The Cartier Ballon Bleu watch is a modern icon, beloved by Cartier fans and celebrities like Kate Middelton and Johnny Depp. We explore the brief history of this instant fan-favorite watch and share five pointers on how to spot a fake Ballon Bleu de Cartier.
Cartier does not authenticate pieces purchased on ebay or from estate sales. PeacefulMommy Member. If jewelry is anything like bags, then I don't. Serial number determines Serial number determines Model. Serial numbers on many Cartiers can be found on the case back. Identify the material of the case, bezel and the bracelet.
- Cartier jewelry is a unique expression of a creator's style and imagination. To learn more about these exceptional pieces, discover our collection of both men’s and women's bracelets. Clash de Cartier. Clash de Cartier. Discover the collection. Clash de Cartier. Shop the Collection.
- Check the serial number. The next best thing is doing your own digging online to look for telltale signs of a fake (like we hope this guide helps you do.)Or to even run a quick search for the serial number – one of our wonderful readers discovered her Love bracelet had the same serial as those in the stock photos on Cartier’s website.
The Short History of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch
The elegant aesthetic of the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch belies how new the model is for the 170-year-old Cartier brand. The Ballon Bleu de Cartier was just introduced in 2007 and, with is polished sensibility and widespread popularity, is poised to be a classic on par with the Cartier Tank Watch.
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch has a distinctive and distinguishing rounded shape. The bold Roman numerals and mother-of-pearl dial build upon the watch’s sophisticated appeal. And the Ballon Bleu de Cartier’s signature feature is the sapphire cabochon crown which is housed by the integrated crown.
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch
For all its wonderful simplicity, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is incredibly difficult for counterfeiters to convincingly replicate. To protect yourself from a forged Cartier Ballon bleu watch, look out for these key hallmarks of Cartier’s high-quality craftsmanship:
1. Screws in the Bracelet
The metal links of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch bracelet will always be held together by screws—never pins. Forged watches use cheap pins and tubes to secure the bracelet. You should be able to see the screw’s slot drive, the straight groove on the screw’s flat head used to tighten the screw. If the bracelet screw does not have a drive, the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch in question is a fake.
2. Screws in the Case Back
Like the bracelet, the Cartier Ballon Bleu case back is held in place with small screws. However, forgers use inexpensive snap case backs that can be pressed closed without screws.
3. An Engraved Cartier Signature
The watch case back should also be engraved with Cartier’s name, the serial number, case material and number. The engraving should be clean and crisp.
4. An Ornate Dial
One of the most notable design features of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is its beautifully detailed dial. Cartier artisans painstakingly engrave every non-mother-of-pearl Ballon Bleu dial with an elaborate and ornamental circular pattern known as guilloche. Cartier Ballon Bleu forgers may try to replicate this intricate guilloche motif, but, because it requires an expert hand to perfectly execute the design, the lines will not be clean, parallel or exact. More often than not, faux Ballon Bleu de Cartier watches won’t even include the guilloche print and the dial will be left blank.
5. The Swiss Made Stamp
Just below the 6 o’clock marker, the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch is stamped with a minuscule “Swiss Made.” This incredibly small detail is frequently overlooked by counterfeiters and omitted from imposter Ballon Bleu de Cartier watches.
If you are in possession of a luxury watch that was gifted or purchased on the second-hand market, it can be difficult to ascertain its authenticity. Counterfeiters are becoming increasingly skilled at producing high-quality fake watches; technological improvements have meant that counterfeiters can replicate the advanced movements of luxury watches with precision. In recent years, counterfeit watches have become so advanced that even the brands themselves have difficulty telling them apart from the real thing. Despite the prevalence of sophisticated counterfeits, there are a few key ways to authenticate a luxury watch and determine if your luxury watch is fake.
HOW TO TELL IF MY WATCH IS FAKE?
Determining the authenticity of your watch can be a difficult task, but it is possible. To authenticate a luxury watch, some of the most important factors to look for are:
- Incorrect Model Number – Phony model numbers are common amongst fake watches, particularly Rolexes. Looking for incorrect ending digits of your model number can alert you to a fake watch.
- Incorrect Serial Number – Fake serial numbers are also common amongst counterfeit luxury watches. There are a number of membership sites that provide databases of known counterfeit numbers. You can cross-reference the serial number of your watch in one of these databases to determine the authenticity of the number. Watch experts will often have access to these databases.
- Color Discrepancies – Counterfeit watches sometimes have off-colored metal or colors that are slightly different than the original version of the watch. Incorrect coloring is a definite indicator of a phony watch.
- Incorrectly Magnified Cyclops Window – The wrong magnification in the cyclops window can reveal your watch’s inauthenticity. Sometimes the date in the cyclops will be over- or under-magnified. Authentic models have a specific magnification.
- Inaccurate Watch Hands – Compare your watch to an authentic version to determine if the watch hands look the same. There will often be small design discrepancies between the watch hands of a fake luxury watch and an authentic one.
- Wrong Movements – Incorrect movements are also a sign that your watch could be inauthentic.Counterfeit watches may not always be able to replicate the movements of the original accurately.
- Inaccurate Case – There are certain details inside of luxury watch cases that indicate a counterfeit. Look inside your luxury watch case for important missing indicators such as serial numbers, logos, hallmarks, and metal content.
- Poor Quality Box and Papers – Your watch’s box and papers can be an important way to determine your watch’s authenticity. Watches without a box and papers are more likely to be fake. If the watch box is low quality or the paperwork folders aren’t made of real leather, it is likely your watch is not authentic. Be sure to examine the stitching on the box as well—stitching that is off suggests it may be a fake box.
WHAT IF I STILL DON’T KNOW IF MY WATCH IS FAKE?
Although the list above can help you determine authenticate a luxury watch, counterfeiters can still outsmart even the most diligent watch-owners. If you have uncertainties, a watch expert will be able to look at your watch and provide a thorough examination of its authenticity. Ensuring the authenticity of a luxury watch can be an important step before selling or buying.
HOW TO SELL A LUXURY WATCH
Cartier Love Bracelet Authentication
WP Diamonds is a BBB A+ rated business that specializes in the purchase of luxury watches and other jewelry items. WP Diamonds’ in-house watch experts are ready to assess your watch, determine its authenticity, and provide you with a cash offer. Once one of our experts examines your watch in-person, we will be able to validate its authenticity. Established in 2012 as the modern alternative to traditional watch buyers, we now work with customers around the world and have offices in the US, UK and Hong Kong. With hundreds of customer reviews, WP Diamonds is a leading international luxury watch buyer. Sell online or in person, our service is free of charge and can take as little as 24 hours. We buy your luxury watch directly, with no fees or commissions deducted.
Cartier Jewelry Serial Number Lookup
Simply fill out the online form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly with an initial valuation.