Cartier designs beautiful watches and jewelry pieces. Getting Cartier products repaired can be pricey and you need to mindful of who performs the work. Unless you visit an authorized service center, you run the risk of voiding your warranty. Below I will discuss where to get a Cartier watch fixed, the warranty information, and my experience with the Cartier watch repair near me.
Cartier Watch Repair Near Me
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Cartier makes a gorgeous watch and they have great parts and components. While most local watch repair shops could handle the job, you need to be aware of what constitutes an authorized repair that would void the warranty.
Unauthorized Cartier Watch Repairs
A local watch repair shop or jeweler will be more then happy to work on your Cartier timepiece. They will have the tools and expertise to perform the work to your satisfaction. However they are most likely not an authorized Cartier service center, which means any work they perform will void your warranty. Additionally, if you still have a warranty they can’t honor it and they will likely not provide a guarantee of their work.
So why does anyone go to a local shop or jeweler for watch repairs?
The answer is simple, it is more convenient and a better experience. Your local repair shops will turn the repair around faster and provide a better level of customer experience, like being able to talk to the watch technician. For some folks, who have an expired warranty and have a relationship with their local shops, it’s just better then working trough Cartier for repairs.
How Long is The Warranty on a Cartier Watch?
Cartier watches feature a two year limited warranty. It begins on the purchase date and covers manufacturer defects and craftsmanship. Normal use and wear and tear issues are not covered. This means damage to the battery, crystal, bezel, strap, band or any watch part is not covered, unless proven to be defective.
To make a claim on the warranty you need to provide a receipt showing the date of purchase, the watch serial number, and the cost.
The warranty specifically calls out that any work performed on the timepiece by anyone other then an authorized Cartier technician will void the warranty. So that also includes you performing any work on your own timepiece.
You can view the Cartier warranty here.
Cartier Battery Replacement
If your movement requires a battery eventually it will need replacement. On average a battery will last 1 to 3 years. While for many models you can change a battery yourself or have a repair shop do it, Cartier recommends visiting one of their boutiques. That, and sending to an authorized service center are the only ways to keep the warranty in tact.
If you can only find a different brand of battery then what is currently in your watch, you can check a battery conversion chart.
For water resistant timepieces, you should always get a professional technician to change the battery. They will run a water seal test to ensure the case remains water resistant after the battery swap.
Cartier Crystal Repair or Replacement
The crystal, sometime referred to as the glass, is the clear material that sits over the dial. Since these are high end luxury watches the crystal is made from sapphire. While sapphire does not scratch very easy, it is prone to shatter. Replacing a sapphire crystal is expensive and a repair on these watches starts around £110. If you have a scratched crystal, depending on the depth of the mark, it may be able to get buffed out.
Replacing the Band or Strap
Cartier uses high end material for their bands and straps. They use premium leather, fabrics, and expensive metals. As you can imagine replacing a band or strap comes at a premium price. This is even more true if you have a band made of platinum or titanium.
Cartier uses a few different strap and band mounting mechanisms, but for most timepieces a swap can be done using a simple spring pen.
If you want to consider options other then the manufacturers bands and straps, you can find universal fit bands and straps. You can potentially save some money as well.
Watch Resizing
Resizing a watch for a custom fit is very important. It not only looks better, but secures the watch to your wrist and prevents it from falling off or banging into objects.
A metal band is easier to resize then a strap. A metal band can have links added or removed to increase or decrease it’s diameter. This task can be done on most of their models using a spring pen.
Straps made of material like leather, rubber, and fabric can have new holes punched, but eventually you run out of material to work with.
Resizing can be done on your own, but seeking a pro will get you the best custom fit. They will measure your wrist and size the watch perfectly.
Crown Repair
The crown is the knob(s) in the side of your watch that allow you to change date and time settings. If you have damage to the crown you should get a professional to look at it. Often when a crown is damaged the pin inside it, called the stem, also gets damaged. In some cases if the stem gets pushed into the watch the internal mechanism, the movement, is also damaged.
These repairs get complicated and need further professional inspection when they occur. Replacing a stem becomes difficult on an antique Cartier because the parts are no longer produced. These may leave the only option of replacing to fabricate a new stem. New timepieces are less of a concern, because the parts are readily available.
Movement Repairs and Overhauls
The movement of a watch is like it’s soul. It consists of all the internal mechanisms that make your timepiece operate. Any issues with the movement should be done by a professional. Inside of these watches there are up to 3000 tiny parts that cold be out of sync. A technician will be able to inspect the watch and determine if the watch needs a routine service or a total overhaul. Any work done on the movement will be very expensive.
Mailing in Your Cartier to a Customer Service Center
If you’re looking for a Cartier watch repair near me and not seeing anyone who is authorized to perform work, you will need to consider a service center. There are a few things you should be aware of when you deal with an authorized service center.
Cartier uses their watch and jewelry boutiques as authorized service centers. Taking your watch to one, does not mean your repair work will be done at that location. They may mail your timepiece out to a different place to complete the work. If you don’t have a Cartier boutique near you, you can mail a watch to service center yourself.
An authorized service center is the only place that can honor your warranty. They will also guarantee any work they perform for a certain time period upon completion (usually 12 months). If you mail them your timepiece they will evaluate it and determine if the issue is covered under warranty. For issues covered the repairs and parts are free. Any issue not covered they will send you an estimate for the repair costs. If you choose not to have the work done based on the estimate they will return your timepiece back to you as is.
To find a Cartier boutique, click here.
Tips For Sending Your Watch in
When you send in your watch, consider doing the following actions:
- Write on an index card the specific problem(s) with the watch.
- Estimate the value of the watch and write it on the index card.
- Write your name, email, phone number, and address on the index card.
- Write the model number of the watch on the index card.
- If you are making a warranty claim, include all your warranty information.
- Insure the package for the value of your timepiece.
- Pack the watch securely and protect it with bubble wrap.
Can you Fix a Cartier Yourself?
It’s your watch and you own it so technically yes. For a high end watch like a Cartier, I do not advise doing your own work other then cleaning and maintenance. Simple tasks like changing the battery or straps, seem innocent enough, but you can actually do damage like scratching it. Then you also must consider how your actions impact the warranty.
Other Resources
For additional assistance with these watches, check the following sites:
- Reddit: Cartier
- Borealis Watch Co Forum: Cartier
- Watch U Seek: Cartier Thread
- Official Cartier Homepage
Cartier Watch Repair Near Me
Cartier french watches have been in existence since 1847. This is an old school classic watch maker, that focuses on high materials and luxury lifestyle. Getting repairs done on their watches or jewelry can be very expensive. Before proceeding with any repair work you should consider how your choice of technician can impact your warranty moving forward. This is what I have learned from the Cartier watch repair near me.
