Short answer
A replica Clé de Cartier medium is a copy of Cartier's 35 mm Clé de Cartier automatic. Good copies match the case diameter at 35 mm, the thickness at about 10.1 mm, and the key-shaped crown. They do not match the movement. The real watch runs the Cartier 1847 MC, an in-house automatic. Most replicas use a generic automatic from Asia or a quartz module. Weight, bracelet finishing, and dial printing are the parts that differ most.
Real watch reference points
- Case: 35 mm diameter, about 10.1 mm thick, steel or 18k gold.
- Crown: key shape, set with a blue or ruby cabochon on some versions.
- Movement: Cartier 1847 MC automatic, 42-hour power reserve.
- Crystal: sapphire on the front and the case back.
- Water resistance: listed at 30 m on the steel model.
- Bracelet: steel with a hidden clasp, or an alligator strap.
What replicas get right
Case diameter and crown shape. Most medium replicas use a 35 mm case, and the key crown is the easiest part to copy. Dial layout, Roman numerals, and the rail track are close on mid tier and top tier units. Steel cases are common in 316L. A few sellers claim 904L.
What replicas get wrong
Weight. A real steel Clé medium on a full bracelet sits around 100 to 120 g. Many replicas land 20 to 40 g lighter because the links are hollow or thin. End links show gaps at the lugs. Dial printing is thicker. The cabochon on the crown is glass, not corundum. Case back engraving is shallow. Movement finishing does not match. Crystals on low tiers are mineral glass, which scratches.
How to check one in hand
- Measure the case with calipers. Real: 35.0 mm across the bezel, crown excluded.
- Weigh it. Under 90 g on a steel bracelet points to hollow links.
- Turn the crown. It should move the hands and pull to two positions.
- Inspect dial print at 10x. Real printing has clean edges.
- Check the crystal for scratches. Mineral glass marks in weeks of daily wear. Sapphire does not.
Price tiers
Listed seller prices fall into three bands. Quartz copies: $30 to $80. Mid tier automatics: $150 to $300. Top tier units with a decorated automatic and solid links: $350 to $600. Bracelet versus strap shifts the price by $30 to $60. No replica at any price carries a Cartier 1847 MC.
Legal and practical notes
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize a shipment. Cartier is a Richemont brand and enforces its trademarks. Resale value is zero. Service is the other problem. Cartier will not work on a replica, and many independent watchmakers will not stock parts for one.