How to Spot Fake Cartier Santos 100

The Iconic Cartier Santos 100

Cartier is a luxury brand known for its exquisite jewelry and watches. One of the most iconic and sought-after timepieces from Cartier is the Santos 100. This watch was first created in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his aviator friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont. It was designed to be a practical and stylish watch that could be worn while flying. Since then, the Cartier Santos 100 has become a symbol of luxury and elegance, worn by celebrities, athletes, and watch enthusiasts alike.

The popularity of the Cartier Santos 100 has also led to the rise of counterfeit versions in the market. These fake watches may look similar to the authentic ones, but they lack the craftsmanship, quality, and history that make the genuine Cartier Santos 100 so special. If you are planning to invest in a Cartier Santos 100, it is important to know how to spot a fake. In this article, we will guide you through the key elements to look out for to ensure you are buying an authentic Cartier Santos 100.

The Case and Design

The first thing to inspect when trying to spot a fake Cartier Santos 100 is the case of the watch. The case of the authentic Cartier Santos 100 is made of high-quality stainless steel or 18k gold. The edges of the case should be smooth and well-polished, with no rough or sharp edges. The case should also have the correct dimensions, as the fake versions may be slightly larger or smaller than the original.

Next, pay attention to the design of the watch. The Cartier Santos 100 has a distinct square shape with rounded corners. The case should have a polished finish, with the signature Cartier screws on the bezel. These screws should be evenly spaced and aligned, with no gaps or inconsistencies. The crown of the watch should also have the iconic blue sapphire cabochon, which is a trademark of Cartier watches.

On the back of the case, you should find the Cartier logo, along with the model and serial numbers engraved. These numbers should match the numbers on the warranty card and certificate of authenticity that comes with the watch. If any of these details are missing or do not match, it is a clear sign of a fake Cartier Santos 100.

The Dial and Hands

rolex day date mens 218206 41mm silver tone The dial of the Cartier Santos 100 is another crucial element to look at when trying to spot a fake. The authentic watch has a clean and simple white dial, with the signature Cartier Roman numerals and a date window at 6 o’clock. The numerals should be evenly spaced and aligned, with no smudges or irregularities. The date window should also be perfectly centered and have a clear font.

The hands of the Cartier Santos 100 are also significant in determining its authenticity. The minute and hour hands should be slim and pointed, while the second hand should have a small Cartier logo on the tip. The hands should also be made of high-quality materials and have a smooth and consistent movement. Any signs of rough edges or wobbly movement are indications of a fake Cartier Santos 100.

The Movement

The movement of a watch refers to the mechanism that powers it. The Cartier Santos 100 is equipped with a high-quality automatic movement, which means it is self-winding and does not require a battery. If you have the opportunity to open the case back of the watch, you should be able to see the movement inside. The authentic Cartier Santos 100 has a Swiss-made movement, with the words “Swiss Made” engraved on it. If you see any other country or brand name engraved, it is a clear sign of a fake watch.

Another way to check the authenticity of the movement is by looking at the rotor, which is responsible for winding the watch. The rotor of the authentic Cartier Santos 100 has the Cartier logo and brand name engraved on it, while the fake versions may have a plain or incorrect logo.

The Bracelet and Clasp

The bracelet of the Cartier Santos 100 is also an essential element to look at when trying to spot a fake. The authentic watch has a sturdy and well-crafted bracelet, with links that are smoothly connected and have no gaps. The bracelet should also have a good weight to it, as it is made of high-quality materials. The clasp of the bracelet should have the Cartier logo and brand name engraved, and it should close smoothly and securely.

Some fake Cartier Santos 100 watches may have a leather strap instead of a bracelet. In this case, you should look at the quality of the leather and the stitching. The leather should be genuine and have a smooth and consistent texture. The stitching should also be neat and evenly spaced, with no loose threads or irregularities.

The Price

As the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. This statement applies to the price of a Cartier Santos 100 watch as well. The authentic watch is a luxury item and comes with a hefty price tag. If you come across a seller offering a Cartier Santos 100 at a significantly lower price than its retail value, it is most likely a fake. Do your research and compare prices from authorized dealers to ensure you are getting a genuine Cartier Santos 100.

Conclusion

The Cartier Santos 100 is an iconic and prestigious timepiece that carries a rich history and craftsmanship. It is a valuable investment for anyone who appreciates luxury watches. However, with the rise of counterfeit versions in the market, it is essential to know how to spot a fake Cartier Santos 100. By inspecting the case, design, dial, hands, movement, bracelet, and price, you can ensure that you are purchasing an authentic Cartier Santos 100. Remember, a genuine Cartier Santos 100 is not just a watch; it is a symbol of luxury, elegance, and status.