So, where do you even start? Well, first off, I think it’s important to remember something: if a deal seems too good to be true… it probably is. I mean, seriously, finding a “brand new” Cartier Tank for, like, a hundred bucks on some shady website? Come on, man. Use your head.
Okay, but let’s say you’re still not sure. You’ve seen one, it looks kinda legit (maybe!), but you need some actual pointers. Alright, alright, I gotchu.
First, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the dial. Cartier’s dial work is like, *art*. We’re talking precise Roman numerals, super crisp and clean. And here’s a cool trick: a genuine Cartier will often have the word “Cartier” *hidden* within one of the Roman numerals. Yeah, I know, sneaky right? Usually it’s in the VII, but don’t quote me on that, check ’em all! A fake will probably skip this detail, or just completely botch it. Trust me, if it looks like it was drawn on by a toddler, it’s a red flag.
Next up, the movement. This is where things get a bit technical. Inside a real Cartier Tank, you’re gonna find a high-quality movement. We’re talking Swiss engineering, baby! I mean, I’m no watchmaker, but I know that real Cartier movements are generally high end. If you can somehow get a peek inside (don’t go breaking the watch!), look for clean finishing and precise components. A cheap, ticky-tocky, loud movement is a dead giveaway.
Also, pay attention to the weight! A real Cartier, even a Tank, has some heft to it. It just *feels* solid. If it feels flimsy, like it’s made of plastic and cardboard, then yeah, that’s not a good sign. Think about it, cheap materials equal cheap watch. Obviously.
And speaking of cheap, what about the screws? Cartier uses high-quality screws (duh!), and they should be nice and flush with the case. If they look like they were installed by someone with a rusty screwdriver and a bad hangover, watch out!
Oh, and another thing that I don’t think a lot of folks talk about: go with your gut! If something feels off about the watch, like the dealer is being super evasive, or the price seems way too low, or the overall vibe is just…weird. Listen to that feeling! It’s probably telling you something.
Honestly, if you’re still unsure, the best thing you can do is take it to a professional watchmaker or appraiser. They’ve seen it all before, and they can spot a fake from a mile away. Yeah, it’ll cost you a bit of money, but it’s worth it to avoid getting totally bamboozled.
