[sooperficial]

I have a vintage Cartier Santos watch, with the octagonal face in stainless steel and 18 kt gold with a sapphire dial, that stopped working around last year. I took it to a local jeweler that sells/repairs Cartier and they told me it looked like the watch had somehow sustained water damage (there is even a small stain on the face of the dial!) And to top it off, one of the links in the bracelet broke and they told me I might have to get a new bracelet! I know that the maintenance and repair costs for a high end item are ALWAYS expensve, and I don't think I can afford the repair costs.

Soooo....should I hold on to it and get it repaired when I have the money (which won't be anytime in the next 10 years) or sell it as-is on ebay or some other way.


Keep or sell? I really am torn on what to do!

[pinksugar]

keep. In the condition it is in, you will not get it's worth on ebay.

I would ask for a quote at a reputable jeweller and ask if they have payment options (weekly, monthly, whatever ) It may turn out to be more affordable than you think.

If they quote you too high a price, either try elsewhere or wait until you can save up a bit.

As a museum studies student, I would keep it for the sentimental value, but also the historical value, haha, although I'm no expert! I'd love to see it! best of luck with it anyway

[Anna]

KEEP IT. do NOT sell as is. like rosie said, talk to the jeweler see if you can work out a payment plan. that is...wow. WOW.

[sooperficial]

Eeek I didn't realize this was a total bird brain idea about selling. lol From what the jeweler told me, the watch needs to be sent to Cartier. At this point they are the only ones that can get the watch back to working condition. I am also wondering if I *DO* need a new bracelet for it, if I might get credit for the bracelet it has now. I am just scared to think how much the actual repair cost is going to be, especially if it needs to go directly to Cartier. :/ Thanks for the advice girls.

[kcam125]

keep it!

[S. Lisa Smith]

Keep it. Someday you will have the money to fix it and you will regret selling it. I'd also check around, I'll bet it doesn't have to go back to Cartier. Rolex has authorized repair centers and other watchmakers work on them, perhaps it works that way with Cartier watches.

[blueangel1023]

If it were me, I'd keep the watch. When you bought it last yr, did it come with a warranty? Usually warranties are good for up to a yr, but higher brand watches would be 2-5 yrs. You would think Cartier should have lifetime guarantee for the watches. You should ask them to give you a price quote on how much would it be to repair it. It never hurts to ask.

[Bec688]

I'd keep it, find out how much it will be to fix it and start putting away a little bit of money each week until you have saved enough to fix it, or like Rosie said, see if they have any payment plans you can take up. I'd also keep it for sentimental value.. you'll probably regret selling it otherwise.