Can You Spot a Fake Cartier? | Watchfinder & Co.

It’s no secret that Rolex is one of the most faked brands in the world-we’ve all seen those market stalls on holiday peddling numerous shady imitations-but the fake watch market doesn’t stop there, oh no. And not only are fakes not limited to the arena of Rolex, but also not to the £100, DOA monstrosities that stand out a mile off. Modern CNC technology and the growth of aspiration across the globe has incentivised the manufacturers of fake watches to push their attempts further and further. And this is where we are now, with a fake of the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier that you’d be hard-pushed to spot.
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[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@Senkatuka23]

It's amazing how comparable the fake is especially considering the price difference. The fact that you need to use a macro lens to show the subtle differences speaks volumes.

[@snazzy]

The notion that fakes are still Times Square quartz knockoffs is dangerous. People don’t realize how GOOD replica watches have gotten. $350-500 for one, and you’re in pretty close territory until you break out the loupe. It’s a very real risk when trying to buy a genuine watch nowadays and you need to be really careful. Or, ya know, just buy vintage instead. 😎

[@blablabla00]

Snazzy Labs I agree with you but with vintage there's also is a lot of fake and franken watches

[@RussellGilder]

Snazzy Labs I don't know man. Even the vintage market is getting fakes

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Snazzy Labs vintage becomes frankensteins very easily throughout its lifespan. Just buy a watch with clear caseback and its super easy to identify by its internal finishing.

[@CalvinsWorldNews]

If I'm ever chatting to someone with a nice watch I often ask to see it (offering mine in return) because we both like good watches and I love examining them to see the details and craftsmanship. Knowing how to spot a fake is a good skill and one you only utilise when you have it a few inches from your eyes but why is that surprising? We can make microchips, of course we can make something that looks 'mostly the same' from 6 feet away.

[@s.macias1892]

My eyes can’t tell the difference but my wallet certainly can.

[@Megatraum504]

lmao perfectly sums it up

[@cjdennis4665]

I could watch loads of these real versus fake videos. Excellent job yet again!

[@jaime5367]

I really appreciate the effort you put on alining the hands and synchronizing the seconds hand

[@PCUBED09]

I can spot a fake Cartier. Don't know which one it is but have narrowed it down the just two watches.

[@virgilverhelle]

the left one is the fake, look at the branding on the face of the watch

[@andrewnickischer6895]

Until the radial brushing, I had no clue the entire video😂😂

[@allenm6950]

Paul P 🤣

[@zogzog1063]

The fake is the one in his hand.

[@warnhonour9180]

Whic one is the real ?

[@johnthegreek7356]

I want more of these! And can you tell me what's the introduction music?

[@nrs6956]

Thank you. Excellent presentation by your group.

[@oyxnova4519]

Cool vid man, now rep makers can be aware of their mistakes :)

[@pacowonderboy]

Absolutely amazing , the descriptions and the facts 😊 Can you please make a video about Longines Master Collection Moonphase? Thank you

[@charlesfield9286]

I've asked this question a dozen times on Facebook and WatchUSeek, but never been given a clear answer. This is perfect. Thanks

[@abhishes]

The fake is actually pretty good :) I was expecting way more sloppy fake, but I guess the guy did a good job!

[@asura2545]

Not the first but one of the earliest. Love your videos!

[@DomDomChekwa]

Damn I won't be able to notice these differences unless it's back to back :/ what a scary world we live in

[@drIM6371]

Impressive your analysis, really like and appreciate the detail coverage. Do you have a similar analysis for the Cartier Pasha ?

[@rodcosta2345]

Exceptional as always.

[@khalid0957]

Would like to see a review of the Tag Heuer Monaco V4, if possible the Phantom model.

[@Richie_P]

Show me a fake Grand Seiko Spring Drive with a display back, and if I can't immediately point out what's wrong with it, I will happily buy it for the price of a genuine.

[@symplesy2056]

@Dat Phung the fake tourbillons use a chinese tourbillon movement thats like 400 bucks... they all use the same one and its pretty obvious just by looking at it that its fake

[@badlarry172]

great upload thanks

[@tobymak4990]

They keep on getting better. Unstoppable.

[@gwcgwc1]

This should be a regular series.

[@jackkrieger9150]

Your information is rich and accurate. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@aaae3105]

What is movements inside original and fake watches (Sellita,ETA,Soprod or any)?

[@jonathanvasquez4577]

If someone can provide me the name of the background music I'd really appreciate it!

