What a replica Pasha black is
A replica Pasha black is a watch built to look like a Cartier Pasha with a black dial. Cartier does not make it. A third-party factory builds the case, dial and hands and fits a bought-in movement. The genuine Pasha de Cartier comes in 41 mm and 35 mm steel cases, and Cartier fits its 1847 MC automatic movement. Copies differ from that spec in movement, finishing and water resistance.
Prices for these copies run from about $80 to $500. The gap tracks three things: movement, case finish and dial print quality.
Check the case before the dial
The Pasha case has features that are hard to copy well. Look at these first.
- Crown cap: a screw-down cover sits over the crown, joined to the case by a small chain. On a good copy the cap threads on and the chain pivots. On a poor copy the cap is glued shut or the chain is stiff.
- Lugs: the Pasha uses bar lugs that arc from the case. Check that the strap sits flush and the spring bars are not exposed.
- Case size: 41 mm and 35 mm are the two common genuine sizes. A copy listed at 40 mm or 38 mm uses a different mould.
- Caseback: the 41 mm automatic has a sapphire back that shows the movement. A solid caseback on a 41 mm copy is a mismatch.
Dial details on a black Pasha
- Print: CARTIER in the upper half, AUTOMATIC near 6 or below center depending on the model. Letters should stay sharp under a 10x loupe.
- Finish: genuine black dials are lacquered or sunray brushed. The grid version has stamped squares inside a circle.
- Date: the 41 mm has a date at 3. A copy with the date at 4:30 comes from a different model.
- Hands: sword shaped, blued or steel, cut to reach the minute track.
Movement sets the price
Most copies use one of four movements: Seiko NH35, Miyota 9015, a Chinese copy of the ETA 2824, or a Chinese chronograph module. NH35 and 9015 parts are common and service is easy to find. The 2824 clones vary by batch. A 41 mm chronograph uses a different base and runs thicker.
Ask for a movement photo and a rate reading. A new movement should run within -10 to +20 seconds a day.
Water resistance
The genuine Pasha 41 mm is rated to 100 m. Copies often reuse the same gasket design and skip pressure testing. Do not swim with one until a watchmaker pressure-tests it. A test costs about $20 to $40 at a local shop.
Legal status in the U.S.
A replica that carries the Cartier name and logo is a counterfeit good. U.S. customs law bars import of goods that copy a recorded trademark, and trafficking is a federal crime. Orders can be seized. The buyer takes the loss.
Questions to ask a seller
- Which factory and which batch? Send a photo of the actual watch, not a stock image.
- Which movement, and what is the daily rate in seconds?
- Case diameter, lug width and thickness in millimeters?
- Return policy, and who pays return shipping?
- Is the watch pressure tested, and at what depth?
What you cannot expect
No replica Pasha carries Cartier warranty, service history or parts support. Cartier boutiques will not service a copy, and an independent watchmaker may refuse the job. Resale value is close to zero. Treat it as a lookalike, not an asset.