What is a fake Cartier Must de Cartier?

A fake Cartier Must de Cartier is a counterfeit watch that copies the Must de Cartier line. Cartier launched Must de Cartier in 1977. The line was an entry-level watch. Authentic models have a vermeil case. Vermeil is 925 silver with 18k gold plating. Replicas often use brass with gold plating. Some use stainless steel.

Materials and weight

Authentic Must de Cartier cases are vermeil. Vermeil is 925 sterling silver. The gold plating is 20 microns thick on many models. Replica cases are brass or steel. Brass is less dense than silver. A 24mm vermeil Must de Cartier weighs about 30 grams. A brass replica of the same size weighs about 22 grams. Weight is a test. But some replicas add a brass weight inside the case.

Hallmarks and stamps

Authentic cases have stamps. Look for "Must de Cartier" on the case back. Look for "925" or "Argent" for silver. Look for "Plaque Or G 20M" for 20 microns gold plating. Replicas often miss one stamp. The font is wrong. The spacing is wrong. Some replicas stamp "Plaque Or G 10M" which is 10 microns. Cartier used 20 microns on most Must de Cartier models. So a 10 micron stamp is a sign.

Movement

Authentic Must de Cartier watches use quartz movements. Common movements are Cartier 81 or ETA 251.262. Some early models use mechanical movements. Replicas use quartz movements. These movements cost $2. The second hand on a replica often ticks once per second. The second hand on an authentic quartz Cartier ticks once per second too. So that is not a test. Look at the movement itself. Authentic movements have Cartier markings. Replicas have blank movements or Chinese markings.

Dial and hands

Authentic dials have printing. The word "Cartier" has no blur. The roman numerals have the same shape. Replica dials have blur. The roman numerals have different shapes. The hands on authentic models are blue steel or gold. Replica hands are painted. The color flakes off.

Price

Authentic Must de Cartier watches sell for $500 to $2,000. Price depends on size, condition, and box. Replicas sell for $30 to $300. A price below $300 is a sign. But some sellers ask $1,000 for a replica. Check the stamps and weight.

Case back screws

Authentic Must de Cartier case backs have four screws. The screws are flat head. Replicas often use Phillips head screws. The screws do not match the case back. Look at the screw heads.

Serial numbers

Authentic Must de Cartier watches have serial numbers. The serial number is on the case back. It is also on the movement. The numbers match. Replicas often have no serial number. The serial number on the case back does not match the movement.