Looking at Cartier skeleton pieces for a first “big” watch and I’m confused by how the pricing works. Santos de Cartier Skeleton (steel and the Noctambule), Pasha Skeleton, Tank LC Skeleton, even the Rotonde “mysterious” stuff-MSRPs and market prices seem all over the place.
Could folks help me make sense of the price landscape and what to realistically expect?
- MSRP ballpark today for the common skeleton models, and how often Cartier bumps prices
- Are AD/boutique discounts a thing on skeletons, or are these usually sticker-only? If discounts happen, what ranges have you seen?
- Grey/pre-owned spreads: which variants tend to hold up better (steel Santos Skeleton vs precious metals, Noctambule vs standard)?
- Does having the full bracelet on the Santos Skeleton materially change resale vs strap-only?
- Regional differences: is there a meaningful gap US vs EU after VAT refund, and does warranty/after-sales ever get weird if bought abroad?
- Total cost of ownership: typical service costs for the 96xx MC skeleton calibers, any fragility concerns (lume on Noctambule bridges, crystal risk, water resistance)?
- Authenticity pitfalls: quick tells on real Cartier openworking vs aftermarket “cutouts,” and which papers/boxes matter most for resale
- Timing the market: any seasonal patterns (right after price increases, end-of-year quotas, during/after Watches & Wonders) that improve negotiating odds?
- Do boutiques treat skeletons under “jewelry” discount rules vs “watch” rules, and does that change leverage?
- Insurance/appraisal: do you insure at MSRP even if you paid under, and does that affect future trade-in or claim experiences?
If you’re comfortable sharing, percentages off MSRP and the model/region would be super helpful (no need to post exact prices or dealer names).