hello to all, hope anyone is safe in the crazy situation we are living. I am looking at this particular Cartier manual winding and gold plated, the shape is very unusual and would like to know if it's genuine or not? size 32 x 27 mm. still don't have pictures of the caliber or inside/outside of the case. Have you seen a similar case for such Cartier or it's a fake? thanks a lot for your advice and knowledge.
Much of Cartier's output in the 1980s and 90s was of a much lower quality than today. The Must de range were an attempt to appeal to a bigger market than their traditional precious metal output and are often pretty low rent on the inside, with cases that can't be repaired once the plate is worn through. Some are gold plated silver, the earlier ones are gold plated brass. That one has no inner Cartier markings at all it seems on either movement or caseback. Even though the level of finishing on these was an order of magnitude lower than today, that would give me pause. As you can possibly tell, I am not a massive fan. Even if legit, if there is any significant case wear or damage, leave it.
Have not seen that case shape and it appears almost square, plus movement appears unsigned. I would question its authenticity.
Am no expert by any means. But have yet to see a SS le must. I have seen only gold plated silver. And it says so in french on the case back.
I have sent the pics attached here to my pal who is a watchmaker for Richemont and has worked in the JLC and Cartier dept. He thinks this is fake as he says he would have expected the movement to have been signed, even on lower price piece like this. As noted above, the case being stainless steel is another reason to be wary, they are normally plated silver or on the early ones gold plated brass. I'd give this a wide berth personally
Thanks a lot for all the inputs, I really appreciate your help as it safe some money plus gave me a good lesson . Piti as the shape of the case was very attractive to me Thanks again David