[@AbdulRWatches]

Cartier is one brands that are having huge losses from unsold stock, and now the ever better fakes. I think the fake market will always be there when manufactures rather destroy their unsold stock then selling it at a discount. I think the people buying a fake should think about buying a decent mechanical watch for the same price, better for them long run and for the watch industry.

[@heminder]

The fake market will be there as long as people are not willing to pay retail prices. I'm not saying fakes are a good thing, but when a 99% copy of a watch can be made and sold for 5% of the original it says something about the true production costs and inflated profit margins.

[@j.r.5803]

Heimdallr Keep in mind that you also pay the art creators. Those fakes are only trying to copy the art. But you are right about the inflation. Fake watches are for fake people. Although there are people that buy for example an original rolex to fake themselfs aswell as its a weathy show off item. Anyway i would never support a business that only copys others work and also probably the craftmanship are children or extremely underpayed if not forced to work people.

[@redatticus7606]

Its funny how show-offy brands like Rolex and Cartier get all the fakes....Fake stuff for look-at-me types....A great match I would say....

[@j.r.5803]

ARJUN DIVAKERA Very true indeed.

[@hinrei1986]

Cartier won't lose money or even giving discount. They are the hottest celebrity brand for jewellery. There always be someone who are willing to buy overpriced shit from Cartier

[@CasebackWatches]

Sometimes you can spot fakes by the performance of the movement. I've once bought a high end fake Longines Master Collections and it didn't loose a single second over days. Made me suspicious because of my experience with other Longines and then the watchmaker confirmed. Made in China :-D

[@charlesporter5766]

Lmao too broke for a real watch

[@insaaanestuff]

nice one tim

[@andrei2023]

Amazing video 🏆👏

[@lazardjurovic2883]

What is price difference between these two watches

[@villenium]

Excellent video. The closing points are particularly relevant when you think of some of the amazing affordable watches that are out there.

[@Joshualbm]

I unwittingly bought a fake Tissot automatic that looked great in photographs. But as soon as I looked at it in person and held it in my hands, it was obvious that it was a high quality fake. All those details you'd consider as refinements were just a little coarse. From the dial to the slight gritty rattling in the bracelet and less-than crisp engraving, it was far enough off the mark to be easily seen with the naked eye. But you had to look closely. From an arm's length and in pictures it looked authentic. And the gentleman who sold it to me was so convinced it was real that he argued a bit but ended up taking it back and refunding me 100%.

[@AndresDeMoya]

What about the vintage ones? I have one so old that it only has the Cartier logo and that's it. And some times I doubt it's original. But I know it's old as the previous owner was really really old and he told me he go it from his dad, and I trust him.

[@davidvenegas6401]

If the quality difference is microscopic the price difference should likewise be small. If you see someone on the street with a "fake" Cartier you aren't going to be able to tell. Period.

[@gabrieljafif1198]

More video like this please!!

[@mccryptovn]

since what year the ballon blue has the inhouse 1847 MC movement????

[@pradeepsan9920]

i think it speaks volume to what we are actually paying for these days. like is a 10k watch worth 10k ?

[@tarekelderbas8934]

No

[@JonathanLov]

It's worth 10,000 to those that pay 10,000.

[@billcosgrave6232]

Given how good the fake is, and how much the original the costs, I suspect their is a real market for the fakes!

[@BigBoi9111]

Been tempted to get a fake bell and Ross. Way too expensive for what you get for but the design is (in my opinion) beautiful. It would be amazing if Seiko bought bell and Ross and slapped a Seiko nh35 in a bell & Ross and made it £200-£400

[@Karl__Pierre]

Don't do it

[@keithchegwin1222]

I find a lot of genuine watches aren't finished all that well, so it makes it hard to tell. They just look different a lot of the time, the finishing is similar a lot of the time.

[@moghalameer6091]

Love your videos

[@Poemwriter_Angelo]

imagine you have to hammer one. and the one you didn't, you get to keep.

[@dylanmccanlies6789]

3:08. You're welcome.

[@Ranghocsing]

Thank you so much for the new knowledge and new information... more comparison please.... ROLEX tudor iwc panarai pls

[@tylerevans2261]

I think it’s good but nothing amazing. Any super watch nerd would be able to spot the difference. They are very subtle but very noticeable to a trained eye. The engraving, overall build finish and dial finish and even the size is off. Very easy to spot for a person who likes to spend an obscene amount of time staring at his watches ( me lol). I actually just bought the new Santos in large steel. I am in love and am very impressed with Quick Release and Smart link system. The 1847 MC is louder than I expected. I can here is spin once in awhile. Not as loud as my grey side of the moon but noticed to a trained ear. The downside of ceramic bearings. O well, but boy if you give it a good flick it spins forever. Very impressed and in love with the new design. This is a lifetime piece. Great job Cartier.

