Cartier Mens Belts

[santoshlv426]

Hello All,

This is a real off topic question but I need some help. I'm considering buying a a Cartier mens belt - the Tank version. It says it's a Palladium finish.
Does anyone knows what it means. Is it Palladium coated or how much palladium does it contain ?

It's relatively expensive (for a belt) and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it.

Any feedback will be appreciated.
I'll have to get it from the Cartier boutique.
I have an old Dunhill belt and looking at Dunhill prices today, it's the same as Cartier.

Don't like the latest Hugo Boss belts. The ones with the old logo was better.

[330ci]

I don't have one of their belts, but I have one of their palladium coated lighters. The plating is rather thick, and super resistant to wear. I've had the lighter for 10-15 years at this point and while its been dropped a million times and shows plenty of dents and gouges from it, the finish remains strong and relatively unworn from pocket wear, with the exception of a few edges.

I'd imagine their finishing holds up similarly on their belts. My lighter is a polished and enamel design, where some of the others were a brushed finish.palladiun as a finish has seemed to be quite durable from my experience. I was nervous about its durability and avoided the brushed one as it seemed like it would be a scratch magnet, but i'd probably have much less reservation at this point.the lighter has been more or less relinquished to candle duties these days, so probably hasn't seen any carried use in the past few years. But I carried it daily for years until I quit the nasty habits it aided, and as far as the palladium coating went, really was a quality finish.

[santoshlv426]

thanks for the feedback.
I asked Cartier the question. they were unresponsive, much like Rolex

[Mosco]

Don't waste your $. Anything other than what they specialize in (Jewelry, Watches, Colognes) is completely unnecessary. One year I decided to buy a pair of their sunglasses, nearly $1k. Looked good, build quality was dog. Frames kept coming unscrewed (it was Aviator style), lenses popped out i don't know how many times, the actual lens quality was subpar compared to Maui Jim. Eventually I got fed up, sent to Cartier to repair, and sold them as soon as they came back to me. Looked good though.

[Maleg]

Cartier contracts out all these accessory products to various manufacturers. You can’t compare quality amongst their accessories unless they were manufactured by the same contractor, which is hard for a consumer to know. The OP will need a reference from someone that owned that belt to get a true evaluation of the product.

[Mosco]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Cartier contracts out all these accessory products to various manufacturers. You can’t compare quality amongst their accessories unless they were manufactured by the same contractor, which is hard for a consumer to know. The OP will need a reference from someone that owned that belt to get a true evaluation of the product.

you just hit the nail on the head. The only things they don't contract out are their staples - watches, jewelry, perfume (even that is contracted to Mathilde Laurent, but afaik they're pretty much in-house at this point). So why would anyone pay Cartier money for just a badge?

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Mosco

you just hit the nail on the head. The only things they don't contract out are their staples - watches, jewelry, perfume (even that is contracted to Mathilde Laurent, but afaik they're pretty much in-house at this point). So why would anyone pay Cartier money for just a badge?

Jewelry is contracted out too. The Love bracelets are outsourced.

[Mosco]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Jewelry is contracted out too. The Love bracelets are outsourced.

I don't believe that to be accurate, but I have been wrong before one or twice

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Mosco

I don't believe that to be accurate, but I have been wrong before one or twice

I met the contractor in Europe a few years ago. Cartiers cost was about 20% of retail.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Cartier contracts out all these accessory products to various manufacturers. You can’t compare quality amongst their accessories unless they were manufactured by the same contractor, which is hard for a consumer to know. The OP will need a reference from someone that owned that belt to get a true evaluation of the product.

This.

Have learned the hard way that it’s best to only buy the products that a company specializes in and is at the core of their business. While they will design the thing, production will be outsourced.

[santoshlv426]

Views are clearly polarized ! Some are for, some not.
Admittedly I'm looking at one for what it represents. Belts and other leather goods - I don't think - are classified along with sunglasses or perfumes.
When I was at the boutique, I made a point of asking what can be purchased from a 3rd party and it's only sunglasses and perfumes (that's sold everywhere) and watches from certain AD's.
Everything else has to be purchased from the boutique.

It should maintain value though. Dunhill belts for example sell for the same prices. But I agree, a belt isn't going to be in demand and it's a case of buy to keep.

I don't regret buying the Dunhill belt. 20 years later it still looks great compared to what's available and when I look at today's prices for luxury accessories I'm not sorry to have bought it.

Who know's if these brands will be here in 20 years and we'll have a piece of their history

I also have a soft spot for cufflinks !!

[santoshlv426]

I'll definitely stay away from the sunglasses.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by santoshlv426

I'll definitely stay away from the sunglasses.

Cartier is diamonds and gold. That’s their in-house expertise and why you shop there.

The accessories are like watch straps - if you love it and think it enhances your look, buy it and enjoy it. Everyone will have an opinion, but the only one that matters is yours.

FWIW, palladium is a very durable finish for this application, which is why it’s a popular choice for luxury leather goods. I own several MTO belts made by Equus with palladium hardware that shows no signs of wear after years of use. Buy and enjoy, wear shouldn’t be an issue.

[1William]

So many better products without the Cartier buckle on a belt. Look elsewhere.

[santoshlv426]

This is a conundrum. I want to get something from Cartier (besides the watch).
Cufflinks are too small and as a guy it's either cufflinks, belt or wallet. The rest is jewelry and I don't want that.

Now I'm trying to rationalize this. I have a Dunhill and Hugo Boss belt, so Cartier will close the triangle

[Giovannibravo]

Cartier watches are excellent. However, everything else is overpriced. You are paying for the logo. I suggest going to a boutique menswear shop in your area.

[Calatrava r]

I would think a Cartier belt just like any other designer item is way overpriced relative to its value. I would look for a belt from a quality belt manufacturer and not just pay for a logo.

[Zoomerang]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I would think a Cartier belt just like any other designer item is way overpriced relative to its value. I would look for a belt from a quality belt manufacturer and not just pay for a logo.

Which brands would you recommend?

[joli160]

Realistically none of the designer items are worth it’s price.
It’s just brand image you buy.
That’s why my house is full with it

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by Zoomerang

Which brands would you recommend?

Bullhide, Hanks, or Coronado Leather. https://coronadoleather.com/collections/belts The latter is made in, you guessed it, Coronado. IDK where in SD you're from, but they're worth checking out (in person).

[santoshlv426]

OK guys. I'll take all these comments on board while making my decision.

I have seen it at the boutique though. It does look good and distinctive.

[omar10213245]

i'm more of a cartier suspenders type a' fella, myself. . .

[Tricolore66]

My rule of thumb is to buy leather goods from companies that make leather goods; sunglasses from sunglass manufacturers, etc.

[Michael1968]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

My rule of thumb is to buy leather goods from companies that make leather goods; sunglasses from sunglass manufacturers, etc.

This

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

My rule of thumb is to buy leather goods from companies that make leather goods; sunglasses from sunglass manufacturers, etc.

This

[7sins]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

My rule of thumb is to buy leather goods from companies that make leather goods; sunglasses from sunglass manufacturers, etc.

The majority of sunglasses are all manufactured by the same company FYI, something like 60% of production. I like taking small nice company eye glasses and replacing them with sunglass lenses for something different for my small beady eyes.