The plating might have been subjected to acidity from sweat/perspiration or discoloured by perfume/deodorant. Unsure about the strap though. Unless AA has already had it assessed, I think it would be best to confirm authenticity or otherwise with a jeweller.
Quality watches don’t perish, Myster.
I personally don’t care if it’s a fake or genuine, but having checked the Cartier site and how to distinguish between a genuine and fake one, I’m believing them.
They insist there’s always a model number on the back, including a serial number containing six digits and two letters.
Besides all that, I’ve never seen such a dreadful looking watch, ever. And if it’s been sat in a box for 30 years it would be exactly as it was back then.
If it was genuine, JB would have a lot of explaining to do where he got the money from to buy not one, but two — the one he gave to his ex. But unless I saw certification and definite proof I’m choosing to believe Cartier that this piece of tat is a bad fake