What the 2018 Cartier Santos Is

Cartier released the Santos de Cartier at SIHH in January 2018. The steel large model has a 39.8 mm case. The case thickness is 9.08 mm. It uses the Cartier 1847 MC automatic movement. Water resistance is 100 meters. The watch has a sapphire crystal. It has a QuickSwitch strap system. It has SmartLink metal bracelet sizing. The dial has Roman numerals. The date window sits at 3 o'clock. The crown has a blue synthetic spinel or sapphire cabochon. The caseback has a sapphire window on some versions. The 2018 Santos replaced the previous Santos 100 line.

What a Replica Cartier Santos 2018 Is

A replica is a third-party copy. It uses the Santos name and shape. It does not use Cartier parts. It does not use the 1847 MC movement. Common replica movements include the Miyota 9015, the ETA 2824 clone, or a quartz module. The caseback engraving differs. The crown cabochon is often glass or plastic. The bracelet clasp may not have the SmartLink system. The weight is often lower. The dial printing may have wrong font. The date font may be wrong. The hands may have wrong shape. The crystal may be mineral glass. The water resistance is not tested to 100 meters. The serial number may repeat on many units.

Legal Status in the United States

In the US, a replica Cartier Santos 2018 is a counterfeit good. Cartier owns the Santos trademark. Cartier owns design rights. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments. A buyer can face civil liability. A seller can face criminal penalties. The First Sale Doctrine does not apply to counterfeit items. Reselling a replica is illegal. This is not legal advice.

How to Spot a Replica

  • Check the caseback. Genuine 2018 Santos has a model number and a serial number. Replicas often have shallow engraving.
  • Check the movement. Genuine uses Cartier 1847 MC. Replicas use other movements.
  • Check the bracelet. Genuine has SmartLink. Replicas use screws or pins.
  • Check the crown. Genuine has a blue cabochon. Replicas use glass or plastic.
  • Check the weight. Genuine steel large is about 140 grams with bracelet. Replicas often weigh less.
  • Check the date. Genuine date wheel aligns with the window. Replicas may be off.
  • Check the price. A genuine 2018 steel Santos costs several thousand US dollars. A replica costs much less.

What a Replica Does Not Have

A replica has no Cartier warranty. It has no Cartier service. It has no Cartier parts. It has no Cartier serial number. It has no Cartier resale value. It cannot be serviced by Cartier. Cartier boutiques do not authenticate replicas. Cartier does not repair replicas.