The phrase "fake Rolex Cle de Cartier steel" mixes two brands. Rolex and Cartier are separate makers. A steel Cartier Cle de Cartier is one watch. A steel Rolex Submariner or Datejust is another. Replica sellers use the phrase to catch search traffic. Watches shipped under it are Cartier Cle de Cartier copies in steel, Rolex copies in steel, or both.
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Cartier Cle de Cartier steel: factory specs
Cartier released the Cle de Cartier in 2015. Steel references came in 31 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, and 41 mm cases. The crown is shaped like a key and set with a sapphire cabochon. Movements: caliber 1847 MC automatic for the 40 mm and 41 mm, quartz caliber 057 for some smaller references. Sapphire crystal. Water resistance runs 30 m to 100 m by reference.
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Retail price for a steel Cle de Cartier ran from about $5,700 to $7,900 before tax. Cartier discontinued several steel references. Secondhand steel models trade at $3,000 to $6,000.
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Rolex steel: the alloy
Rolex uses 904L stainless steel, branded Oystersteel. The alloy carries more chromium, nickel, and molybdenum than 316L. Most replica cases use 316L. The gap shows in corrosion resistance, polish depth, and weight on a scale.
Points that separate a replica from a real watch
- Case metal: 904L on Rolex, 316L on most replicas. Cartier uses 316L on both the real watch and the copy, so check the movement instead.
- Movement: a real Cartier 1847 MC beats at 28,800 vph with 23 jewels. Replica movements run at 21,600 vph or use quartz.
- Crown: the Cartier key-shaped crown has a square shaft and seats into a groove. Copies sit loose and turn with grit.
- Dial print: "Cartier" at 12 and "Swiss Made" at 6 hold even spacing. Copies show drift and thick strokes.
- Serial and reference numbers: engraved on the caseback, matched to papers. Fakes repeat one number across a batch.
Legal position in the US
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import and sell in the United States. 18 U.S.C. 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods. Penalties reach $2 million and 10 years for a first offense. US Customs and Border Protection seizes shipments at ports of entry. Personal-use purchase is not a federal crime in most circuits. Resale is.
Price bands for replicas
Replica steel Cle de Cartier watches sell for $80 to $600. Replica steel Rolex models sell for $100 to $1,200. Sellers use the terms first copy, AAA, super clone, and Swiss ETA. A super clone carries a copied in-house movement and costs more. None of these watches hold a Cartier or Rolex warranty. No authorized service center will service one, and replacement parts are not sold to the public.