watch if something were to happen to it as long as it is authentic?

Warranty is only good for 2 years so I wouldn't get hung up on that. Highly unlikely for watch to break down that soon. Cartier will service watches purchased overseas or on gray market if they verify authenticity AND no one else modified or repaired them. So you can have it serviced by a third party but then never by Cartier.

AFAIK,most gray market watches does not come with an AD stamped warranty card,so no,Cartier will not repair it for free.

You're correct. I was referring to the fact that Cartier must verify authenticity before any service, under or out of warranty.

 

[iheartscience]

Wow, Thing! What a deal!

LovelyHearts, I take it you realize that the ladies 26mm is the size you have now, and there is also a ladies 31mm which is what BEM bought. The mid size is worn by men, too, so it is 36mm, I believe. If I got the deal Thing did, I would have bought it, too. But if you are buying new or relatively new-used and paying $5-6k, I would probably go with the 31 mm size extra large watches on women may go out of style. I am pretty sure that was debated on BEM's thread.

Oh that's right, I forgot there was a 31mm-I think that's the one Kenny said he has. Mine seems small for a man but I think I'm just used to seeing larger watches on men, like the Submariner. I think the 31mm would be a great size. I think it's a bit more modern than the 26mm, just because it's less dressy looking.