Cartier Tortue Strap Change: Screw Material Question

blau · 2019-09-11T14:55:34Z

New Cartier Tortue owner asks about changing straps and the material of lug screws. Get expert advice on maintaining luxury watch screws.

Blau's spontaneous acquisition of a Cartier Tortue Mono Poussoir sparks a practical inquiry about strap changes, specifically concerning the material of Cartier's lug screws. This post delves into the nuances of maintaining luxury timepieces and the community's advice on DIY versus professional strap adjustments.

I am the very lucky new owner of this amazing Cartier (my first Cartier). It was bought on an impulse--which is not my usual way. I'm usually slow, like a tortoise, in choosing a watch, but I tried this one on and, quick as a jackrabbit, that was it: I bought the Tortue.

Now here's my question. I like to change straps on my watches. But this is the first watch I've ever owned that has a screw standing between me and the spring bar. My question is, are Cartier (especially, Cartier Collection Privee) screws made of gold, or something harder?

If the screwhead is gold, I am not even going to try it. I'll let the local watchmaker do the strap changes for me. But if it isn't, I might give it a try myself.

Any knowledge, any advice?

Thanks,

Ian

Key Points from the Discussion

Cartier Tortue screws are often made of gold or a softer material, making them susceptible to damage during strap changes, so caution is advised.
Frequent disassembly and reassembly of screws on soft cases, especially with gold screws, is not recommended due to potential damage.
Some owners opt to replace the original screw bars with regular spring bars to facilitate easier and more frequent strap changes, while keeping the original screws safe.
A contributor successfully changed straps on their Tortue multiple times, but noted Cartier boutiques insisted on taking the watch in for 'observation' when only new screws were requested.
The Cartier Tortue Mono Poussoir, particularly with the 8-day JLC movement, is a highly regarded and less common model.

The Discussion

Centurionone

Sep 11, 2019

Beautiful monopoussoir chronograph! [nt]

ChristianDK

Sep 11, 2019

Very nice

i have come close several times to pulling the trigger on this piece. The back story is also quite nice 👍

blau

Sep 11, 2019

You mean the designers of the movement? I like that, too. [nt]

ChristianDK

Sep 11, 2019

Yes, exactly.

A very cool team 😉

templetowers

Sep 11, 2019

Just a guess, but I think they will be gold, if it was a harder material then the case thread would wear faster which is not a good thing. My white gold Breguet has gold screws for the same

reason & they are a real pain when strap changing as they can be damaged easily - I would double check & leave it to Cartier. Wonderful watch BTW

blau

Sep 11, 2019

That's why I'm asking--gold is too easily damaged for the likes of me! [nt]

Cartier Tortue Strap Change: Screw Material Question

Key Points from the Discussion

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