For some, the quick answer lies in the question ‘is Cartier or Rolex more expensive’. However, behind these luxury brands comes two fascinating back stories that wind through modern history, encompassing innovations in chronography, timekeeping brilliance and celebrity stardust that sets the scene for more challenging questions, such as ‘Cartier Santos or Rolex Submariner?’ or ‘where do I put my money – a Rolex or Cartier investment?’
Both companies rank amongst the best luxury watch brands in the world, but which brand holds its value best and how does each brand stack up in terms of luxury and legacy?
Is Cartier or Rolex better?
The Rolex brand was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, choosing Swiss suppliers, Maison Aegler, to supply all watches so that the brand could deliver precision and quality. Within 5 years, the Rolex brand secured Chronometric Certification in 1910.
Rolex has focused on developing watches that stand the test of time and extreme conditions, with the stainless steel sports models performing consistently well, with some, like the Daytona, reaching iconic cult status. While many of the Rolex models target high earning males that view Rolex as a symbol of accomplishment with links to business and affluent sports, such as golf and yachting, the Rolex Datejust and Oyster Perpetual models help the brand secure its position as one of the best female luxury watches brands.
Is Cartier better known than Rolex as one of the best female wrist watch brands? Maybe. The Cartier brand started in 1847, when Louis-Francois Cartier steered his workshop through the revolution and building relationships with Europe’s royal families.
Within 50 years, Cartier had become an established brand, with Louis-Francois’ three sons overseeing the brand’s expansion. In particular, Louis Cartier’s eye for design was the driving force behind Cartier’s most iconic model designs, such as the Tank, Santos and Baignoire models. With a younger target audience and a more balanced split across the genders, Cartier targets individuals seeking symbols of refined elegance, fashion and heritage over chronography and precision.
Cartier Panthère Watch
What is better – Rolex or Cartier, by their top models
Deciding the victor of Cartier or Rolex can’t be done in a glance. Each brand offers something different, with Cartier known for artistry and fine jewellery, while Rolex boosts functional design and precision timekeeping.
Rolex models are made to withstand tough conditions, with Rolex’s proprietary metal, the Oystersteel, a key feature of sports models, including the Rolex Submariner. Rolex’s dive watch, the Submariner was designed to perform in the board room as well as it does in the ocean. Rolex’s Daytona elevated the brand’s status into the watchmaking hall of fame, with Paul Newman’s Daytona Ultimatum fetching a record-breaking $17.8 million at auction. The perfect blend of sporty luxury, the Daytona was designed to deliver precision on the race track. The Rolex Datejust can consider Rolex’s nod to elegance and a practical option to bridge both evening and business wear. Classic and refined but simple, watch buyers may choose between the Cartier Tank or the Rolex Datejust.
When comparing the Cartier Tank vs Rolex, the Tank’s historical links make it a compelling option. Inspired by WWI’s military tanks in 1917, the Tank has a robust rectangular dial and clean Art Deco lines. The Cartier Santos vs Rolex Explorer sees both models find their origins in aviation, with the Cartier Santos one of the world’s first pilot watches, blending Parisian style with aviation-level timekeeping. Designed for wearable luxury, the Cartier Ballon Bleu eschews sports performance to deliver a modern round style that hints at romance rather than durability.
Cartier vs Rolex resale value
Alongside choosing which watch brand to invest in for brand love and legacy, the resale values are key to decision-making. Varying from model to model, both Rolex and Cartier can dramatically increase in value overtime from what you paid when it was new – but it may depend on the rarity, the provenance and the materials used in manufacture.
| Brand / Model | UK New Price (approx.) | UK Resale Price (approx.) |
| Rolex Submariner Oystersteel 41mm | £8,100 | £12,000+ |
| Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Oystersteel, 40 mm | £13,600 | £18,500 |
| Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Yellow Gold | £9,800 | £6,950 |
| Cartier Santos Dumont 34.6mm | £4,000 | £7,100 |
Rolex or Cartier for investment
Mulling an investment in Cartier vs Rolex watches, it’s easy to get caught up with Rolex’s performance or Cartier’s stunning appearance. However, in investment terms, selling a Rolex will often outperform other watch brands because of long jewellers’ waitlists, a demand that outstrips supply and the vibrant resale market for iconic models like the Daytona and the Submariner.
Yet, that’s not to say that every investment Rolex will outperform every Cartier. While Rolex leverages brand ambassador connections, Cartier can count on infamy in popular culture, with the Duchess of Windsor’s penchant for the Panthere range well known around the world. One of the most famous watches in the world, Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank, is now worn by Megan Markle, raising the profile of both the model and the brand and instilling a timeless demand for the brand. Cartier watches are great investment pieces and often perform well when you’re looking to sell your cartier watch.
Rolex or Cartier – Which holds their value better?
Both Cartier and Rolex hold their investment value well, with both securing robust valuations as collateral for pawn loans, from reputable pawnbrokers. Pawn loan valuations are based on current market value and recent auction prices. Each valuation will be based on the brand and model, the condition and the original boxing and paperwork, so a Cartier in superb condition with good provenance may out-perform a Rolex Submariner without papers, boxing and in poor condition.
Cartier and Rolex are two of the world’s best watch brands, with the Rolex Datejust appreciating over 600% between 2010 and 2025, and the GMT-Master II demonstrated an increase of just over 500% across the same period. While Cartier’s appreciation is less dramatic when compared with Rolex, the Cartier Tank Louis in 18k has increased by 25-40% over the last five years, with particular models in precious metal have doubled in value.
Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
Getting a Loan Against Your Cartier or Rolex Watch
Jewellers and pawn brokers, Suttons and Robertsons offer expert valuations for both Cartier or Rolex watches. Our knowledgeable team will assess your timepiece, either men’s or women’s watch, Rolex or Cartier, and offer you a free valuation which you can choose to accept.
With a heritage that reaches back to 1770s, we can offer both a watch purchase or a pawn loan on your Rolex or Cartier, so that you can release the value in your watch, with funds in your account on the same-day.
Summary: Is There an Ultimate Cartier vs Rolex Watches Comparison Winner?
In a Cartier vs Rolex watches comparison, we’re witnessing more than a luxury brand clash. This is a meeting of two legacies, where Rolex’s precision and performance meet Cartier’s elegance and design.
- With a reputation founded on watchmaking excellence, Rolex models, like the Daytona, the Submariner and, increasingly, the Datejust, have become a globally recognised symbol of achievement and attract a powerful resale value.
- The iconic jeweller, Cartier, brought Parisian flair to Swiss watchmaking. The design inspiration of the Cartier Tank is forever stitched into Europe’s history, while the Cartier Santos established the Cartier brand’s innovative and technical credentials.
While Rolex takes the crown in resale performance, Cartier shows steady growth, particularly with vintage Cartier timepieces. In terms of deciding the overall winner of Cartier vs Rolex watches, both brands represent superb value for pawn loans or for selling to a jeweller, making the ultimate winner the owner of the Rolex or Cartier watch.
