Benedict Cumberbatch -- Good Genes or Good Docs?

Benedict Cumberbatch's good looks can bend time!

Here's a 28-year-old version of the British babe grinning while in Monaco back in 2004 (left) and 14 years later ... the "Dr. Strange" superstar -- who celebrated his 42nd birthday earlier this week -- flashing his signature smirk while in London a few months back (right).

It's strange how well he's aged.

The question is ...