So, how do you tell? Well, it’s not rocket science, but you gotta pay attention to the details. Think of it like spotting a bad toupee – the devil’s in the little things.
First off, the dial. This is your first line of defense. A genuine Cartier dial is usually crisp, clean, and legible. The lettering? Should be *sharp*, not blurry or smudged like some cheap knockoff printed in a back alley. And look for the “secret signature” – that tiny “Cartier” hidden within one of the Roman numerals, usually the VII or X. Yeah, good luck spotting that without a magnifying glass. But hey, worth a shot, right? (I usually just squint real hard, which probably just makes me look like I’m having a stroke.)
Then there’s the crown, that little winder-thingy on the side. Cartier crowns are usually adorned with a sapphire cabochon (a fancy term for a smooth, polished gemstone). Check the color; it should be a deep, rich blue. Fakes often use a cheaper synthetic stone that looks, well, *fake*. Plus, the setting around the sapphire should be flawless. No gaps, no glue, just pure, unadulterated craftsmanship. Also, the shape of the crown and the stone should be correct for the model – variations exist!
Now, let’s talk straps. This is where things can get tricky. The front of the strap should have that classic Cartier look. But honestly, the *sides* are where the counterfeiters often cut corners. Look for clean edges, even stitching, and high-quality leather. If it feels like plastic, or the stitching looks like a drunk spider did it, run! And the buckle? Should be solid, well-made, and stamped with the Cartier logo. This is important, because some people just replace the strap and buckle, so I’m always skeptical.
And the screws! Don’t forget those little fellas. Cartier uses specific types of screws (often flathead) on their watches and bracelets. Are they aligned properly? Do they look like they belong there, or like they were shoved in with a butter knife? This can be a good indicator of whether you are dealing with a real or fake cartier santos.
