The Rolex Datejust 36 reference 126200 and the steel Cartier Santos de Cartier Large reference WSSA0018 are both automatic watches with approximately 100 m water resistance, but they make very different choices in shape, wrist presence and everyday flexibility. The Datejust is a 36 mm round watch; the Santos Large is a square-design watch measuring 47.5 × 39.8 mm. The better choice depends on which design and features suit you—not on a universal winner.
At a glance: Datejust 36 126200 vs. Santos Large WSSA0018
| Feature | Rolex Datejust 36, 126200 | Cartier Santos Large, WSSA0018 |
|---|---|---|
| Case shape and size | Round Oyster case; 36 mm diameter | Square-design case; 47.5 × 39.8 mm; 9.38 mm thick |
| Case and bracelet | Oystersteel case; the selected configuration has a Jubilee bracelet | Steel case; SmartLink-adjustable steel bracelet and an additional calfskin strap |
| Movement | Automatic Rolex calibre 3235 | Automatic Cartier calibre 1847 MC |
| Published power reserve | Approximately 70 hours | Approximately 40 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 m / 330 ft | 10 bar, approximately 100 m |
| Date | Date display with Cyclops lens | Date function |
| Price and availability | Rolex’s US product page displayed $8,350 when accessed in 2026; confirm current regional pricing. | The cited Cartier page did not provide a comparable US price and showed online unavailability when indexed. Check current local availability and pricing. |
These are manufacturer-published specifications for the named references, not results from a controlled comparison. The measurements describe different case shapes and do not by themselves establish which watch will fit better. Rolex Datejust 36 126200; Cartier Santos Large WSSA0018.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 36 | $11,120.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Rolex, Pre-loved Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust 116231 36mm, Black | $14,750.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How the shapes and sizes affect the choice
Datejust: a round 36 mm profile
The selected Datejust has a 36 mm Oystersteel case and a domed bezel. Its circular measurement is a diameter, so it is not directly comparable to the Santos’s length and width. If you prefer a conventional round watch with a more compact stated diameter, the Datejust’s proportions are the relevant starting point—not proof that it will fit every wrist better.
Santos: a square design with a larger stated footprint
Cartier lists the Santos Large at 47.5 mm by 39.8 mm and 9.38 mm thick. Its square outline and visible screws give it a distinct look, and its dimensions should be considered in the context of that shape rather than read as a direct equivalent to a 36 mm round case.
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- Imported
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Minor scratches and wear on case and band.
- Case Size/Width: 36mm, Watch Height: 12mm, Band Width: 20mm, Wrist circumference: 7.0"
- Band material: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold.
- Case material: Stainless Steel
Wrist circumference and shape, how the watch sits, bracelet articulation and personal preference all affect fit. Try on the exact reference, with its bracelet adjusted, before deciding. Do not assume that a diameter or rectangular measurement alone predicts comfort.
Movement, reserve and stated precision
Datejust 36
Rolex specifies its self-winding calibre 3235, approximately 70 hours of power reserve and post-casing precision of −2/+2 seconds per day for the selected Datejust. The precision figure is Rolex’s specification, not an independent timing result. Rolex says calibre 3235 is used in Datejust 36 and 41 models. Rolex’s Datejust 36 product page; Rolex’s Datejust overview.
Santos Large
Cartier lists the automatic calibre 1847 MC and approximately 40 hours of power reserve for the WSSA0018. Its cited product page does not state a directly comparable rate tolerance. The published reserve figures favor the Datejust in this pairing, but they do not establish that one movement is categorically better in accuracy, durability or service life.
Bracelet, strap and dial details
Datejust configuration
The selected 126200 page shows a silver dial, a five-piece-link Jubilee Oystersteel bracelet, an Oysterclasp and a 5 mm Easylink comfort extension. The watch also has a date with a Cyclops lens and a Chromalight display. This is one specific Datejust configuration; other sizes, materials and configurations in the collection differ.
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Santos configuration
The selected WSSA0018 has a silvered opaline dial, blue sword-shaped hands, a steel bracelet with SmartLink sizing and an additional calfskin strap. Cartier says both bracelet and strap use its QuickSwitch interchangeability system. That included strap and the ability to switch between it and the bracelet are practical distinctions if you want two different looks from the same watch.
Rank #2
- Pre-Loved Condition: Excellent; Minor scratching to hardware
- 36mm
- Made in Switzerland
- Oyster clasp closure
- Signature upon delivery required
Water resistance: equal stated depth, not identical use guidance
Rolex lists 100 m / 330 ft water resistance for the Datejust 36, with a screw-down caseback and a Twinlock winding crown. Cartier lists the Santos Large at 10 bar, approximately 100 m. These are similar nominal ratings, not a guarantee of identical construction or suitability for every water activity. Follow the current manual and care instructions for your reference, and ensure the crown and seals are in the specified condition before exposure to water.
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Datejust history
Rolex says the Datejust launched in 1945 as the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock. According to Rolex, the Cyclops lens was added in 1953 and the date change became instantaneous in 1956. These are Rolex’s accounts of its own model history. Rolex Datejust overview.
Santos history
Cartier recounts that in 1904 Louis Cartier responded to Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont’s wish to read the time while flying, and describes the Santos as one of the first wristwatches. That origin story is Cartier’s account; it should not be treated as an independently adjudicated claim that it was definitively the first wristwatch. Cartier Santos Large product page.
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Which should you choose?
Choose the Datejust 36 if…
- You prefer a classic round Oyster silhouette and the specific 36 mm reference.
- You value the selected model’s published approximately 70-hour reserve and Rolex’s stated post-casing precision specification.
- You want the selected Jubilee bracelet configuration with its 5 mm Easylink extension.
Choose the Santos Large if…
- You prefer a square design with visible screws and Cartier’s Santos styling.
- You want the selected reference supplied with both a steel bracelet and calfskin strap.
- You value SmartLink bracelet sizing and the QuickSwitch system for changing between bracelet and strap.
Either choice should be based on the precise reference and configuration, rather than the collection name alone. Try the watch on, then check local authorized pricing, current stock, warranty terms and service arrangements. No verified evidence here establishes a universal resale-value winner, investment return or fixed waiting time.
Price and availability depend on your market
The Rolex US page displayed $8,350 for reference 126200 when accessed in 2026; this is a dated US listing, not a global or guaranteed current price. The cited Cartier page did not provide a comparable US price and showed online unavailability when indexed. Pricing and stock can change by region and date, so confirm both with the relevant local retailer or official site. Rolex states that only official Rolex jewelers may sell and maintain Rolex watches. Rolex US product page; Cartier product page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
