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With 63% of Cartier watches seized at borders being counterfeits according to French customs, distinguishing a real Cartier watch from a fake becomes crucial for any buyer. This expertise requires knowing the distinctive characteristics that betray even the most sophisticated imitations.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FAKE CARTIER WATCH? OUR 10 TIPS
An authentic Cartier watch is immediately recognizable by its serial number composed of 8 characters (6 digits and 2 letters) engraved on both the case and case back, its substantial weight due to noble materials, and its perfect finishes without the slightest defect.
Counterfeits generally have an excessively light weight, imprecise engravings, and serial numbers only on the back of the case.
1 - THE DIAL
One of the distinctive signs of many Cartier watches is the wave-shaped decorative pattern on the dial.
The subtle beauty of this decorative detail, called guilloche, is practically impossible for counterfeiters to imitate.
If the marks are missing or if the space between the waves seems uneven, you're dealing with a Cartier replica.
There are two other authenticity marks on the dial that are often overlooked:
Cartier Tank, Ballon Bleu, Panthère, Santos and Ronde watches often feature Cartier's characteristic blue details: blued steel hands and a round grained crown set with a blue spinel or blue sapphire.
2 - THE WEIGHT
Original Cartier manufactured watches are simply heavy.
They're not uncomfortably heavy, but you should feel the weight of a watch this size on your wrist.
The durable, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that protects the dial is a Cartier hallmark.
Even a high-quality stainless steel or gold case has a certain weight and solidity that reflects the quality of the material.
If the women's or men's watch feels light or hollow, you're probably holding a luxury watch replica Cartier.
3 - THE CARTIER SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number of an original Cartier watch is engraved not only on the case back, but also on the case itself.
The serial number has 8 characters and consists of 6 digits and 2 letters.
Modern Cartier watches also have a 4-digit case identification number.
The serial number of a fake Cartier watch is usually engraved only on the case back.
Since there is no online tool to verify the authenticity of the serial number, you must bring the watch to a Cartier service center.
However, all Cartier watches come with a certificate stating the serial number.
Before spending money on a watch, you should verify and compare the serial number on the certificate and on the watch.
4 - THE LUMINOSITY
Cartier produces many watches containing a luminescent substance called LumiNova, which makes the watch glow in the dark.
Counterfeiters strive to reproduce similar effects at a lower cost.
This is why you can find fake Cartier watches that glow in the dark for a certain time, but never as much as an original Cartier watch.
5 - THE PRICE
Cartier watches can cost between €2,300 and €370,000.
Therefore, if you find someone selling a quality Cartier model for €500, you already know what to expect.
Cartier watches are made with the finest materials, hence their high price.
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6 - ALWAYS BUY FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER
Whether you're buying a new or pre-owned Cartier watch, always go to an authorized dealer.
In addition to the peace of mind that an authorized dealer offers, you will also receive a certificate of authenticity with your purchase.
If you decide to sell your magnificent timepiece, the buyer won't need this certificate - they'll know they're in the presence of an original Cartier watch.
7 - SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL
Finally, there's one thing you won't find in any fake Cartier model: scratch-resistant crystal.
The best way to check if a Cartier watch has scratch-resistant crystal is to drop water on it.
If you see the water droplet rolling off, the watch is authentic; if the water leaves a stain on the crystal surface, you've unfortunately been fooled by a fake watch.
8 - THE SCREWS
If you're wondering how to tell if a new or pre-owned Cartier watch is authentic or if your Cartier watch will retain its value, the case is an excellent starting point.
Cartier cases never snap together.
There must always be flat-head screws holding together the front and back of a Cartier watch case.
If you see a watch with Phillips head screws or, worse yet, screw imprints, don't buy it.
9 - THE CASE BACK
The inscriptions on the case back of an original Cartier watch tell a story. Turn the watch over and you'll notice the following details:
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The Cartier logo
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A marking indicating the watch is "Made in Switzerland"
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The inscription "Water-resistant"
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Four-digit model number
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An eight, two, or six-digit serial number
Depending on the model, you may also see the words "automatic" and "stainless steel".
How the case back is engraved is perhaps more important than what's engraved on it.
The letters must be clearly defined and engraved to a certain depth in the material.
Beware of poorly engraved or misaligned letters: both are signs of a counterfeit.
10 - CHARACTERISTIC BLUE MARKING
Light blue details are a feature of some of Cartier's most popular watches, such as the Ballon Bleu, Santos, Tank, Ronde and Panthère.
The hands of these watches should be a deep sapphire blue.
In addition, the crown should be topped with a matching blue cabochon.
The gemstone of an original Cartier watch should be set in the crown metal, not welded.
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WHERE TO BUY AN AUTHENTIC CARTIER WATCH SAFELY
Purchasing a Cartier watch safely requires prioritizing official channels to avoid counterfeits.
Cartier boutiques and authorized dealers guarantee authenticity with official certificate.
For pre-owned watches, systematically verify the Cartier serial number and demand complete documentation.
• Official Cartier boutiques
• Certified authorized dealers
• Reputable pre-owned platforms with authentication
• Certified Cartier watchmakers
• Absolutely avoid suspicious sites or abnormally low prices
Pre-owned watches require particular vigilance: always request the original certificate and have the authenticity verified by an expert before purchase.
AUTHENTIC VS FAKE CARTIER WATCH, TO GO FURTHER
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR CARTIER WATCH IS FAKE?
Whether it's a new or pre-owned Cartier watch, with battery or automatic movement, it's always best to buy from a trusted watch retailer.
This way, you have the guarantee of an authentic Cartier watch and peace of mind.
Moreover, if you decide to sell your Cartier watch, you'll get the best value for your original Cartier watch.
If, after checking all the above factors, you're still asking yourself: "How do I know if my Cartier watch is authentic?"
Take it to an authorized Cartier dealer.
A reputable jeweler can quickly tell the difference between an original Cartier watch and a replica.
How can I tell if my Cartier watch is authentic?
An authentic Cartier watch has an engraved serial number and a non-engraved serial number.
Counterfeits usually have a fake serial number engraved on the back of the watch. The serial number consists of two letters and six digits.
Unfortunately, there are no online tools to verify the authenticity of a serial number.
Whether it's a new or pre-owned Cartier watch, it's always best to buy from a trusted watch retailer.
This way, you have the guarantee of an authentic Cartier watch and peace of mind.
Moreover, if you decide to sell your Cartier watch, you'll get the best value for your original Cartier watch, perfect for displaying with a watch display stand.
Do Cartier watches come with certificates?
Counterfeit Cartier watches usually have a serial number engraved on the back of the watch.
There is no online tool to verify the authenticity of the serial number; you will therefore need to go in person to a Cartier service center.
However, all Cartier watches come with a certificate containing the serial number.
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Where is the serial number on my Cartier watch?
The Cartier serial number of your watch is usually found on your warranty certificate and the serial number engraved on the back of your watch.
What is the 7-digit serial number on a Cartier watch?
Some Cartier watches may have a serial number consisting of a combination of digits and a single letter.
If your watch has a 7-digit serial number, it means it was manufactured after 2009.
The first two digits represent the year of manufacture and the last five digits represent the serial number.
Will my Cartier watch lose value?
Many Cartier watches retain their value and, in the pre-owned watch market, many of them are worth more than they were at the time of purchase.
If you're wondering how much my watch is worth, know that keeping the original box and documentation will also impact the resale value.
