Cartier watches are among the most famous and renowned wristwatches, manufactured by the French watchmaker and jeweler. Because of this, replicas and fake watches are common. Manufacturers make replica Cartier watches cheaper than the original authentic brand in order to sell them for less. A trained eye that knows what to look for can quickly spot an original from a replica.

Signature Feature

The signature feature of an original Cartier watch is the small gemstone, known as the cabochon stone, that is on the watch's winder. This tiny stone is polished and set within the winder, not glued on.

Identification

An authentic Cartier watch has the Cartier logo--two back-to-back C's--etched on the watch's back, dial and buckle. Either the watch's serial number is on the side or the back of the watch's casing. An authentic Cartier watch has this number finely engraved, not cheaply etched onto the watch. Many fake watches have the word "Cartier" misspelled, either due to the watch being made by a manufacturer who is not familiar with English or French, or intentionally misspelled it as a legal technicality.

Quality

A replica watch often appears dull or has a scratched surface, or it can be difficult to wind. It also feels noticeably lighter in the hand, as Cartier watches have a definite heavy feel that is instantly noticeable. Cartier manufactures its watches with sapphire-quality glass. This glass type causes water droplets to bead on the watch's surface. Water often smears on replica watches with lower-quality glass.

Luminosity

Cartier designs some watches with luminous dials that glow in the dark after exposure to bright light for at least 10 minutes. The luminous dial on a true Cartier watch will glow brightly in a dark area and the numbers on the face will be easy to read.

Warning

Vendors of fake Cartier watches will sell them for lower prices than authentic Cartier watches. As of 2010, authentic Cartier watches usually have a starting price of at least $3,000 and as much as $50,000. Anything less than that, especially less than four figures, is going to be a replica or fake.