Cartier

I read SJX's great review when it was released in 2010 and was curious to know if it has met Purists expectations.  I prefer the white dial with the black leather strap, but have some reservations with the deployant clasp.  I tried one on awhile ago and it seemed a bit flimsy.  I primarily wear bracelets so I may be a bit bias against leather straps and deployants in general.  Does Cartier make a simple tang buckle?  Have any updates been made to the watch since it was originally released?

I have owned a Calibre de Cartier in black with the leather strap for over a year now and I still consider it my favorite watch. It is beautiful, works flawlessly and its understated elegance makes for a nice combination of both dress watch and a sport one.

The version I own has the XII in understated tones (unlike the sportier version that comes with a bracelet) and I like the way it looks during day and night. Unlike other owners I enjoy the date window, as it gives it an instrumental look. Hope that this helps.

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Hi Dave,

Cartier does make pin buckles but they are not Calibre de Cartier specific, so they are slim and don't quite match the sporty case.

The major aesthetic change was is the white XII numeral on the black dial. When it was launched the XII was black.

Lastly the regulator is now in the Cartier "C" shape, the first few had an ETAchron regulator, as noted in my review.

- SJX

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I remember that review,

A water need not have a screw down crown for durability or water-resistance. That feature is a sufficient but not necessary quality.

Take for example Panerai. All the Luminor watches are water-resistant to the rated depth (and probably a bit more) without the crown lever. The crowns are all sealed and water-resistant on their own, the locking mechanism is just for aesthetics.

- SJX

Thanks so much SJX,

Which is more than sufficient for daily use.

I know people who wear watches rated to 30 m for swimming without adverse effects, though I would not recommend it.

Furthermore manufacturers always test the watches to beyond the rated water resistance, e.g. they test to 300 m for a watch rated to 200 m, so there is always a buffer. But that doesn't mean you should do anything extreme.

In short, a watch rated to 30 m is more than enough for normal use. I am located in Singapore which is extremely humid, as humid as where you are I reckon, and 30 m is enough as long as the watch is checked regularly to ensure the seals are in good condition.

- SJX

For me, any decent watch from reputable company with at least 30m water resistant rating will be good enough to handle your described condition.

You are spot on, the most practical option for humid climates is a metal bracelet. Even rubber will crack and harden over time.

Looking forward to your report!

Cheers,

- SJX

I have loved the look of the C de C since it's release, but after seeing and holding one, I percieved that the bezel has a proud (ie somewhat high) rather sharp upward facing edge, and in daily wear, it would seem that this would take a lot of dings.  Has anyone had this experience when using a C de C as a "daily wearer"?