Short answer
A faux Cartier Santos de Cartier is a watch that copies the Cartier Santos de Cartier case, dial, and bracelet text but holds no Cartier parts. The word "faux" is French for fake. Sellers use "replica," "clone," or "1:1" instead. The watches copy two designs: the Santos de Cartier with an automatic movement, and the slimmer Santos-Dumont. Prices run from $50 to $400. A steel Santos de Cartier from Cartier runs near $7,000 at US retail as of 2024.
Replica Watch Cartier Santos de Cartier
The original: four dates
- 1904. Louis Cartier designs a wristwatch for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.
- 1911. The Santos enters series production.
- 1978. A steel Santos with an integrated bracelet sets the modern template: square case, exposed bezel screws, no lugs.
- 2018. Relaunch with the 1847 MC automatic movement, QuickSwitch strap release, and SmartLink bracelet links that remove without tools.
Numbers a fake has to match
Santos de Cartier Large: 39.8 mm wide, 47.5 mm lug to lug, about 9 mm thick. Movement 1847 MC, automatic, 4 Hz, 42-hour power reserve, 23 jewels. Water resistance 100 m. Medium: 35.1 mm by 41.9 mm. Santos-Dumont Large: 46.6 mm by 33.9 mm, quartz, solid caseback. Cartier publishes these figures per reference. Confirm the number on the caseback against the dial and bracelet.
Counterfeit Cartier Santos de Cartier: How to Spot a Fake
Common flaws on faux versions
- Quartz movement where the reference uses the 1847 MC automatic.
- Bezel screw slots cut at one angle across all four screws. On genuine watches the slots sit at mixed angles.
- Mineral glass instead of sapphire. It scratches after light wear.
- Base metal under plating with a steel color. A magnet sticks to some examples.
- Dial text in a wrong typeface, or a date window with a cut-off numeral.
- Caseback engraving with a reference number that does not match the dial.
Legal status in the US
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320. US Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments. Cartier does not service or authenticate counterfeits. Resale platforms pull listings after a trademark complaint.
fake watch cartier santos de cartier
Checklist before you buy or compare
- Write down the full reference number, for example WSSA0018, and compare case, dial, and bracelet.
- Ask for a photo of the caseback and the movement.
- Weigh the watch on a kitchen scale and compare the number to the reference.
- Check the crown cabochon. Steel references use a blue spinel.
- Confirm the Cartier name at 12 and "Swiss Made" at 6 on the dial.
- Treat a "Swiss made" claim on a $150 watch as unverified.
What is unknown
Cartier does not publish production numbers for the Santos line. No public count of counterfeit Santos watches exists. Customs seizure data covers all watch brands together, not one model.