[@tylerevans2261]

Also solid tip!! If the watch is very good and you can’t tell listen to the movement as the rotor spins. ETA based movements have a “click” as they rotate. Most all fakes will have an ETA movement. The 1847 MC while “somewhat” noisy (the sound is relative. All automatics have rotor noise. Rolex is really good at silencing that. But boy you should hear the Patek Nautilus!! That sound is like no other) spins effortlessly with no click.

[@Megatraum504]

haha to me you come off as salty cuz u out here buying something so expensive, yet easily cloned. No one cares about your trained eyes or trained ears lmao stfu

[@dfgvegas]

It's all in the details!

[@nocturnedead]

Será que tem algum vídeo em português? Pra entender melhor

[@Alpha-fh9pp]

The way you capture the watches in your channel is mesmerizing. If you Can capture Cartier Drive Extra Flat watch please.

[@drrightwing4435]

Dulled reflectivity and less clarity of light reflection of watch crystal from fake copies of name brand watches, gives them away almost every single time

[@greglarsen6533]

It would be awesome if a Greubel Forsey was reviewed on this channel.

[@shirazkareem6231]

I swear only at 5:55 i knew which is the fake one. All the time I got it wrong, seriously the fake is really amazin, the only difference is in the pocket and how someone would feel about wearing a fake, many people dont mind and that is absolutely fine with me.

[@sammeo]

It's pretty hard to see the difference unless you know what to look for

[@otted1903]

What about the bracelet??any advice...thanks

[@imranchowdhury4972]

The dial printing is enough to spot on the fake. Take a high resolution photo of the dial and then zoom it 50% bigger and you will find the differences either in the dial printing or in the hands or even in the date wheel somewhere it will tell you I am fake.

[@rcelio1]

Another superb video. Can you review the Patek ref. 3939?

[@EgdeFilms]

Bracelet link spacing Dial is not nearly as nice when it comes to tone. It does make you wonder. They should be making their own watches.

[@armiegracebautista5033]

Hi. Is it possible to replace the machine of original cartier into fake?

[@richardzx9]

If you want to impress others then buy the replica; if you want to impress yourself then buy the genuine..

[@JohnRubenIndia]

Why the hell would you impress yourself ?

[@KJ-bc3de]

@@JohnRubenIndia Its nice to know you're not a fraud and rocking the real thing. I guess you havent' experienced it yet. Ive tried wearing a fake in my early 20s, it always bothered me knowing it was fake, especially when someone asks about it. Do you lie or tell them its a fake? If you're lying to them, are you lying to yourself too?

[@JohnRubenIndia]

Yes you are right, I am definitely NOT the fraud, those people selling a watch at these rates are. When people in many countries are dying of hunger and poverty and the rich who have all the opportunity to help them instead spending money on these worthless things are fraud. If a person is respected based on what he wears then humanity itself is a joke, I am glad there are replicas to check these fraud companies.

[@KJ-bc3de]

@@JohnRubenIndia lol, and that attitude and view of the world is why you will always be the one hating on successful people

[@JohnRubenIndia]

We all know how successful people are successful today, 99% of wealth owned by only 1% of population, this makes something definitely wrong with every country's govt. policies....oh wait aren't these same people who made these policies.

[@reneehilscher6176]

Fakes are only a problem when they’re sold to someone as real. Otherwise for personal use it doesn’t matter. It’s just a watch.

[@G1NZOU]

Try saying that to yourself when it breaks and you can't get it fixed under warranty.

[@Mark-eh1gt]

Then you buy another one.... Simple

[@BingoBabyO]

Would be nicer to show FAKE in bold letters when speaking and showing the fake… otherwise some speed over that video showing will confuse the viewing…. Which is fake? Which is real ? If not keen on the detail spotting fast enough you may miss that cue… help the viewer? Point clearly at the fake parts a bit more slowly and with clarity on the video… thank you for posting this !

[@AhmedH93]

Does anyone know what the soundtrack is?

[@russellgoodban7068]

The fake quartz cartiers are just as good as the real ones, they are 99.9 % exactly the same for a tenth of the price.

[@robertoportugal4659]

Great!!! 👍🏽👍👍🏻👍🏿 hello from Peru 🇵🇪

[@jaredchee9023]

Wait till they make a "super rep" version. This is not even close to the standards the top replicas can get

[@riseupani]

How can A layman spot these errors without a magnifying class?

[@user-co7ze1do4g]

I can't believe how similar the Omega watch on gussl is to the original one.

