| Author | Message | ||
     Kgj New member Username: Kgj Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2011 Rating: N/A |
I've found a number of helpful posts here on watch authentication and appreciate any input on this timepiece: Cartier 18K YG Santos Dumont Movement: Cartier 78X / ETA 2512 Manual Mechanical  1. Dial detail: Notice the flat corners of the border within the dial on the Subject watch compared to Ref. 1 and Ref. 2. 2. Numerals: Thinner more elongated numerals on the Subject as compared to Ref. 1 and Ref. 2. 3. Signature A.: Signed "PARIS" on Ref. 1 compared to "SWISS" on the Subject and Ref. 2. 4. Signature B.: Micro-signature "CARTIER" in "VII" on Ref. 2. No mico-signature is apparent on the Subject or Ref. 1. 5. Crown: Subject: rounded cabochon; Ref. 1: flat cabochon; Ref. 2: faceted cabochon.  1. Serial: Subject: 780970942. Ref. 2: 780972144. 2. Hallmark: Subject has two stampings centered on the back of the case. Ref. 2 features "18K Swiss" hallmark. 3. Signature: Subject features serial above "Paris", Ref. 2 features serial below.  1. Quality: Movement appears unrefined for pre-1970 models from what I understand. Though accurate for an ETA 2512-based movement dating to the mid 1960's. Due to their reputation, I can reasonably assume that Ref. 1 sold at Christie's is an authentic timepiece. My concerns about the subject mostly center around the different numerals, "SWISS" signature, and flat corners in the border of the dial in the which may suggest some replacement or modification, contrary to the description of the piece and all parts as "original". Or these features may quite possibly be appropriate for the production date. |