Cartier Santos de CartiervsOmega Constellation 39

Complete head-to-head comparison

Comparing the Cartier Santos de Cartier ($8k–$8k, 100m WR, 39.8mm) against the Omega Constellation 39 ($5k–$6k, 100m WR, 39mm). The Omega Constellation 39 is the more affordable option by $3k.

Price

Santos de Cartier$8k–$8k
Constellation 39$5k–$6k

Water Resistance

Santos de Cartier100m
Constellation 39100m

Score

Santos de Cartier8/10
Constellation 398/10

Repurchase

Santos de Cartier80%
Constellation 3980%

Specifications Compared

Santos de Cartier
Constellation 39
Case Diameter
Santos de Cartier
39.8mm
Constellation 39
39mm
Case Thickness
Santos de Cartier
9.08mm
Constellation 39
11.5mm
Lug Width
Santos de Cartier
23mm
Constellation 39
19mm
Lug-to-Lug
Santos de Cartier
48mm
Constellation 39
46mm
Movement
Santos de Cartier
automatic
Constellation 39
automatic
Caliber
Santos de Cartier
Cal. 1847 MC
Constellation 39
Cal. 8800
Power Reserve
Santos de Cartier
40h
Constellation 39
55h
Water Resistance
Santos de Cartier
100m
Constellation 39
100m
Crystal
Santos de Cartier
sapphire
Constellation 39
sapphire
Case Material
Santos de Cartier
Stainless Steel
Constellation 39
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
Santos de Cartier
Stainless Steel
Constellation 39
Stainless Steel
Price (New)
Santos de Cartier
$8k–$8k
Constellation 39
$5k–$6k
Price (Pre-owned)
Santos de Cartier
$6k–$8k
Constellation 39
$4k–$5k
Style
Santos de Cartier
dress, sport, luxury
Constellation 39
dress, luxury, casual

Pros & Cons

Cartier Santos de Cartier

Pros

  • QuickSwitch strap system is brilliant — two watches in one
  • Works with both suits and weekend wear
  • Exposed screws give it industrial character unlike any competitor
  • 9mm thin case sits beautifully under a shirt cuff

Cons

  • Bezel scratches easily and shows wear on polished surfaces
  • Bracelet sizing can be tricky between links
  • Movement is solid but basic compared to Omega in-house at similar price

Omega Constellation 39

Pros

  • Claws at 3 and 9 are subtly distinctive and instantly recognizable
  • Most underrated Omega according to owners — a hidden gem
  • METAS-certified movement is anti-magnetic and accurate
  • Integrated bracelet flows seamlessly into the case

Cons

  • Overshadowed by Seamaster and Speedmaster in Omega lineup
  • Polished surfaces show scratches readily
  • Style can read as older — less trendy than the Aqua Terra

Community Verdict

Too Close to Call

Omega Constellation 39 is the value winner at $5k–$6k — over 50% cheaper than the Cartier Santos de Cartier ($8k–$8k).

Santos de CartierCommunity RatingConstellation 39
50%50%
🗳️Community Vote
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Cartier Santos de Cartier or Omega Constellation 39?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Cartier Santos de Cartier offers a larger case and costs more new. The Omega Constellation 39 excels in overall construction. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The Cartier Santos de Cartier retails for $8k–$8k, while the Omega Constellation 39 is priced at $5k–$6k. Pre-owned, expect $6k–$8k and $4k–$5k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The Cartier Santos de Cartier has a 39.8mm case diameter with 9.08mm thickness, while the Omega Constellation 39 measures 39mm × 11.5mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 48mm and 46mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The Cartier Santos de Cartier is water-resistant to 100m, while the Omega Constellation 39 offers 100m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.

How do the movements compare?

The Cartier Santos de Cartier uses a automatic Cal. 1847 MC with 40 hours power reserve. The Omega Constellation 39 features a automatic Cal. 8800 with 55 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

Cartier and Omega both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $6k–$8k for the Santos de Cartier and $4k–$5k for the Constellation 39. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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