A "replica Cartier Baignoire 2717" is not a genuine Cartier product line. It is an unauthorized watch made to imitate the Cartier Baignoire, using a reference number that belongs to a real Cartier case generation. Buying, importing, or reselling one falls under U.S. trademark law as counterfeit goods, with no factory warranty, no Cartier service, and no resale value.
What is the Cartier Baignoire 2717?
The Baignoire is a Cartier dress watch with an elongated oval case, named after the French word for "bathtub." Cartier traces the oval form to a 1912 design and keeps the Baignoire in its current collection. Reference 2717 identifies a specific generation of that small oval case, most often seen in gold with a quartz movement and a cabochon-set crown.
Is a replica Cartier Baignoire 2717 a real watch model?
No. "Replica," "first copy," and "AAA" describe unauthorized copies of a trademarked name and design, not a separate manufacturer's model. There is no Cartier catalog entry, no serial registration, and no parts channel behind them.
What are the risks of buying counterfeit watches?
- Seizure at the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can detain and destroy counterfeit shipments, and the buyer can lose the money paid.
- No service or warranty. Cartier boutiques and authorized watchmakers will not service or supply parts for counterfeit cases and movements.
- Material failures. Gold-plated and base-metal cases flake, tarnish, and can trigger nickel allergies on the wrist.
- Zero resale value. Counterfeits cannot be sold through auctions, dealers, or trade-in programs.
- Seller legal exposure. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries civil liability and, in repeat cases, criminal penalties.
How do you tell a genuine Baignoire from a fake?
Genuine Baignoire cases carry crisp, correctly spelled engraving with a reference and serial number that Cartier can verify. The cabochon crown, dial printing, and "Swiss Made" signature are clean under magnification, and the movement is a Cartier-calibrated caliber. Fakes typically show soft engraving, mismatched reference numbers, and generic movements.
What is a legitimate alternative?
Pre-owned authentic Cartier watches sell through established dealers, auction houses, and certified pre-owned programs at a fraction of new retail. Buyers who want the oval look at a lower budget can also consider entry-level pieces from other watchmakers or a vintage Cartier Tank or Must de Cartier. An authenticated pre-owned watch keeps its value; a counterfeit never does.