Short answer
A Pasha Cartier 2020 copy is a replica of the Pasha de Cartier that Cartier relaunched in 2020, offered in 41mm and 35mm cases with the signature chained crown cap. Copies fall into clear tiers, and the difference between a passable one and a poor one shows up in four places: the crown cap and its chain, the dial printing around the four large numerals, the bracelet hardware, and the movement inside. Check those four first, then work through the rest of the watch.
What the 2020 Pasha actually is
Cartier reissued the Pasha in 2020 with a round case, a square inner dial zone, four oversized Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, a screw-down crown cover attached by a small chain, and a sapphire caseback on most references. Steel 41mm versions run about 9.5mm thick with a date at 3 o'clock and the in-house 1847 MC automatic, rated near 100m. The 2020 reissue also introduced tool-free bracelet sizing (SmartLink) and quick-release strap changes (QuickSwitch). Any copy claiming to match the 2020 model has to reproduce those points, not the older Pasha references.
Inspection checklist
- Measure the case with calipers. Confirm 41mm or 35mm across, and confirm thickness within a few tenths of a millimeter of the genuine figure. Oversized or thick cases are the most common flaw.
- Work the crown cap. It should hinge open and closed with even resistance, sit flush against the case when shut, and carry deep, legible engraving on the face.
- Pull the chain gently. Links should articulate freely with no sharp burrs, and the attachment point at the case lug should be solid, not a decorative stub.
- Examine the dial under a 10x loupe. The four numerals should have consistent stroke weight, the minute track should be sharp, and the printing should sit flat with no fuzz at the edges.
- Check the date window on 41mm versions. The aperture should be square with clean cut edges, and the disc should center the numeral without sitting high or low.
- Test the bracelet. Confirm the quick-release levers move without tools and that the removable link screws have properly finished heads and clean threads.
- Flip the watch. Caseback engraving should be crisp and correctly spelled, and the reference format should match the size and metal of the watch you are looking at.
- Run it on a timegrapher. Ask for rate, amplitude and beat error readings. A healthy automatic should sit within about plus or minus 15 seconds per day with low beat error.
Movement checks
Most copies use either a decorated Asian automatic or a modified Miyota. Ask which, and ask for a photo of the movement through the display back. Genuine 1847 MC movements are finished with specific Geneva stripes, blued screws and Cartier engraving, and a copy that mimics the layout will usually show softer engraving and coarser perlage. A closed caseback is not a defect on its own, but it removes your ability to verify anything.
Red flags
- Listings that use only catalog or boutique photos with no images of the actual watch.
- Claims of being identical to the genuine article with no movement, measurement or weight details.
- Sellers who refuse timegrapher readings, dated photos, or a return window.
- Water resistance claims without a pressure test. Treat any unverified rating as splash-only.
Legal note
Replica watches infringe Cartier trademarks. Importing counterfeits into the United States is prohibited and shipments can be seized, and selling them is illegal. Buy with that risk in mind, and note that a copy carries no resale value and no service support from Cartier.