Cartier Ballon Bleu White Gold Medium vs Cartier Santos de Cartier Large Rose Gold

Both are Cartier automatics with sapphire crystals and leather straps, but they suit different wrists and habits. The Ballon Bleu in 18kt white gold is the dressier, softer watch: medium size, silvered opaline dial, 30m water resistance, and a protected crown set in its rounded case. The Santos Large in rose gold is the more practical daily watch: 100m water resistance, a date window, and a blue dial against rose gold. Reviewers praise the Ballon Bleu's comfort and classic look; owners of the Santos like its legibility and the quick-change strap system. Buy the Ballon Bleu for formal wear and smaller wrists, the Santos for everyday use.

• Choose the Ballon Bleu if you want a white gold dress watch with a silvered dial that slips under a cuff and you rarely get it wet.
• Choose the Santos Large if you want one rose gold watch for daily wear, with a date, a blue dial and real water resistance.