Cartier Watch Serial Number Database
ANSWER:
I specialize in buying and selling Cartier watches. I've seen fakes with all the correct marks and a serial number, but that doesn't mean they are legitimate. If the watch was registered by Cartier when it was sold or if it has been sent in to Cartier for service Cartier will be able to verify it is authentic, but be aware that if the watch was not originally sold in North America or was not registered when sold (fairly common) it can still be authentic. Some sellers offer the Cartier quartz model for sale and only state that the watch has a quartz movement, but fail to mention if it has a Cartier quartz movement. If it has a replacement movement in it the watch is technically authentic, but not original and is not worth as much as one with an original or a genuine Cartier replacement movement. The biggest mistake I've seen amateur Cartier buyers make is using the Cartier micro-script signature on the Roman numeral to verify authenticity. Indeed this is a good indicator, but not the best indicator as there were many Cartier watches produced prior to the technology required to make the micro-script possible and not all Cartier watches have Roman numerals for the dial to have the micro-script signature. Furthermore, the micro-script is not always located at the same place and if the dial has been refinished it may not appear at all. Another common problem is actually caused by language differences, i.e. 'all original versus 'authentic'. A watch can be authentic without being all original. Unless someone has owned the watch since it was new and it has never left their sight it is impossible for them to state the watch is 'all original' as a part could have been replaced at some point in time -- even without their knowledge. Your best bet is to buy from a reputable seller even if you have to pay slightly more money. -- Cartier_Specialist
Here are five ways to determine if your Cartier Love Bracelet is real—or just a really good fake.
1. Closely read the hallmarks and logos.
Every Cartier Love bracelet is stamped with a “hallmark” that indicates the metal quality. Love Bracelets made out of 18K gold are stamped with 18K, 750 or sometimes both numbers. Platinum Love Bracelets, meanwhile, are marked with the numerals 950. Antamedia hotspot crack. If those hallmarks are not impressed on your bracelet, it’s definitely a warning sign.
And double-check the spelling and typography of the Cartier logo. It the brand name is misspelled or not in the iconic cursive font, your bracelet is—sorry to say—a forgery.
2. Feel its weight and evaluate its quality.
Across its entire collection, Cartier uses only high-quality and durable gold and platinum metals. In turn, an immediate giveaway is the weight of the bracelet. Depending on their size and metal, a Cartier Love Bracelet should weigh between 30 and 38 grams (roughly the equivalent of five to six US quarter coins). Fake bracelets oftentimes are comparatively much lighter than authentic Love Bracelets.
Also areas of discoloration or chipping metal—even more so if there is another color underneath it—are indicators that the piece is not genuine.
Cartier is also very meticulous with their quality control. Therefore, the screws of the Love Bracelet should always be in perfect alignment.
3. Price compare.
Brand new standard yellow gold Cartier Love Bracelets retail for $6,300 USD and, because they are highly coveted and made of the finest materials by skilled craftsmen, they do not significantly depreciate in value. So keep that $6,300 figure in mind as you price compare; the quoted resale price should not waver too far from the original ticket price. So if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
But one notable outlier here is the Charles Revson Love Bracelet. In the 1970s, Cartier partnered with Charles Revson, founder of Revlon Cosmetics, to release a special edition Love Bracelet. Stamped with “Charles Revson” on the inside, this iteration was a less expensive version of the original. To keep costs low, the Revson Love Bracelets were electroplated and unscrewed only on one side.
These vintage Revson Love Bracelets are in circulation but should be advertised and priced accordingly. Some vendors may not disclose that you are looking at a Revson Love Bracelet and tag it as simply a Love Bracelet and pricing it as if it was a solid Love Bracelet. So beware if the price of the Love Bracelet you’re eyeing seems unusually inexpensive.
4. Verify the seller’s reputation.
Scrutinize the seller’s website and research any customer reviews that can provide insight into the seller’s legitimacy. Be wary of sellers who do not list where they’re headquartered or do not indicate where their product is being shipped from.
5. Get an official appraisal.
After you receive your Cartier Love Bracelet—even if you’re confident it’s 100% authentic—you should have it independently appraised as proof positive you’re in possession of the real thing. If you have further questions regarding TrueFacet’s authentication process, contact our concierge representative here.