Short answer
A cloned Pasha Must 35mm is a replica of the steel Cartier Pasha de Cartier in the 35mm case. The 35mm size is the one Cartier launched in 1985. Steel Pasha C and Must versions from the 1990s are the models most often copied. A correct clone measures 35mm across the case, about 9.5mm thick, and runs a quartz movement. Many do not.
What the 35mm Pasha is
Cartier released the Pasha de Cartier in 1985. Gerald Genta designed the case. The first size was 35mm. Gold cases came first. Steel versions followed in the 1990s under the Pasha C and Must names, priced below the gold line. The case has a screw-down crown cap on a short chain, Vendome lugs, and a dial with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. Cartier does not publish a full list of which references carry the word Must. Second-hand dealers use the term for steel, quartz, 35mm Pasha watches from that decade.
Counterfeit Pasha Must 35mm Watch Guide
Numbers to check
- Case diameter: 35mm, measured across the case, crown cap excluded.
- Thickness: about 9.5mm on quartz models.
- Lug width: 18mm on most 35mm references.
- Weight: 90g to 120g on a steel bracelet, based on link count.
- Crystal: sapphire on the original.
- Water resistance: 30m or 100m, based on reference.
A clone sold as 35mm often measures 36mm to 38mm. That is the first item to check with calipers.
Knockoff Pasha Must 35mm: Specs, Checks and Honest Options
Movement
1990s 35mm steel Pasha watches used quartz movements. The common calibre was 057. Clones use Swiss ETA quartz, Ronda quartz, or Japanese quartz. Some clones use a low-grade automatic movement with a spinning rotor. A quartz clone has a ticking seconds hand. Automatic versions sweep. Original casebacks are solid steel with reference and serial numbers.
Top Fake Pasha Must 35mm Watches
Tells on cloned Pasha Must 35mm
- Crown chain. On the original the links are fine and move with the cap. On clones the links are thick and the cap does not seat flush.
- Dial print. The Cartier script on clones is thin or uneven. The secret signature inside the VII numeral is often absent.
- Numerals. Original Arabic numerals have sharp edges. Clone numerals look soft under 10x magnification.
- Bracelet screws. Original screws sit flush. Clone screws sit proud or strip.
- Caseback font. Clone engraving is shallow and reference numbers do not match known 35mm references.
Price and legal status
Second-hand steel 35mm Pasha watches trade from about $2,000 to $4,500, based on box, papers, and condition. Clones sell from $80 to $400. Selling or importing a counterfeit watch is illegal in the US and the EU. US Customs can seize the item at the border.