How to Tell if a Cartier Watch Is Real

Written By: Vahid Moradi

Updated Oct 28, 2025

Nothing says luxury like a Cartier watch. The cerulean cabochon, the enchanting guilloché, the seamless movement—these are the inimitable hallmarks of a genuine Cartier timepiece.

However, forgeries are an inevitable part of any luxury industry, and watches are no exception. An estimated 20 million counterfeit Swiss watches make up the market every year, so there’s reason to use caution when purchasing a real authentic Cartier watch.1

With that said, discerning a genuine Cartier watch from a fake one is simple enough, as long as you know what to look for in the most popular Cartier watches. This thorough guide will help you understand how you can tell if a Cartier watch is real by spotting the counterfeit designs. 

The Key Points of Inspection

As one of the foremost makers of fine watches and luxury timepieces, Cartier’s craftsmanship is unmatched. On a genuine Cartier timepiece, even the tiniest of material flaws will be absent, ensuring an excellent design.

Apart from the overall construction of your watch—which should be of the utmost quality—there are several areas to scrutinize more carefully when looking at the best Cartier watches for ladies or men. When you or a Cartier authorized dealer are handling a new or pre-owned Cartier watch before purchase, these are the five details you should examine.

#1: The Screws

If you’re wondering how to tell if a new or pre-owned Cartier watch is genuine, the case is an excellent place to start. Genuine Cartier cases will never “snap on.” There should always be flathead screws holding together the front and back of a Cartier watch case.

If you see a watch with cross-shaped Phillips head screws—or, worse yet, imprints of screws—don’t buy it.

#2: The Dial

One of the telltale signs of many a Cartier piece  is the ornate rippling pattern on the dial. The precise beauty of this decorative detail—called a guilloché—is nearly impossible for fraudsters to replicate. If the markings are missing or the spacing between the undulating lines seems uneven, you may have a replica or fake Cartier watch on your hands.

The dial contains two other signs of authenticity that are often omitted:

“Swiss Made”

The words “SWISS MADE” appear below the 6 o’clock marker (VI), close to the bezel. This minute detail is nearly imperceptible, making it a commonly forgotten feature on even the best forgeries.

The Secret Signature

On either the 7 or 10 o’clock marker (VII or X), you’ll find the word “Cartier” written in delicate capital letters. Called the “secret signature,” it’s an oft-missed detail that can confirm the authenticity of your Cartier piece.

#3: The Case Back

The inscriptions on the case back of an authentic Cartier watch tell a story. Turn your timepiece over, and you should notice the following details:

• The Cartier logo

• The declaration that the watch is “Swiss made”

• The words “water resistant”

• A four-digit model number

• An eight-character Cartier serial number with two letters and six digits

Depending on the model you have, you may also find the words “automatic” and “stainless steel.”

Perhaps more important than what is engraved on your case back is how it is engraved. The inscriptions should be clearly defined and engraved somewhat deeply into the material. Look out for lightly etched lettering or crooked placement—both are signs of forgery and a counterfeit watch.

#4: The Signature Blue Appointments

On some of the most popular Cartier watches, including the Santos, Tank, Ronde, Panthère, and the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, the brilliant blue details make a remarkable statement. The hands of these watches should be a deep sapphire blue.

Additionally, the crown should be capped with a matching blue cabochon stone. The gemstone of a genuine Cartier watch will be set into the crown’s metal, not glued in place.

#5: The Weight

Quite simply, authentic Cartier watches are heavy. Not so heavy as to be cumbersome, but you should feel the weight of such a tour de force timepiece on your wrist.

The sturdy, scratch-proof sapphire crystal glass that protects the dial is a hallmark of Cartier’s design. Similarly, the premium stainless steel or gold of the case will have a certain weight and sturdiness that conveys the quality of the materials.

If the watch feels light or hollow, there’s a high chance you’re holding a Cartier fake or counterfeit watch.

What To Do If You Think You Have a Fake Cartier Watch

If, after checking all of the above factors, you still find yourself asking, “Is my Cartier watch is real or fake?” bring it to an authorized Cartier dealer like CJ Charles. A reputable dealer and jeweler can quickly tell the difference between a genuine Cartier and a fake watch.

Always Buy from an Authorized Dealer

Whether you’re buying a Cartier watch new or pre-owned, always shop with a trusted seller. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with an authorized dealer, you’ll receive a certificate of authenticity with your purchase. Should you ever choose to sell your stunning piece, your buyer won’t have any doubts about whether or not they are holding a genuine Cartier watch. CJ Charles is proud to be a seller of pre-owned Cartier watches. 

When Nothing But the Real Thing Will Do, Trust CJ Charles

When you choose CJ Charles  as your authorized Cartier watch dealer, you’re choosing to exceed the ordinary. Our team of experts will gladly answer any questions you may have about our range of luxury watches: watches that are guaranteed to be the real thing.

Browse our collection of both men's Cartier watches and women's Cartier watches today.

 

Written By: Vahid Morai

Vahid Moradi’s lifelong passion, dedication, and commitment for the jewelry industry led him to become the respected owner of CJ Charles Jewelers in 1988. From that moment, Moradi’s single focus in business was to become recognized as the pinnacle of value and world-class quality in the his Community. Over 34 years later, CJ Charles continues to grow and thrive as a successful, family-owned business that consistently provides exceptional service to all their clientele.

 

Sources:

1. Luxury Society. The Ongoing Impact Of Online Counterfeiting On Watchmaking. https://luxurysociety.com/en/focus-the-ongoing-impact-of-online-counterfeiting-on-watchmaking/