Comparing the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi ($11k–$11k, 100m WR, 40mm) against the Cartier Santos de Cartier ($8k–$8k, 100m WR, 39.8mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Cartier Santos de Cartier is the more affordable option by $3k.

Our Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi and Cartier Santos de Cartier are excellent choices — the winner depends on your priorities, budget, and style preference.

Rolex GMT-Master II PepsivsCartier Santos de Cartier

Complete head-to-head comparison

Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi official product image

Rolex

GMT-Master II Pepsi

Ref. 126710BLRO

New Price

$11k–$11k

Pre-owned: $18k–$24k

Case40mm Oystersteel
Thickness11.9mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance100m
No reviews yet
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Cartier Santos de Cartier official product image

Cartier

Santos de Cartier

Ref. WSSA0018

New Price

$8k–$8k

Pre-owned: $6k–$8k

Case39.8mm Stainless Steel
Thickness9.08mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance100m
No reviews yet
View Full Specs →
PriceSantos de Cartier cheaper
H2OGMT-Master II Pepsi (100m)
ScoreGMT-Master II Pepsi (8/10)
RepurchaseGMT-Master II Pepsi (80%)

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Cartier Hub

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Quick Verdict

Both sit in a similar price range: Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi at $11k–$11k vs Cartier Santos de Cartier at $8k–$8k — choose based on use case and style preference.

GMT-Master II PepsiInternet Community RatingSantos de Cartier
50%50%
🗳️WatchVsWatch Community Vote
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Pros & Cons

Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi

Pros

  • 70-hour power reserve
  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal

Cons

  • High price point limits accessibility

Cartier Santos de Cartier

Pros

  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Durable stainless steel case

Specifications Compared

GMT-Master II Pepsi
Santos de Cartier
Case Diameter
GMT-Master II Pepsi
40mm
Santos de Cartier
39.8mm
Case Thickness
GMT-Master II Pepsi
11.9mm
Santos de Cartier
9.08mm
Lug Width
GMT-Master II Pepsi
20mm
Santos de Cartier
23mm
Lug-to-Lug
GMT-Master II Pepsi
47mm
Santos de Cartier
48mm
Movement
GMT-Master II Pepsi
automatic
Santos de Cartier
automatic
Caliber
GMT-Master II Pepsi
Cal. 3285
Santos de Cartier
Cal. 1847 MC
Power Reserve
GMT-Master II Pepsi
70h
Santos de Cartier
40h
Water Resistance
GMT-Master II Pepsi
100m
Santos de Cartier
100m
Crystal
GMT-Master II Pepsi
sapphire
Santos de Cartier
sapphire
Case Material
GMT-Master II Pepsi
Oystersteel
Santos de Cartier
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
GMT-Master II Pepsi
Oystersteel Jubilee
Santos de Cartier
Stainless Steel
Price (New)
GMT-Master II Pepsi
$11k–$11k
Santos de Cartier
$8k–$8k
Price (Pre-owned)
GMT-Master II Pepsi
$18k–$24k
Santos de Cartier
$6k–$8k
Style
GMT-Master II Pepsi
gmt, sport, luxury
Santos de Cartier
dress, sport, luxury

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi or Cartier Santos de Cartier?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi offers a larger case and costs more new. The Cartier Santos de Cartier excels in overall construction. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi retails for $11k–$11k, while the Cartier Santos de Cartier is priced at $8k–$8k. Pre-owned, expect $18k–$24k and $6k–$8k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi has a 40mm case diameter with 11.9mm thickness, while the Cartier Santos de Cartier measures 39.8mm × 9.08mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 47mm and 48mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi is water-resistant to 100m, while the Cartier Santos de Cartier 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 Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi uses a automatic Cal. 3285 with 70 hours power reserve. The Cartier Santos de Cartier features a automatic Cal. 1847 MC with 40 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

Rolex and Cartier both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $18k–$24k for the GMT-Master II Pepsi and $6k–$8k for the Santos de Cartier. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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