Bulgari Octo Roma vs. Cartier Santos Medium: A Collector's Dilemma
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Bulgari Octo Roma vs. Cartier Santos Medium: A Collector's Dilemma

By hoseachandra · May 3, 2023 · 28 replies
hoseachandra
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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In a perennial quest for the perfect daily wearer, WatchProSite contributor hoseachandra presents a compelling dilemma between two distinct luxury sports watches: the Bulgari Octo Roma and the Cartier Santos Medium. His detailed comparison, born from personal evaluation, invites the community to weigh in on critical factors like wearability, design nuances, and practical considerations such as water resistance and legibility. This article distills the collective wisdom of seasoned collectors, offering invaluable perspectives for anyone navigating a similar high-end purchase.

Ok, so i have crossed the new IWC Ingenieur from my list because i don't think its worth 12K , dislike the crown guard and lack of quick release bracelet. My next watch will be one of these : New Bulgari Octo Roma. 41 mm, thickness 9.15 mm. With screw down crown, 100 mtr WR. I like the matte cloud de Paris. Beautiful bracelet too. With quick release and extra rubber. The only caveat is that maybe a bit too large especially the wide lugs.



Cartier Santos Medium size in blue (new for 2023). Perfect size for my wrist (i have tried the similar watch with diamond bezel). Super thin at 8.8 mm. Comes with extra alligator strap with quick release. Quick adjust on bracelet. Antimagnetic to 1200 gauss. However the crown does not screw down despite the claimed 100 mtr WR, so i am bit worry. And the legibility is not so good because of the metallic roman numerals without lume.



The price is about the same. Will appreciate any input. The resale value is not an issue for me. I am planning to wear this on any occasion including in the swimming pool. Thank you all.

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The Discussion
BR
brauner
May 3, 2023

Like both but would prefer the Cartier. Would take the bigger one (with date). Cartier would be easier to sell in case. Had these ...

HO
hoseachandra
May 3, 2023

I mean, what make you prefer Cartier than Bulgari, aside from resale value?

BR
brauner
May 3, 2023

A very nice watch, felt much bigger than the Cartier. I gave it on payment for another watch. Not the Cartier. Had the chance to give the Bulgari to the workshop in Neuchatel for service. Excellent Service, nice people. I am sure you will never come in touch with the people from the Cartier workshops. But the resale value ...

HO
hoseachandra
May 3, 2023

Even Cartier Thanks for your input. The Octo indeed wears bigger because of the octagonal case and wide bracelet. Definitely i have to try it.

MO
Moka-Tiger (Ron)
May 3, 2023

I am a big Santos fan, but to be honest, not this one. I prefer previous models. To me, compared to the Santos, the Bulgair looks sleek, modern, easy to read. I find mine fists comforably on the wrist. I prefer bigger than smaller watches, so that is a plus for me. The Octo line is definitely making a new presence in the watch world and owners like me enjoy wearing them, from what I have read.

HO
hoseachandra
May 3, 2023

In the sea of integrated bracelet watches. Thanks for the opinion

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