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Old 2 September 2023, 07:56 PM   #1
watchfreak18
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UN vs Santos, seeking advice/opinion

Hi All,

I’d like to buy my next watch and I am debating between this two. I’d really appreciate your opinions/insight
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Old 2 September 2023, 09:15 PM   #2
Dino944
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Quote:
Originally Posted by watchfreak18 View Post
Hi All,

I’d like to buy my next watch and I am debating between this two. I’d really appreciate your opinions/insight
Have you tried them on to see how they fit your wrist and what they look like in person? Square and rectangular watches look and wear differently than round.

Personally, I've just never been a UN fan. They do some interesting work, but I've never liked one enough to buy one. Many years ago a female friend bought a UN a basic San Marco (and she had a lot of problems). It went back several times under warranty. But that was a long time ago.

That said, Cartier designs really speak to me. The Santos is iconic. I have the large steel Santos with a blue dial. I've had it for 4 years and I've never had any issues with it. I find it incredibly versatile, and love the Quickswitch bracelet system. You can register it online after you purchase it and that extends the warranty to 8 years. I also find the Santos line to be a great value compared to some of it's competitors.

For me, the UN wouldn't even be in the running. Their designs are just too quirky for me. My advice is try on both and buy the one that makes you smile the most!
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Old 2 September 2023, 10:29 PM   #3
enjoythemusic
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The Cartier of the two. A classic timepiece from a longstanding and very well-respected manufacturer.

Like Dino944 said, UN does do interesting work, but, ummm, sadly there are reasons why i'd run as fast as possible the other way. If you do choose the UN for some reason, expect around 40% to 50% off MSRP. Timely quality service is also key, since i tend to keep / wear long-term.

Side Story: There's a UN service center fanboy of UN and tried convincing me to....... Anywho, they were tasked by a very well-respected Swiss manufacturer to do a very simple / easy service on a piece here (not UN). It was an unmitigated disaster. After decades of being a timepiece enthusiast, this was the single worst service experience of my life!

Soooo very bad as what should have been an easy 10-minute task part assembly swap, about three months later and i never got the table clock back to me (repaired or otherwise).

Thankfully, the very well-respected Swiss manufacturer (not UN, obviously) kindly sent me a brand new one. This is a rare limited edition collab by two very well-respected independent brands.

YMMV
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Old 2 September 2023, 10:30 PM   #4
1William
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I prefer the look and styling of the Cartier.
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Old 2 September 2023, 10:55 PM   #5
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For me without a doubt the Cartier. I have the Santos SS/ADLC Chronograph.
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Old 3 September 2023, 10:01 PM   #6
Kinnakeet
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I’m a huge Cartier fan, watches and jewelry. Husband purchased a TT Santos recently. Very nice watch. Very accurate. Cartier uses a higher grade steel on their TT watches.

There is a UN AD close by to me. I just don’t care for their designs.
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Old 4 September 2023, 12:28 AM   #7
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Considering I just bought a Tank XL in Paris today ( sounds so bougie , shopping in Paris, but really I’m not. Just a little vacation) I really love the Cartier watches. The Tank XL is a great value. The Santos is my pick, easily , over the UN.
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Old 4 September 2023, 06:28 AM   #8
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Santos for sure
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Old 7 September 2023, 05:32 PM   #9
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I’d go with the Cartier as well, all time classic
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Old 8 September 2023, 07:25 AM   #10
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UN all the way
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Old 11 October 2023, 08:58 PM   #11
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UN all the way
Agree
UN all day everyday
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Old 9 September 2023, 12:51 PM   #12
scarlet knight
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Cartier. Wife has 2, I had one. Classic.
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Old 9 September 2023, 09:55 PM   #13
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I would go for Cartier Santos!
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Old 10 September 2023, 01:08 AM   #14
MichelleP
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Cartier 100%. Not a fan of that UN
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Old 10 September 2023, 01:35 AM   #15
WatchTimes
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Cartier hands down...
If you buy a UN buy pre owned as they have a low resale value.
The Cartier is just a timeless design to me.
Ive had two ULN Maxi Marines and both were traded/sold off in under 3 months.
Really not a fan of their rubber straps....
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Old 10 September 2023, 01:40 PM   #16
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Not that another voice saying the same thing is necessary, but I'd also go with the Cartier. Not a fan of UN as a brand in general.
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Old 10 September 2023, 04:38 PM   #17
John Doyle
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I would go for the Cartier - love the santos, both for the history and the looks!
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Old 11 September 2023, 05:15 AM   #18
Loosetoe
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Santos.

Chose these as anniversary gift for me and my wife.




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