Short answer
The number 2717 is not a Cartier reference. Cartier publishes Baignoire references in the WGBA format, such as WGBA0007 and WGBA0019, and every genuine caseback, warranty card, and box label carries that same number. When a listing calls a watch a Cartier Baignoire 2717, the 2717 is a seller or factory code. Treat the watch as a counterfeit until the seller shows a WGBA reference that Cartier itself publishes for that model.
What the 2717 code means in a listing
Replica sellers use short numeric codes to sort models across factories, batches, and price tiers. These codes change often and they appear on no Cartier document. A genuine Baignoire has its reference engraved on the caseback, printed on the warranty card, and listed on the invoice from an authorized dealer. If a seller shows only 2717 and no WGBA reference, the listing describes a replica, not a Cartier watch.
Before you start
- A 10x jeweler's loupe for dial and hallmark checks.
- Digital calipers for case and lug measurements.
- The Cartier product page for the exact model, open for side-by-side comparison.
- A watchmaker who will open the caseback for a small fee.
How to check a Baignoire for authenticity
- Ask the seller for a clear photo of the caseback engraving.
- Read the reference number on that engraving.
- Confirm the reference starts with WGBA and matches a Baignoire listing published by Cartier.
- Measure the case with calipers.
- Compare those measurements with the dimensions Cartier lists for that reference.
- Examine the crown cabochon for color, cut, and fit against the case.
- Inspect the dial print with a loupe, checking the Cartier signature, the Roman numerals, and the SWISS MADE mark.
- Have a watchmaker open the caseback.
- Note the movement caliber and the finishing on the bridges and rotor.
- Compare the serial number on the caseback with the serial on the warranty card and the box label.
- Request the original invoice and the service history from an authorized dealer.
- Book an authentication at a Cartier boutique before you send any payment.
Common red flags
- A reference number that does not follow the WGBA format.
- A price far below the resale range for a steel or gold Baignoire.
- Stock photos instead of photos of the actual watch.
- No warranty card, no box, and no purchase invoice.
- A seller who refuses a caseback photo or an in-person inspection.
- Hallmarks that are stamped shallow, off-center, or missing the metal purity mark.
- Case dimensions that differ from the Cartier spec sheet by more than a fraction of a millimeter.
Legal and practical risks
Buying a counterfeit watch breaks U.S. trademark law. Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy counterfeit goods at import, and the buyer loses both the money and the watch. Counterfeits also fail in service: parts do not fit, plating wears through, and no Cartier boutique or authorized service center will repair the piece. Resale value sits near zero, and marketplaces pull counterfeit listings once the brand reports them.
What to do instead
If you want the Baignoire shape at a lower price, buy a pre-owned genuine example from a dealer who provides the WGBA reference, the serial, and the service record. Pre-owned Cartier pieces hold value, come with a service path, and can be authenticated at any point. A replica with a 2717 listing gives you none of that.