Am I being picky?
Discussion
Not necessarily picky if it's out of the ordinary for this kind of watch. Are you able to find out if others of the same design are the same? May just be inherent of that model.
Also doesn't look that bad to me but then I didn't pay for it or know how much it cost haha My quality expectations would different dependent on how much I was paying.
Also doesn't look that bad to me but then I didn't pay for it or know how much it cost haha My quality expectations would different dependent on how much I was paying.

LordGrover said:
Just taken delivery of a beautiful new watch that I've wanted for a while.
Smitten is an understatement, but on a not-so-close inspection, the bracelet/buckle is gappy...


Should I request replacement, or is this to be expected/acceptable?
Hi GroverSmitten is an understatement, but on a not-so-close inspection, the bracelet/buckle is gappy...


Should I request replacement, or is this to be expected/acceptable?
Cartier is essentially a high end jewellery house. If it is new, it should be better than that.
Popped into nearest WoS (Goldsmiths), not a Cartier specialist. They' said they'd take it in and return it for inspection/repair/replacement, but we all know that'll take weeks, maybe to-ing & fro-ing, definitely hassle.
The better part of valour is discretion; life's too short.
I've decided to live with it.
Absolutely love the watch... far and away the most beautiful and comfortable watch I've ever owned, or likely to own.
Almost dreading the first scratch, but I accept it'll come, and many more I'm sure.
The better part of valour is discretion; life's too short.

I've decided to live with it.
Absolutely love the watch... far and away the most beautiful and comfortable watch I've ever owned, or likely to own.
Almost dreading the first scratch, but I accept it'll come, and many more I'm sure.
Looking at the size of that gap I think you can rule out slop due to manufacturing tolerances.
I think you can also rule out wear and tear.
From your photos it looks very much like it is designed to be like that, neither the seller, nor the manufacturer will be able to magically make the gap smaller.
I think you made a wise choice not to send it back to "see what they can do." I strongly suspect the only viable options are, live with it, or reject it.
Unless there's some kind of clever hidden micro-adjustment that can't be seen because it's clever. And hidden.
I think you can also rule out wear and tear.
From your photos it looks very much like it is designed to be like that, neither the seller, nor the manufacturer will be able to magically make the gap smaller.
I think you made a wise choice not to send it back to "see what they can do." I strongly suspect the only viable options are, live with it, or reject it.
Unless there's some kind of clever hidden micro-adjustment that can't be seen because it's clever. And hidden.
BrokenSkunk said:
Looking at the size of that gap I think you can rule out slop due to manufacturing tolerances.
I think you can also rule out wear and tear.
From your photos it looks very much like it is designed to be like that, neither the seller, nor the manufacturer will be able to magically make the gap smaller.
I think you made a wise choice not to send it back to "see what they can do." I strongly suspect the only viable options are, live with it, or reject it.
Unless there's some kind of clever hidden micro-adjustment that can't be seen because it's clever. And hidden.
If it is a new watch, I may be tempted to go to a Cartier dealer (or better still Cartier themselves on Bond Street) and compare with another watch. Again, if it is a new watch, Cartier might be able to take the situation in hand immediately.I think you can also rule out wear and tear.
From your photos it looks very much like it is designed to be like that, neither the seller, nor the manufacturer will be able to magically make the gap smaller.
I think you made a wise choice not to send it back to "see what they can do." I strongly suspect the only viable options are, live with it, or reject it.
Unless there's some kind of clever hidden micro-adjustment that can't be seen because it's clever. And hidden.
If it were me, I would always regret not having it sorted, if indeed it is a manufacturing fault. If you are going to send it back, I'd be tempted to run it for a few months to see how the timekeeping is. Then get them to regulate it too if needed.
I have been in your position and, in the long run, have always been pleased that I got things done correctly.
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