Answer First
A fake Cartier Baignoire 2717 copy is judged on five points: oval case proportions, dial printing, crown cabochon, caseback engraving, and movement access. The 2717 code appears in replica listings as seller shorthand for a small Baignoire style, not as a clean official Cartier reference. Confirm the case size first, then inspect the details below.
What "Baignoire 2717" Means in Listings
Baignoire means bathtub, and the model uses an elongated oval case. Sellers use 2717 to group a small yellow gold style with a quartz or mechanical movement. Treat the number as a listing code. Ask for case dimensions in millimeters, lug width, crystal shape, and movement type before you compare photos.
What to Inspect on a Baignoire Copy
- Case shape: the oval should taper in a smooth curve, with no flat spots at the 12 and 6 positions.
- Dial print: Roman numerals should sit on a clean track, with even spacing and sharp serifs.
- Crown: the cabochon should sit in a metal seat, not on a glued dome.
- Caseback: engraving depth, font, and alignment matter more than the text alone.
- Hands: sword or baton hands should reach the minute track without crossing it.
- Crystal: the edge should follow the case curve with no cloudy gap.
Step-by-Step Buying Check
- Ask the seller for the exact case dimensions and compare them to the official Baignoire size you want.
- Request a straight-on dial photo and check the numeral spacing at 12 and 6.
- Look at the crown cabochon under direct light and confirm the color is even.
- Read the caseback stamping for font weight, depth, and centered alignment.
- Confirm the movement type and whether the caseback opens for service.
- Get the return policy and water-resistance claim in writing before payment.
Red Flags
- Oval case with a pinched waist or a wide flat base.
- Printed numerals that blur at the edges.
- Crown cabochon that sits above the case or spins.
- Caseback text that runs off center or uses uneven spacing.
- Stock photos only, with no image of the actual watch.
- A seller who will not state the movement type or case size.
Questions to Ask Before Payment
- What is the case width and length in millimeters?
- Is the movement quartz or mechanical, and which caliber?
- Does the crown cabochon sit in a metal seat?
- Can you send a close photo of the caseback engraving?
- What is the return window if the case shape is wrong?
Do not rely on weight alone. A heavy copy can still have the wrong oval curve. Compare the case profile, dial print, and crown seat as a set. If the seller cannot supply clear photos of those three areas, move on.