Cartier without cabochon
I'm hoping that someone familiar with Cartier may be able to shed some light for me. I recently purchased a pre-owned Cartier Pasha 2324 from a trusted local seller. When I was researching this model prior to purchase, I noticed that the the various photos I had seen showed the watch with the same style crown as the watch that I purchased, which does NOT have the synthetic cabochon (as shown in the photo). While I have no doubt as to the authenticity of my watch, I have seen several references online that state that all authentic Cartier watches feature a synthetic cabochon on the crown. I suspect that this is similar to the various articles that indicate all Rolex watches have a smooth sweep, which isn't the case with the OysterQuartz models. I'm hoping that someone can point me to a source that might identify which Cartier models do not feature the synthetic cabochon.
Also, another method of identifying authentic Cartier watches that is often mentioned is the Cartier "signature" as part of the Roman numeral VII or X. Given that the Pasha uses stylized Arabic numerals for the indexes, that also doesn't apply.
I'm not personally concerned about the authenticity of the watch, but would like to be able to have something to pass along in the unlikely event that I should ever decide to try to sell this beauty.
I've worn a watch for as long as I can remember, but I didn't become interested in watches until 2018, when I bought my first decent mechanical watch. Shortly after purchasing it, I joined a local wat...
A quick look through my reference library (Shugart Book Again) shows at least one Pasha (upper left in photo below) that has a non cabochon crown. I don't think you have anything to worry about there.
A quick look through my reference library (Shugart Book Again) shows at least one Pasha (upper left in photo below) that has a non cabochon crown. I don't think you have anything to worry about there.
Awesome - thanks so much for posting. I had seen a previous post where you had referenced that book - it looks like a great book to have.
If you’re really concerned, as I was with a Cartier Tank I purchased used (Cartier is popular and many are easy to fake), just open it up and make sure the movement corresponds to what came with the model. It will silence that little nagging voice.
If you’re really concerned, as I was with a Cartier Tank I purchased used (Cartier is popular and many are easy to fake), just open it up and make sure the movement corresponds to what came with the model. It will silence that little nagging voice.
Thanks for the reply. I'm not really doubting it's authenticity, more so just looking for something that explains the lack of the cabochon.
Prior to purchasing the watch, I had checked out several reviews and online sales listings which showed various Pasha models with the same SS crown as the one I ended up purchasing. The book that @surferjohn referenced further serves to show that not all Cartier watches feature the cabochon, but doesn't offer additional insight
I had also contacted Cartier hoping for some clarification, and received two contradictory replies. In one reply, which was based on me providing the S/N of the watch, they said "Your timepiece has a synthetic sapphire crystal and a stainless steel crown.". I had then asked them another followup question, and in their reply they stated "All of our timepieces are set with stone, it's a Cartier Signature. It's always going to be natural or synthetic.". I'm still waiting to hear back from them with clarification.
I have no plans on selling the watch, but if that should change in the future I'd like to be able to have something to show prospective buyers that their are exceptions to the common belief that a Cartier without a cabochon is not authentic.