[@quacker143]

But this is just for the automatic ballon bleu you need to discuss the versions too...

[@andysax1071]

But which one was it??? Pan out!

[@insaaanestuff]

I literally can't tell which is fake from the zoomed out view. Is it the one on the left? Also, I like the fake dial better. The real one looks too sharp... So, why would I buy an identical thing for 100x more money? Because the company is "old"? I'm not sure that's a good argument.... I'll take the fake because it's the same product for way less money. Where do I buy one? (I wish there were solid gold fakes. The weight difference is real, and justifies the price difference. )

[@rickypyun]

Sometimes you show the fake first, and other times the authentic, yes? And it's not clear to me when you zoom out which is the fake. Can someone please tell me, thanks. Love this channels videos.

[@speedDraww]

😭 after this lecture i cant still tell which is fake

[@andreizamfira]

So nice film ...

[@jamieparker4010]

indeed a decent fake could be anything from £100 onwards so I went to a jeweller a few years ago and just asked what they could source that was genuine at my price (£150-ish)...I got a quartz TAG Heuer Professional from 1982...I need to upgrade before long as the bracelet is gone and another bracelet will be the same cost as the watch was so I'd sooner look to upgrade and trade in for either for a lower tier automatic like a Longines or a higher grade quartz like an Omega Seamaster

[@fernandoanciola8012]

a few months ago, i found in my house an old and rare Cartier tank, with wood in the sides and in the dial, i suppose it was owned by my grandfather or other family member. I took the watch with 3 or 4 watchmakers and even to a Cartier boutique to ask if it was an original piece, some tell me it was original vintage from the 70s and some tell me it was a fake model and never seen one before. By now i dont know what is the true but i have a really nice watch haha.

[@mohammadamin9061]

do cartier use chemical bleaching or heat for the hands ? I think the former .

[@shafeekyehiya]

I have cartier watch, i didnt use 1month, its now not working, how i get power

[@smokingbeetles5793]

What i like about the crown is because of the blue but at the same time I can never really enjoy it because of the guard.

[@0ioiuibgfg]

why don't fakes make their own brand? because marketing is the most costing part of the business, while making an almost identical copy is the least hard part.

[@touqeer224]

U cant tell if its fake until u compare both side by side.

[@Zhus118]

I'd take my Seiko 5 over a fake Rolex anyday

[@davidvenegas6401]

I'd take a Seiko 5 over a real Rolex. If I took the Rolex it would be to sell that ugly thing and buy like 100 Seiko 5s.

[@abhishekv401]

please talk about the 2nd oldest brand FAVRE LEUBA.

[@improbablehandle]

Real, fake, overpriced or not, I like the design. Good vid.

[@joytekb]

We are wearing watches on a wrist but pocket computers,well.... in pocket. Strange.

[@tai8538523]

Luxuryofwatches reliable? Or do the sell Frankenstein like or fake watches?

[@KingOrest]

Received a Cartier watch years ago from a relative… and ever since then I’ve wondered if it is a legitimate Cartier watch. I understand Cartier doesn’t divulge any information do to their privacy policy.

[@mathisbmr7367]

Please compare a ap replica like jf v5 to a real one

[@redatticus7606]

Hmmmm...Really?...Cartier was passing an ETA movement for 5500 dollars..Hardly any decoration as well....Pretty sure not Rolex reliable...so.....A bit shocking have to say.....

[@HolaHola-yv9xo]

I bought a watch as CARTIER, the movement was ETA. I going to return it.

[@vanesawilson9191]

superfake.store and swissmagic.store couldn’t tell the difference between original and this.

[@ranaarslanraheel5036]

Helo tell me measurment?

[@samckwong]

Btw, which one is fake L/R.? I am confused

[@marc981337]

at 1:10 the fake is on the right

[@joesmith7348]

this video got me confused, some features of the watch i have fit one and some other so im totally lost

[@Mateo12485]

So the fake is on the left, right?

[@maximpuchkov2502]

no fakes there, relax

[@jacc88888]

Guys! Can we actually make a decision on this? Which is the fake left hand or right hand? Someone discerning please answer!

[@edwardtang1977]

I have a real one and a fake one. The fake one is a stunt double for everyday use. When Cartier gets scratches on them, they look cheap.

[@oldpalmcity]

You can take your real Cartier to an authorized dealer and they will polish it up back to the new-like condition.

[@akmalhamzah90]

So which one is the fake one, left or right?

