A Cartier model name such as Tank or Santos won't identify one individual watch. To check for an existing lost or stolen report, find the serial on the specific piece and compare it with the paperwork before you buy.
Confirm the identifier
Ask the seller which number is the serial and request a clear photo of the engraving. Compare it with the receipt, warranty record, or service document. Cartier watch layouts differ, so ask a qualified watchmaker if you can't locate or read the number.
Search before handing over money
Enter the verified serial and save the dated result. A match requires follow-up with the database service and a pause in the transaction. A no-match means no matching report was found among the records checked at that moment.
Keep the other questions separate
A theft search does not authenticate a Cartier, confirm its service history, or prove the seller owns it. If those questions matter, arrange an inspection and ask for records that identify the watch.
If the serial on the watch and paperwork differ, don't assume it is an innocent typo. Resolve the discrepancy before paying.
Check a Cartier Serial
Search the individual number after you confirm it belongs to the watch being sold.