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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to get my Cartier at an official Cartier Store?
Short answer: no.
Many highly skilled independent watchmakers can service Cartier watches to an excellent standard, often with faster turnaround times and lower costs than official service centres. For routine servicing, maintenance and even full mechanical overhauls, a reputable independent watchmaker is often a perfectly sensible choice.
The key is choosing a watchmaker with proven experience working on luxury Swiss watches and access to genuine or equivalent-quality parts. When done correctly, independent servicing does not affect how the watch wears, performs or looks, and can be a more practical option for everyday owners.
That said, official Cartier servicing can be beneficial for certain situations — such as very high-value models, rare or collectible pieces, or when maintaining a complete factory service history is important for future resale.
At James Patten Fine Watches, we can help you decide whether an authorised Cartier service or a trusted independent watchmaker is the best option based on your specific model, usage and long-term plans.
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Do Cartier watches go up in Value
Here’s a short, clean FAQ-ready answer you can drop straight onto the site:
Are Cartier watches a good investment?
Short answer: yes — but with some nuance.
Cartier watches generally hold their value extremely well, often retaining 80–90% of retail on the secondary market. While most models don’t appreciate as aggressively as Rolex or Patek Philippe, Cartier watches are highly liquid and easy to resell due to strong global demand.
Certain models do appreciate, particularly icons like the Cartier Crash, mechanical (automatic or hand-wound) models such as the Santos and Tank Louis, and limited editions from the Cartier Privé collection. In Australia, demand for models like the Santos de Cartier has surged, with secondary prices often matching or exceeding retail when boutique stock is limited.
To maximise long-term value, always keep the full set (box and papers), maintain excellent condition, and service through authorised Cartier centres. For many collectors, Cartier represents a stable luxury asset that balances wearability, brand heritage and value retention.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the items in your order. You will always know the shipping price before you purchase.
