The imitation Panther 27mm is a replica of the Cartier Panthère de Cartier medium model. The real watch has a 27 mm by 37 mm case. A replica copies that footprint, the square bezel, the screw-link bracelet, and the Roman numeral dial. It does not copy the Cartier movement, the gold content, or the serial number.
Cartier Panthère 27mm: Real Specs
- Case: 27 mm wide, 37 mm from lug to lug
- Thickness: about 6 mm
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: sapphire
- Water resistance: 30 m
- Bracelet: steel or gold, screw links
Cartier lists these numbers for the medium model. The small model is 22 mm by 30 mm. The large model is 31 mm by 42 mm. The 27 mm sits between them.
What an Imitation Panther 27mm Copies
Replica makers target the case shape first. The Panthère case has a square profile with rounded corners. A 27mm replica uses a 27 mm width and a 37 mm length. The bezel has no gemstones on the base model. The bracelet has flat links and screws on the side. A replica bracelet may use pins instead of screws. The dial has Roman numerals, a rail track, and sword hands.
Movement and Function
Real Panthère 27mm watches run on quartz. A replica also runs on quartz. Common replica movements include the Miyota 1L series and unbranded Chinese quartz calibers. These keep time but do not match Cartier finishing or service parts. A replica with a mechanical movement is not a copy of the 27mm Panthère. Cartier did not put an automatic movement in the medium Panthère.
Buy Imitation Cartier Panther 27mm: The Ultimate Guide
Materials and Finish
Real cases use 18k yellow gold, rose gold, or steel. Replicas use brass with gold plating, 316L steel, or gold-filled alloy. Plating thickness ranges from 3 to 10 microns. Plating wears at the lugs and clasp. Real Cartier gold has hallmarks on the caseback. Replicas have none or a fake stamp.
How to Spot a Replica Panthère 27mm
- Weight. A gold Panthère 27mm weighs about 70 g to 80 g. A plated replica weighs less, often 40 g to 55 g.
- Screws. Real bracelet screws have flat heads and sit flush. Replica screws may be fake heads on pins.
- Dial print. Real Roman numerals have sharp edges. Replica print can look thick or blurry under a loupe.
- Caseback. Real engraving is deep and crisp. Replica engraving is shallow.
- Clasp. Real clasp has a signed folding buckle. Replica clasp has no signature or a weak stamp.
Price Range
First copy Panthère 27mm watches sell for about $80 to $350. Higher prices buy better plating, a sapphire crystal, and a closer bracelet. Real steel Panthère 27mm watches sell for about $4,000 to $7,000 on the secondary market. Real gold models sell for $12,000 and up. A replica does not hold value.
Legal Note
In the United States, selling or importing counterfeit watches is illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. Buying a replica for personal use is not a federal crime in most cases, but Customs can seize the item. Cartier can also pursue trademark claims. The term "first copy" is a seller term, not a legal category.