What a Replica Cartier Santos Medium Is
A replica Cartier Santos Medium is a copy of the Cartier Santos de Cartier in the medium size. The genuine watch measures 35.1 mm wide and 41.9 mm lug to lug. It uses a steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a QuickSwitch bracelet system. Replica versions range from low grade to high grade. High grade replicas often use a Swiss ETA or clone movement. They aim to match the case shape, dial print, and bracelet screws. The goal for a buyer is to identify which replica gets the visible details right.
Key Specs to Verify
- Measure the case. The medium Santos is 35.1 mm across the case, not the bezel. Check the lug to lug distance at 41.9 mm. A wrong size is the easiest tell.
- Check the crown. The genuine has a blue synthetic spinel or a blue cabochon. Replicas often use glass or plastic. The crown should sit flush and have seven sides.
- Inspect the crystal. Sapphire should show no distortion at angles. Mineral glass or cheap sapphire will show haze.
- Look at the dial. The Roman numerals must be crisp. The "Cartier" print should be sharp, not fuzzy. The secret signature in the VII numeral is present on some versions. It is a tiny "Cartier" inside the numeral.
- Test the bracelet. The Santos has screws on the links. On the genuine, the screws are functional and removable. Many replicas use fake screw heads or glue. Check if the screws line up and if the bracelet flexes without gaps.
Movement and Case Back
Open the case back if you can. The genuine medium Santos uses the Cartier 1847 MC automatic movement. Replicas use a Miyota 9015, a Swiss ETA 2892, or a clone 1847. A Miyota 9015 is reliable but beats at 28,800 vph. The clone 1847 may have a decorated rotor. Look for engravings on the rotor and bridges. Poor engraving is a sign of a low grade replica. The case back should have correct reference numbers and a sapphire window if the model calls for one.
Bracelet and Dial Checks
The Santos bracelet has a distinctive screw pattern. On the medium, the links taper from 20 mm at the lugs to 18 mm at the clasp. Check the clasp. It should have a double folding buckle with the Cartier logo. The logo must be raised, not printed. The dial should have a matte or sunray finish depending on the version. The blue dial is popular. Replicas often get the shade wrong. Compare to photos from Cartier. The hands should be sword shaped and polished. The lume is minimal on the Santos. If a replica has heavy lume, it is wrong.
Final Inspection Steps
- Weigh the watch. A genuine medium Santos is about 100 grams with all links. A replica under 80 grams uses cheap metal.
- Check the date window. The medium Santos has a date at 3 o'clock. The font should match Cartier. The window should be beveled.
- Test the QuickSwitch. The genuine has a release button on the end link. Replicas may have a fake button or none at all.
- Ask for a video. See the seconds hand sweep. A smooth sweep indicates a high beat movement. A stutter indicates a low beat or quartz.
- Compare to official photos. Use the Cartier site as your reference. Do not trust dealer photos alone.