Short answer

A replica Roadster 38mm is a copy of the Cartier Roadster large model. The genuine watch has a tonneau case 38 mm wide, a sapphire crystal with a date magnifier at 3 o'clock, and a steel bracelet with a hidden clasp. Copies match the outside shape. The movement inside changes with price and seller.

Case and dial details

  • Case: tonneau shape, 38 mm across the middle. Lug to lug is about 44 mm.
  • Crystal: sapphire on the genuine watch. Copies ship with mineral glass or sapphire. Ask before you pay.
  • Date: window at 3 o'clock. The genuine crystal carries a magnifier over it.
  • Crown: screw-down, set in an integrated guard, with a blue synthetic cabochon.
  • Dial: Roman numerals, Cartier script, and Swiss Made at 6 o'clock. Some versions have a guilloche center.
  • Case back: solid steel, no display window.

Movements in 38 mm copies

Movement choice drives price, thickness, and the sound of the second hand.

  1. Chinese quartz. Thin and cheap. The second hand ticks once per second.
  2. DG2813 automatic. 21,600 vph. Early versions do not hack.
  3. Miyota 8215. 21 jewels, 21,600 vph, about 40 hours of power reserve.
  4. ETA 2824 or a Chinese clone. 28,800 vph, hacking, hand winding.

Genuine 38 mm automatic Roadsters use Cartier caliber 049. That caliber is built on an ETA 2892-A2 base with 21 jewels and about 42 hours of power reserve.

Points to check before buying

  • Case width. Measure with calipers. Copies land between 37 mm and 40 mm.
  • Crown action. A screw-down crown should thread clean and stop without grit.
  • Date alignment. A date that sits high or low in the window points to a mismatched dial and movement.
  • End links. Gaps at the lugs show on low-tier copies.
  • Bracelet clasp. The genuine part is a hidden deployment clasp, not a friction clasp.
  • Water resistance. Seals on copies are not tested to any published standard.

Limits

Replica sellers do not publish movement specs. Two watches from one listing can ship with two different movements. Parts and service support do not exist for most copies. Resale value is near zero. Cartier does not service replica watches, and no brand service center will touch them.