Updated
Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) vs Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Two timepieces compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) ($10,000–$25,000) and Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) ($10,000–$25,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) emphasizes Cartier, per the version engineering while the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) | Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | About 29mm | 31mm |
| Movement | Quartz or automatic (the listing says both; the Octagon was made in each) | Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 |
| Caliber Type | Cartier, per the version | Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer |
| Power Reserve | Not stated | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | Not stated by the listing | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, octagonal screwed bezel | 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Cartier's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) features a Stainless steel, octagonal screwed bezel case at About 29mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel construction at 31mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Quartz or automatic (the listing says both; the Octagon was made in each) vs Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135
The Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) runs the Quartz or automatic (the listing says both; the Octagon was made in each) (Cartier, per the version, Not stated power reserve) at standard frequency. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) uses the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 (Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
About 29mm vs 31mm — different wrist presence
At About 29mm, the Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at 31mm. Water resistance differs: Not stated by the listing vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) uses Sapphire Crystal with Not stated, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
Not stated by the listing vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) is rated to Not stated by the listing while the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) handles 100m (10 ATM). The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Cartier
Santos Octagon (steel, black dial)
Choose the Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) if you prioritize Cartier, per the version engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and Not stated by the listing water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Quartz or automatic (the listing says both; the Octagon was made in each) with Not stated power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) if you value Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 31mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial) and Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Cartier bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial)
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Cartier's timepiece
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Rolex's timepiece
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Cartier Santos Octagon (steel, black dial)
Two timepieces compared — $500–$1,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Explore These Watches
How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.