In today’s world, the market is flooded with fake products. If it’s a high quality product and sells well, someone will copy the design and try to make some money out of it. Cartier watches are no exception.

A true Cartier watch can sell between £2,000 and £30,000. This is a lot of money to invest, and even more to lose, if you end up with something that isn’t quite what you were after. In our latest article we’ll teach you how to tell the real ones from the fakes. 

Check the Serial Number

A real Cartier watch will have a serial number engraved and not etched. A counterfeiter will often have a fake serial number etched into the back of the watch. The serial number will consist of two letters and six digits. 

Unfortunately, there is no online tool to check if the serial number is genuine. You will have to contact a Cartier services department directly.  However, one thing you should know is that an authentic Cartier watch will come with a certificate that will have the serial number on it. So, check the certificate matches the serial number on the watch before making your investment. 

Spelling

Whether to exploit legal loopholes or simply because of translation issues, the spelling on a fake Cartier is often wrong. The most common difference is the removal of the first R (so it reads Catier). The name is always engraved on the back of the watch with the correct spelling and serial number. 

Cartier Screws

Cartier uses flat head screws when attaching the case. These screws sit flush with the case. 

When looking at a fake Cartier watch you will often find one of two things related to the screws. 1. they are not there at all as the maker has used a snap-together method. Or 2. they have used a Phillips screw or similar which has a rounded head. 

Cartier Watches Have Scratch Proof Glass

This is something you won’t find on a fake. However, the best way to test the glass on a Cartier watch is not to attempt to scratch it but to drop some water onto it. Because of the way the scratch-proof glass is made it is also non-smear, any water droplets will simply roll-off. The water droplets on a fake watch will smear.

The Trademark Stone

All Cartier watches have a gemstone on the winder called a cabochon stone. This stone will be a blue sapphire stone that is securely fastened to the winder. If it is simply glued on, it may be a fake. 

A True Cartier can Glow in the Dark

Because many new Cartier watches use LumiNova, one can read it in the dark. This is an effect that fakes have attempted to reproduce at much less the cost. So, you may find a fake that glows in the dark a little, but it will not glow as brightly as a true Cartier. 

Cost

Remember that we said it can cost between £2,000 and £30,000 to buy a real Cartier watch? If you find someone selling a Cartier watch for £200, they either don’t know what they have, or it is a fake. More than likely, it’s fake. 

When it comes to quality watches, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true! 

Check the Weight

A Cartier watch is made from quality materials. Weight often comes with quality metals and gemstones, so weigh the watch in your hand. If it feels light, there’s a good chance it has been made from inferior metals. 

Cartier watches can be heavy, (there are exceptions) you may be able to feel the weight difference between a real one and a counterfeit. 

Service or Repair of a Cartier Watch

At Martins of Glasgow, we understand the investment of a Cartier Watch, this is why we have ensured that our technicians are Cartier accredited. 

Our skilled technicians have many years of experience in handling Cartier watch repairs. With us, you can guarantee your watch will be repaired by a skilled artisan who’s trained specifically to repair and restore Cartier timepieces.

If you need to service, repair, or restore a Cartier Watch, please contact Martins of Glasgow at martin@martinsjewellers.co.uk or Gail, at gail@martinsjewellers.co.uk. Alternatively, pay us a visit at 1158 Maryhill Road, Glasgow where we will be more than happy to assist you in making sure your investment is taken good care of.