Cartier is a luxury brand that has produced an immense assortment of watches for over a century. Due to the breadth and depth of the Cartier watch catalog, selling a Cartier watch can result in vastly different outcomes depending on the specific model. For instance, a quartz-powered Cartier watch will typically sell for much less than a mechanical one. Some Cartier watches are known to hold their value well while others sell well below retail prices on the secondary market.
Although we’ve already put together a comprehensive guide to selling luxury watches, there are some Cartier-specific tips that can make the entire sale transaction even smoother. Read on for some helpful suggestions on how to sell your Cartier watch.
Determine the Cartier Reference and Serial Numbers
As we’ve said many times before, the first step required when selling a watch is to identify the reference number. The reference number is the key to understanding the specific model of the watch, and in some cases, it can also indicate material, size, and approximate age. Cartier has used different reference number and serial number systems over the years.
Modern Cartier watches have reference numbers that include both letters and numbers. For example, the reference number of a medium Cartier Santos watch in steel is WSSA0029. The easiest way to identify these Cartier numbers is to refer to the accompanying paperwork that came with the watch.
However, if you no longer have these papers, then it’ll require a little more effort to pinpoint the exact reference number. Some things you could do include:
- Research the Cartier watch collections on the company’s website to locate your model
- Modern Cartier watches will have a four-digit code engraved on the back, which is the watch’s case number. Various Cartier references can share the same case number but if you search this number (on Google or Chrono24 for example), you may see a watch similar to yours, accompanied by the complete reference number
- Google some of your watch’s details (model, case number, material, dial color, bracelet type) and see if you can spot a watch identical to yours
- Do a Google image search using a photo of the Cartier watch you want to sell
- Post a picture on a forum (such as r/Watches on Reddit) and ask if anyone can help you identify the watch and reference number
- Take it to an authorized Cartier dealer to request the information
Modern Cartier watches will have alphanumeric numbers (5 or 6 digits and 2 letters) engraved on the caseback. This is the serial number, which is unique to each watch. Although you should never publically disclose a watch’s serial number (because counterfeiters can use it on their fake watches), some potential buyers may request this number privately to confirm authenticity. Make sure to blur out the serial number on any pictures you post online and don’t include it in any descriptions.
Find Boxes and Papers
If you’re looking to sell a watch, it’s worth noting that possessing the box and papers can significantly increase its value. In fact, a complete set can fetch anywhere from 10 to 20% more than a naked watch.
If you happen to have any original paperwork, packaging, or accessories such as warranty cards, receipts, service records, instruction booklets, boxes, cushions, bags, extra links, or additional straps for your Cartier watch, it’s advisable to take the time to locate them before selling.
As of now, Cartier does not offer an Extract of the Archives or re-issue a Certificate of Authenticity.
How Much Should I Sell My Cartier Watch For?
Once you’ve identified the reference number and assembled the complete set, the next step to selling your Cartier watch is to figure out its approximate value.
Although Cartier provides the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) on its website, the relevant price to know when selling a Cartier watch is its present market value. With the exception of certain collectibles (such as Crash, Privée, or vintage gold mechanical Tanks), most Cartier watches are likely to sell for less than their retail price in the secondary market.
You can start your price research by checking out some of the Cartier watches for sale at Luxury Bazaar or by reading our Cartier Tank watch price guide. You can also check the following sites for more Cartier watch market prices:
- WatchCharts
- eBay sold listings
- Chrono24
- Pre-Owned Watch Specialist and Grey Market Dealer Websites
It’s important to keep in mind that the prices displayed online for your watch will almost always be higher than what you can actually expect to receive. Businesses have expenses and profit margins to consider, and private sellers usually list their watches at a higher price initially to allow for negotiations. In short, be realistic about what amount you’ll be able to earn when selling your Cartier watch.
Should I Service My Cartier Watch Before Selling It?
We typically recommend against servicing your Cartier watch before selling it. It can be expensive to send your Cartier for servicing and maintenance, as such, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recover that cost when you sell the watch.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to sell a vintage Cartier watch, originality is always worth more than a watch with service parts. Finally, if you decide to sell to a professional company such as a grey market dealer, they’ll take care of any maintenance needs before they list the watch for sale.
Sell Your Cartier Watch to Luxury Bazaar
The most convenient way would be to sell your Cartier to Luxury Bazaar, the preeminent grey market dealer in the country. With decades of experience buying luxury timepieces–including a wide range of Cartier watches such as Tanks, Santos, Rotondes, Pashas, Privées, Pantheres, and others–from the public, Luxury Bazaar understands what it takes to make the selling process easy, secure, and quick.
Request a free quote from Luxury Bazaar today and we’ll guide you through the simple process.
1 Comment
Great article, more of these pls. Very informative.