What is a replica Cartier watch?
A replica Cartier watch is a copy of a Cartier design. It uses the Cartier name and logo without permission. Replicas range from $30 to $1,000. Genuine Cartier watches cost $3,000 to $150,000. The gap comes from materials, movement, and labor.
Materials
Genuine Cartier cases use 18k gold or platinum. Replicas use stainless steel with gold plating. Plating wears off in 6 to 24 months. Sapphire crystals on genuine models resist scratches. Many replicas use mineral glass. Mineral glass scratches in weeks.
Movements
Cartier uses Swiss-made mechanical movements. Examples include the Calibre 1847 MC. Replicas use Chinese or Japanese movements. Common movements are the Seiko NH35 or a clone of the ETA 2824. A genuine Cartier movement has 20 to 40 jewels. A replica movement has 17 to 25 jewels. Accuracy varies: genuine watches run within -3 to +5 seconds per day. Replicas run within -20 to +40 seconds per day.
Legal status in the US
US law prohibits importing counterfeit goods. The Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 sets penalties. First offense fines reach $2 million and 10 years in prison. US Customs and Border Protection seizes replica watches at ports. A single replica watch can lead to seizure and a fine. Selling replicas on a website violates the Lanham Act.
How to identify a replica
Check the caseback. Genuine Cartier casebacks have a serial number and a reference number. Replicas often have the same number on many units. Check the crown. Genuine Cartier crowns have a synthetic spinel or sapphire cabochon. Replicas use glass or plastic. Check the dial. Genuine dials have crisp printing. Replica dials have blurry text. Check the weight. A genuine steel Cartier Santos weighs about 120 grams. A replica weighs about 90 grams.
Common Cartier models copied
- Santos de Cartier
- Tank
- Ballon Bleu
- Panthère
- Ronde
These models have distinct shapes. The Santos has a square case with exposed screws. The Tank has a rectangular case with brancards. The Ballon Bleu has a rounded case and a blue cabochon crown.
Price ranges
Replica prices vary by quality. Low-end replicas cost $30 to $80. Mid-range replicas cost $100 to $300. High-end replicas cost $400 to $1,000. High-end replicas may use a Swiss ETA movement. They still lack the Cartier warranty and service network.
Genuine Cartier watches come with a 2-year international warranty. Cartier offers service at boutiques. Replicas have no warranty. No authorized repair center will service a replica.