Short answer

A replica Clé de Cartier automatic is a copy of the Clé de Cartier, a watch Cartier released in 2015. The genuine automatic runs the Cartier 1847 MC movement at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 42-hour power reserve. Replicas use third-party movements from China or Japan. Prices run from about $60 to $500. Cartier does not make them, and US law bars their sale.

Genuine Clé de Cartier specs

  • Launch year: 2015
  • Case sizes: 31 mm, 35.6 mm, 40 mm
  • Automatic movement: Cartier 1847 MC, 23 jewels
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
  • Power reserve: 42 hours
  • Case materials: steel, steel and rose gold, 18k rose gold, 18k white gold
  • Crown: key-shaped head, cabochon set
  • Water resistance: 30 m on most references

Cartier named the line after the crown. "Clé" is French for key. The crown has a rectangular head and a slot cut into the side. It sits on a rounded case with a curved profile.

What replica versions use

Three movement groups cover most of the market.

  1. Low-grade Chinese automatic. 21,600 vph. Loud rotor. Power reserve under 30 hours.
  2. Miyota 9015 or Seagull ST21. 28,800 vph. 40-hour reserve. This group matches the genuine beat rate.
  3. Clones of the ETA 2892 or 2824. Sellers label these Swiss. Most carry Asian parts.

Case sizes on replicas cluster at 35 mm and 40 mm. Some sellers list 41 mm. A 41 mm Clé de Cartier automatic does not appear in the 2015 launch list.

Details to check

  • Date window. Genuine automatics place the date at 3 o'clock. Font is thin and even.
  • Dial print. "CARTIER" sits above the center. "SWISS MADE" sits at 6 o'clock.
  • Caseback. Engraving depth varies. Laser etching looks grey. Stamped engraving has sharp edges.
  • Bracelet. Cartier uses a screw system on the link pins. Replicas often use push pins.
  • Weight. A steel 35.6 mm reference runs near 90 g on a bracelet. Replicas run lighter.

Weight, movement finish, and date font are the three parts that show in photos. Ask for a movement photo. Ask for the caliber number on the rotor.

Price bands

  • $60 to $120: quartz or low-grade automatic, mineral glass.
  • $120 to $250: Miyota or Seagull automatic, sapphire crystal, steel case.
  • $250 to $500: claimed Swiss movement, closer case finishing.

No public data exists on production volume. Forum claims about factory names change and are not verifiable.

Legal status in the US

Counterfeit watches carry Cartier trademarks. US law makes trafficking in counterfeit goods a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320. A first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine for an individual. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at ports and publishes seizure totals each year. Resale inside the US carries the same exposure as import.