What to do if you spot a fake Pasha de Cartier at auction
Do not bid. Tell the auction house. Auction specialists can withdraw the lot. If you win a fake, you may have recourse. But the process takes time. Most auction houses state that all lots are sold "as is."
Fake Pasha de Cartier New: What You Need to Know
How auction houses handle counterfeit watches
Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips employ watch specialists. These specialists examine every lot. They check movement, case, dial, and paperwork. If a specialist finds a fake, the house pulls the lot from the sale. Some houses also ban consignors who submit fakes.
How to identify a fake Pasha de Cartier
Crown and chain
The Pasha de Cartier has a screw-down crown cap. A small chain links the cap to the case. Fakes often use a plain cap. The chain may be missing or too thick. The cap on a real Pasha turns smooth. A fake cap feels gritty.
Movement and caseback
Real Pasha watches use Cartier calibers. Common references include 2398, 2528, and 2727. Fakes often use ETA or Miyota movements. Look at the caseback engravings. Real engravings are crisp. Fake engravings look shallow or blurry. The reference number font is wrong on many fakes.
Fake Pasha de Cartier for Sale: Buyer's Guide and Red Flags
Dial and hands
The dial on a real Pasha has a square inner track. The date window sits at 3 o'clock. Fake dials often have a round track. The hands on a real Pasha are sword-shaped. Fake hands are too thin or too short. The lume on fake hands is uneven.
Risks of buying a fake at auction
- You lose your money. Most auction houses do not refund counterfeit goods.
- You cannot resell the watch. Dealers and auction houses will reject it.
- You may face legal issues. Selling counterfeit goods is illegal in the US.
Steps before you bid
- Request a condition report. Ask for photos of the movement, caseback, and crown.
- Check the serial number with Cartier. Cartier does not authenticate watches for free. But they can confirm a serial number.
- Compare the lot to known real examples. Use auction archives from Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips.
- Ask the auction house for the provenance. A real Pasha often comes with box and papers.
What happens after a sale
If you buy a fake, contact the auction house. Some houses will cancel the sale. Others will not. Read the terms and conditions. The terms often state that the buyer must prove the watch is fake. That proof can cost $500 or more. You may need a written opinion from a Cartier specialist.