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

ChristianDK

Sep 11, 2019

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

templetowers

Sep 11, 2019

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

mpg13

Sep 11, 2019

First if you want to change the strap change it to something you like long term. Frequent disassembly and reassembly of soft screws and or a soft case is a bad idea. Second make sure the watchmaker who does it for you has no problem shaping a screwdriver to fit if that's necessary. With gold screws a 100% fit is best. It's a fantastic watch enjoy it.

halgedahl

Sep 11, 2019

watchmaker. It's simply too perfect as it is. You will find someone; there is no hurry. End of sermon! FH

blau

Sep 11, 2019

I had the shop change the strap to the one pictured here when I bought it.

blau

Sep 11, 2019

That probably means I should stick with this strap for a while--I like the combo a lot. I thought it might be fun to switch it between this lighter brown ostrich and a darker brown alligator, but if I'm going to stick with one for a while, the right one is already on there.

Cartier Tortue Strap Change: Screw Material Question

Key Points from the Discussion

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