How to spot a fake Cartier watch

With all eyes fixed on Meghan Markle’s attire, you won’t fail to notice a Cartier on her wrist. The French brand, which made its name creating luxury watches for royalty, is a noteworthy target for counterfeiters, who want to attract those who love the princess’ style but not so much, the matching hefty price tag.

If you want to avoid being a victim of fraud, here’s how you can spot a fake Cartier.

Weight

Like many other luxury watches, genuine Cartier timepieces are really quite heavy due to the quality of the materials they are created with.  So, if there is any doubt about the watch you have chosen being too light, it’s almost certain to be a counterfeit watch. 

Inscription

Removing the case back is the easiest way to tell a fake from the real deal. Genuine Cartier watches have the brand name inscribed – and correctly spelt with the first ‘r’ included – on the movement.

The brand also spells out CARTIER on either the 7 o’clock or 10 o’clock markers. You’ll also find the words SWISS MADE clearly under the 6 o’clock marker – often omitted by fraudsters.

Scratch-proof glass

Real Cartier watches always have scratch-proof glass and you certainly won’t find this quality material in the knock-offs. The glass is also non-smear so if any water droplets were to splash it, they would simply roll off. On fakes you would see the water smear across the face.

Screws

When it comes to security, you’ll always find identical flathead screws holding down the case. Pretend Cartiers often have cheap snap-on cases or use Phillips head screws, which are slightly rounded.

Luminosity

Many Cartier watches are created using a substance called LumiNova, which glows in the dark. With a counterfeit Cartier, this glow wouldn’t be anywhere near as bright.

Gemstones

The winder of a genuine Cartier watch features a polished gemstone, called a cabochon stone. If there’s no stone, it’s a fake Cartier watch. The gem should be securely fastened, not glued on.

Serial number

Genuine Cartiers always have a serial number consisting of two letters and six digits printed on the back. The number will be engraved as a number of fake Cartiers feature a serial number that’s barely etched onto the watch.

Contact our luxury watch experts

If you’re worried about unwittingly purchasing a counterfeit watch, the best thing to do is talk to our experts here at Luxe Watches.  If you’re worried about the authenticity of a watch you have already purchased, we would be happy to assist.

The best way to avoid disappointment is to always buy from a reputable dealer. A genuine seller will be able to provide a certificate of authenticity for the timepiece you wish to purchase. Our blog post on How to spot a fake Breitling also contains useful information for potential buyers.