A dearly departed friend left me his Cartier Tank. However, I know it's a Cartier Tank, and that's about it.
I don't know where the certificate is, or if I'll ever find it. I've searched the Internet for some hours now for information regarding identifying the specifics about the watch using the serial and other numbers on the back, but have come up empty.
I'll be most appreciative for any assistance anyone can provide, including informing me if it's not possible to identify the specifics of the watch this way. Thank You All In Advance For Your Kind Assistance, KFC, III. Thanks for the assistance Michael. I keep forgetting to call Cartier before they close and their website is no help. I believe we have two Cartier Boutiques here in Miami, FL. However, this is by far the worst place in the U.S. (if not the world) to find people who have a clue about their purported expertise.
May it be of any benefit to post a picture of the watch? Further, are any of the numbers on the back of the watch of any significance, i.e. A model number? I don't even know what the case is made of, but the back has the word 'ARGENT' next to a rectangular box with the number '925' inside. Thanks again for your assistance. It's most appreciated.
BCAlexander, The 'Argent' and '925' stampings indicate that the case is made of sterling silver, which is entirely appropriate for a Cartier Tank, as most were cased in vermeil. This is a type of gold plate over silver, and is typical for the Must de Cartier Tanks, as well as others.
There are quite a few different versions of Cartier Tanks, and there are a great many fakes. I have had good dealings with the Cartier Boutique in Atlanta. Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 841-0840 They serviced, replaced a damaged dial and provided a new band and buckle for a 1970s vintage Cartier Tank that I had acquired for a friend.
They also authenticated the watch and provided information about it's date of production. The cost was less than one might expect as well. Regards, Cary. Prior to reading your post, I went for another 'jaunt' on the Net and came across most of the info you provided; thus, I actually understood the education you gave me. You were right on the money as it is in fact a 'must de Cartier' Tank. My research, along with your lesson, has been quite fruitful as 'WATER RESISTANT' on the back of the case and 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom of the face were the only terms I understood initially.
Obviously '015020PL' is the serial # and '2414' the model #. I imagine the numerous model #s delineate the different combinations of characteristics within any given line. For example, my watch has the date @ 3:00, only even-numbered Roman numerals, a whitish colored face, black hands which have a blueish tint under light, etc. I know it's genuine as it was recently serviced by Cartier, including replacing the leather band, which has a reptilian appearance, with a 'SWISS MADE' 'STAINLESS STEEL' clasp with the Cartier label. Thank you once again for your kind assistance. It's most appreciated. I thought I might update the other posters on this thread.
I happened to be speaking with an agent at the local Cartier boutique today and she told me they can only identify a watch if the watch was sold through their particular boutique because they would have local records. If the watch was sold elsewhere, perhaps location unknown, you must send the watch back to the Cartier factory where they will inspect the watch and look up their world-wide records to determine its ID. I won't say exactly how much she said this service costs but it was in the 4-digits range and it takes several months. I hope this will help to alleviate any initial frustration people may feel when they try to ID an old Cartier that does not have its original papers.
BTW, I am a bit confused by the ID of the posters.
Here are five ways to determine if your Cartier Love Bracelet is real—or just a really good fake. Closely read the hallmarks and logos. Every Cartier Love bracelet is stamped with a “hallmark” that indicates the metal quality. Love Bracelets made out of 18K gold are stamped with 18K, 750 or sometimes both numbers. Platinum Love Bracelets, meanwhile, are marked with the numerals 950. If those hallmarks are not impressed on your bracelet, it’s definitely a warning sign.
And double-check the spelling and typography of the Cartier logo. It the brand name is misspelled or not in the iconic cursive font, your bracelet is—sorry to say—a forgery. Feel its weight and evaluate its quality. Across its entire collection, Cartier uses only high-quality and durable gold and platinum metals. In turn, an immediate giveaway is the weight of the bracelet. Depending on their size and metal, a Cartier Love Bracelet should weigh between 30 and 38 grams (roughly the equivalent of five to six US quarter coins). Fake bracelets oftentimes are comparatively much lighter than authentic Love Bracelets.
Also areas of discoloration or chipping metal—even more so if there is another color underneath it—are indicators that the piece is not genuine. Cartier is also very meticulous with their quality control.
Therefore, the screws of the Love Bracelet should always be in perfect alignment. 3. Price compare. Brand new standard yellow gold Cartier Love Bracelets retail for $6,300 USD and, because they are highly coveted and made of the finest materials by skilled craftsmen, they do not significantly depreciate in value. So keep that $6,300 figure in mind as you price compare; the quoted resale price should not waver too far from the original ticket price. So if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. But one notable outlier here is the Charles Revson Love Bracelet. In the 1970s, Cartier partnered with Charles Revson, founder of Revlon Cosmetics, to release a special edition Love Bracelet.
Stamped with “Charles Revson” on the inside, this iteration was a less expensive version of the original. To keep costs low, the Revson Love Bracelets were electroplated and unscrewed only on one side. These vintage Revson Love Bracelets are in circulation but should be advertised and priced accordingly. Some vendors may not disclose that you are looking at a Revson Love Bracelet and tag it as simply a Love Bracelet and pricing it as if it was a solid Love Bracelet. So beware if the price of the Love Bracelet you’re eyeing seems unusually inexpensive.
Cartier Watch Serial Number Database
4. Verify the seller’s reputation. Scrutinize the seller’s website and research any customer reviews that can provide insight into the seller’s legitimacy.
Cartier Serial Number Jewelry Authentication
Be wary of sellers who do not list where they’re headquartered or do not indicate where their product is being shipped from. 5. Get an official appraisal. After you receive your Cartier Love Bracelet—even if you’re confident it’s 100% authentic—you should have it independently appraised as proof positive you’re in possession of the real thing. If you have further questions regarding TrueFacet’s authentication process.