[@mgd5876]

But i understand the caliber 049 its a caliber original for cartier ballon bleu

[@mmgoldjubilergwiazd5139]

nice video

[@johnredberg]

This is probably the best replica of any watch I've ever seen. The print on the dial does give it away quite a bit, but these little flaws become more unnoticeable with every new batch. To all the commenters who wanna know where they can buy one: you can't. Unless you have some SERIOUS connections and are willing to pay $700-$1000 for what is essentially a 5k watch. This is not your typical 'fun to buy' or 'mess with my friends' fake. This is state-of-the-art counterfeiting. Should you ever become so (un)lucky to own one of these, you've most likely bought it unknowingly for around retail price. Maybe from a legit but corrupt store in a high-end luxury mall in Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Bangkok. Maybe from a careless second-hand dealer. Maybe even from a private person who figured it out and wants to recuperate their losses... In a cynical way, it's kind of a win-win situation. At least until the first service. You enjoy your awesome watch and the Chinese Mafia is happy about the 90 - 95% profit margin. (Needless to say, for Cartier it's lose all the way.)

[@johnredberg]

+Magister Ludi, thanks, I appreciate your reply! About Rolex replicas: I think there are two factors that go into this, which are (in no particular order): Rolex are clearly the most desired fakes to this date. The brand's image has suffered a lot, because unless you're at least in the sort of mid to upper middle class, the first perception by your environment is gonna be "come on, that's a fake, right?", even if it's actually legit. Long story short: Huge demand => Incentive for fakers to improve their products. The second point is, they are arguably easier to fake. The most popular (fake) models, i.e. your Datejusts, Submariners, and to a slightly lesser extent Explorer I's and Milgausses are all quite basic in a sense. You need some good CDC and polishing machines, which are ubiquitous by now. For the high quality fakes, you'll get affordable sapphire crystals, proper ETA clones (legally manufactured, since a lot of patents expired), possibly from Japan or even Switzerland.... So in that sense, I agree that there are Rolex fakes that look even more flawless. On the other hand, I've never ever seen a proper functioning fake Sky Dweller or Yachtmaster... BUT: If you take into account the intricacies of this Cartier, i.e., the unusual case design, the dial with its guilloche (as you rightly say) but also its other elements which require different finishing techniques, etc... This is a remarkable, highest quality fake. And in comparison, I would argue that a 97% perfect copy like this is superior to a 99% perfect Rolex copy. As for ordering this stuff off the internet. Well, there's lots of things you can allegedly buy, including counterfeit money and hit jobs. I've never tried those, but I assume that in 99.99% of cases you end up with nothing (or in prison, because the offer has been planted by a state agency). For watches, yes, these sites exists, and some of them actually do deliver. However, you likely won't get the product as advertised, and/or it will be intercepted at customs depending where you live. That's where the real trouble starts. I know a lawyer here in Switzerland from a firm that almost exclusively drags people to court for their counterfeit orders being intercepted at the border. And it won't come as a surprise that Rolex is one of their biggest clients ;-) In short, you might give the few hundred dollar fakes a try and get lucky all the way. But the top fakes, which do set you back around 1k, there's not much to find. Likely because people who are willing to gamble away $1000 can probably afford the real thing in the first place.

[@PrancuzasGSi]

It's not a 1k rep, it can be bought for around 300usd - you just need to know the places where to buy them.

[@audradefalco3622]

This is not true. There are entire fora online dedicated to high end watch reps that come straight from manufacturers (known as "factories") in China. This rep is $300-$400, tops.

[@ranaarslanraheel5036]

Tell me size plz?

[@costasmandylor1565]

People who buy fake watches are only buying them to impress other people. Otherwise go buy yourself a solid Seiko for the same price.

[@crazywithkiller]

or........they like the look but don't wanna throw 5 - 6K under the bus. You see, not all of us are rich snobs that can afford to pay rent, bills and gas and still have enough money to buy a 5 - 6K watch. Some of us, just like fell in love with the design of the watch but can't afford to pay for it, and the only option left is to buy a fake, and maybe one day, when I have that kind of money, I'll buy a gen watch.

[@13limb]

I can't understand how people that own a fake. Still have the nerve to say it's a real piece. I couldn't bring myself to lie all the time! 😂

[@200ret1]

Does the santos de cartier glow in the dark?

[@73seewerner]

i'd be interested to know what it would cost to buy that fake - the answer to "why would such a capable manufacturer make a fake?" likely lies right there (which i think is what you were aiming for when giving out the cartier history). if this is a chinese company, then getting much more than $150 for anything they designed with their own name on it would be unlikely, even if it's this good. but if you can make this and scam $1500 out of some poor sucker, there's your incentive.