Cartier Rotonde Chronograph

[lsberrios1]

Hello TRF members,

I recently bought a Speedmaster professional and love it a whole lot. It left me lusting after another one, quickly. I started looking around and grew fond of the Speed Master Co-Axial with rose gold and meteorite dial in 44mm.

I went to the local AD to see it and try it on. It was gorgeous, wore smaller than 44mm (good as I like 40mm), however, did not sit on my wrist as I fantasized. This could have been due to the alligator strap that did not have the nice folding clasp I love. felt like it left gaps around my wrist, something that might become less of an issue as the leather gets worn out.

So I kept wandering and a watch, from a brand that doesn't typically captivate me, caught my eye... It was the Cartier Rotonde Chrono.

I liked several things about it:

- Nice contrast on the dial with beautiful blue hands.
- sizeable roman numerals and crisp arabic numerals on the chrono sub dials.
- The crown with the Cabochon
- 40mm Case size
- Skeleton case back with beautiful Cartier exhibition sapphire window.
- 6 o'clock trapezoidal Date window.
- Price - seems like a decent watch for $9,050. In-house automatic movement, column wheel chrono and date for less than $10,000.

Is there anything similar or better for the price? Not sure about the inhouse calibre as opposed to maybe Omega?... Rolex?... Panerai? for the same price.

So if anybody knows of a similar watch that might be considered better value, please let me know :). I am starting to look for my first dress watch, and while I fancy an A. Lange Sohne Datograph it is a bit above budget.

Thanks,

Luis