Cartier Watch Service

[BaltimoreJenny]

Hi guys,
I work at a Cartier stockist in the UK, so I'm not sure how it works in the US, but this is what generally happens here.
All Cartier watches are sent to the same one workshop in London, and watches under guarantee take priority. Each watch is dismantled, examined and assessed, and you usually receive an estimate for the work required- this is communicated via the store you took it to, unless you have already agreed to a price- again, this wait can increase the length of time it takes for the watch to be returned.
Battery replacements in the UK take around 4- 6 working weeks, and a complete movement overhaul can take anywhere from 8- 12 weeks, more if the watch has to be returned to Switzerland due to age/ availability of parts.
They do a really good job on the watches; I believe if you have a battery replacement the whole watch and bracelet is cleaned with an ultra- sonic machine, but if you have a full service, you also have a complimentary best possible polishing, which makes the watch look as good as new.
I would be expecting the watch back any day now. However, often when I call Cartier to chase a repair for a client, the operators are busy or there's an answer machine service, so it can be very difficult to get an update for a client- maybe that's what's happened in your case?
I hope you get the watch back soon though!
Xxx

Thank you MissLCake. I really appreciate getting the inside scoop from you and now my mind really is at ease. I chose to not have the watched polished since it's only recommended a few times during the watch's life, and I prefer the look of the patina (plus, I don't have enough scratches on it to warrant a polish yet.

It still is rather worrisome to have my beautiful creation out of my possession for so long, but I guess this is the only option in order to have a Cartier professional work on it. It is the same situation here as you described in the UK…the watches are sent out to one main workshop which is in Texas.

Thank you again for taking the time to explain things to me. I will keep you posted! Have a wonderful weekend.