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A replica Cle de Cartier in yellow gold is a copy of the Cartier Cle, a round watch with a key-shaped crown. The copy uses gold plating over steel or brass. It does not use solid 18k gold. Case sizes sit near 35 mm and 40 mm. Movements are quartz or automatic. Prices run from $80 to $400. Check plating thickness, case metal, crown shape, dial print, and movement name before you pay.

What the Cartier Cle is

Cartier released the Cle in 2015. The case is round. The lugs curve down. The crown has a key shape with a blue cabochon. Cartier sells the Cle in steel, pink gold, yellow gold, and white gold. Yellow gold models use 18k gold with a 750 stamp. Some models add diamonds on the bezel.

A replica copies the outside. Inside, the parts differ.

Yellow gold on a replica

Gold plating is a thin layer. US jewelry rules set 20 microinches (0.5 micron) as the floor for a gold plated label. Many replica cases use 1 to 3 microns. PVD coating gives a harder layer with a color close to 18k yellow gold.

Weight tells you more than color. A solid 18k yellow gold Cle at 35 mm weighs about 100 g with a bracelet. A plated steel copy at the same size weighs 55 g to 70 g. Ask for a scale photo.

Check the stamps. Real Cartier gold shows 750, 18k, and Swiss hallmarks. Copies show acid-etched marks that sit on top of the plating.

Movement and specs

  • Quartz: low cost, thin, 2 to 3 year battery.
  • Automatic: Miyota 9015, Seagull ST2130, or a 2824 clone. Beat rate 28,800 vph.
  • Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating on good grades. Mineral glass on low grades.
  • Water resistance: most copies claim 30 m. Test data is rare.
  • Lug width: 20 mm on 35 mm cases.

Checks before you buy

  1. Ask for the plating thickness in microns.
  2. Ask for the case metal: 316L steel or brass.
  3. Request a close photo of the crown key and cabochon.
  4. Get the movement name and beat rate in writing.
  5. Confirm the return window and the return address.
  6. Compare the dial print to a Cartier catalog photo. Look at the Cartier script and the Roman numerals.

Price bands

  • $80 to $150: quartz, brass case, 0.5 micron plating.
  • $180 to $350: automatic, 316L steel, 1 to 3 micron plating, sapphire.
  • $400 and up: mirror grade, better dial print, clone movement with Swiss parts.

Limits

A replica is not a Cartier watch. Cartier will not service it. Resale value is near zero. Plating wears at the crown, lugs, and caseback edge. Water damage is common on low grades.