Wow. That's very interesting and a little scary. I too have heard stories of bracelets falling off because of the new screw system. Don't know how Cartier could keep selling them like that :/ At least they gave you a new one!
yes it is. When I exchanged the bracelet, I asked the SA what are they going to do with the bracelet and she said they are going to send it off for polish and sell it again. That's scarier.
I don't know if they really do that or she just said that because she herself has no idea.