Opinions on watches please: Tudor vs Cartier

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I’ve got a big milestone coming up and would like to get my first (and only) luxury watch. The budget is around 2K and I want something to last the rest of my life.

I was looking at Tudor because their quality is great (same as Rolex) but prices are within my budget. The Clair de Rose is beautiful.

My question: is it too similar to the Cartier ballon bleu? I actually saw the Tudor first and loved it - it’s understated and elegant, with some lovely detail if you look closely. I don’t like the Cartier so much - it’s a bit more flashy and that weird blue eye creeps me out . But I wonder if I get the Tudor will people think it’s a Cartier knock off? Or should I just get it because I like it?

(Btw there’s no way in hell I’m paying Cartier prices. The alternative would be a Longines flagship.)

Thanks!

Picture of the Longines for comparison

I don't think they look similar at all.
Absolutely nothing alike.
The Tudor is beautiful. The Cartier isn't.
( Admit I don't know much about watches Incase I'm missing something somehow)

Prefer Tudor the the Longines.

Hi Op, to me I don’t think they look similar! I like certain longines styles but I would go for the tudor for the quality if you’re only going to have one. Anyone who knows anything about watches wil know a tudor is better than a cartier anyway
Have you tried them both on?

The Tudor looks unremarkable. The Cartier one is beautiful. Neither look similar.

Found a couple more neutral photos where they look a lot more similar

Which models are you comparing? First image has a leather strap on the Cartier and second is a bracelet. But you also say Longines. I think they’re all very different and I’d go for the Tudor. I’d also not buy a leather strap for my every day watch as however good the quality is, it wouldn’t give 30/40/50 years of usage.

Both lovely.

However. I would not buy a luxury watch brand new. There is almost no point when second hand dealers will give you guarantees etc.

I got a lovely Cartier a few years ago for £1,000. RRP £5,500 new. 3 yrs later I traded it in with the same dealer (watch finder) for a nicer piece. It cost me an additional £1k & my watch is 5yr pls and £11k new.

Yeah I definitely attached the wrong photo in my first post to illustrate the point.

I think they’re pretty similar, but I guess I don’t really care - the Tudor is more beautiful!

Thanks for the replies.

Another vote for the Tudor, it is gorgeous. The only thing that puts me off a luxury watch is the servicing costs if/when needed.... Hundreds of pounds usually.

I think the Tudor is actually much nicer than the Cartier... but would echo a PP and say you can probably find it much cheaper than RRP.

I would go for the Tudor… my other half is a watch collector and he would agree :)

I actually don’t think they are significantly cheaper second hand, with box and papers at least.

I prefer the Cartier or the Longines. They're classics for a reason. I do think the Tudor looks slightly inelegant in comparison. However, I'm a firm believer in doing whatever makes your heart sing. If it's the Tudor, go for it!

Also agree that you should just buy what you like. I was in a position recently where I could choose almost any watch (e.g. Cartier or Rolex). The one I finally bought was a different brand and much much cheaper... I bought it because I really liked the design and don't regret it!

Watches are like wine - mainly buy one that you like if you are only buying one!

Sounds good! Thanks everyone. The Tudor it is

Looking forward to seeing real life images of the new arrival when you get it OP! 😁

@IPokeBadgers

Looking forward to seeing real life images of the new arrival when you get it OP! 😁

I can’t wait! Unfortunately the milestone is about 2 months away, so I’m researching way in advance :D