Short answer
The phrase fake drive 42mm steel points to replica versions of the Cartier Drive de Cartier, a cushion-shaped watch sold with a stainless steel case. A 42 mm figure is larger than the sizes Cartier publishes for most Drive models, so a listing that advertises 42 mm is usually quoting a loose measurement or an overall width that includes the crown rather than a true case dimension. If size matters to you, ask for caliper photos taken across the case at the 3 to 9 and 12 to 6 positions before you pay.
What the search term actually covers
Three separate ideas get packed into this phrase:
- Fake: a counterfeit watch that copies the Cartier name and design without authorization.
- Drive: the Cartier Drive de Cartier family, launched in 2016, known for its cushion case, curved lugs, and textured dial.
- 42 mm steel: the case size and metal. Steel is the entry material for the line, with gold and two-tone versions sitting above it.
Most sellers in this space use 42 mm as a round marketing number. Genuine Drive cases sit closer to the 40 to 41 mm range depending on the version, and the case is not round, so one diameter figure never tells the full story.
What to check before you pay
Replica quality varies more than the photos suggest. These are the details that separate a decent copy from a poor one:
- Case proportions: measure width, length, and total thickness. Copies often run 1 to 2 mm thicker than the original, which changes how the watch sits on the wrist.
- Lug shape: the Drive lugs curve down and blend into the case. Flat or blocky lugs are an easy giveaway.
- Crown: a fluted crown with a cabochon set into the end. Check the color and whether it seats flush.
- Dial: guilloche texture, printed Roman numerals, blued-steel style hands, and a date window that is centered and square.
- Crystal: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating. Mineral glass scratches and reflects more light.
- Movement: the genuine uses an in-house automatic caliber. Copies usually run a generic or cloned movement with no parts support.
- Strap and clasp: leather quality and the folding clasp are the parts you touch every day.
Thickness and finish decide how it feels
Case thickness is where most counterfeit versions drift. A steel dress watch of this style is slim, and that profile is part of the design. When a copy gains a millimeter or two, the difference reads clearly on the wrist even if the listing photos look fine. Finishing matters as well: compare the transition between brushed and polished surfaces along the case flanks, and check that edges stay crisp instead of rounded off.
Legal and practical limits in the United States
A counterfeit watch carries trademarks that belong to the brand, and selling or importing it is treated as infringement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy shipments of counterfeit goods, and repeat importers face penalties. Past the legal side, there are practical downsides:
- No manufacturer warranty and no service from the brand.
- Parts are not available, so a failed movement often means replacing the whole watch.
- Water resistance claims are rarely tested and seldom honored.
- Resale value is close to zero, and online marketplaces remove counterfeit listings.
Questions worth asking a seller
- What are the measured case width, length, and thickness in millimeters?
- Which movement is inside, and is it automatic or quartz?
- Is the crystal sapphire or mineral glass?
- Can you send photos of the caseback and crown in natural light?
- What is the return policy if the size or finish differs from the listing?
Alternatives to consider
If the goal is the Drive look at a lower price, a legitimate homage brand offers a similar cushion case with real warranty support. A pre-owned genuine steel watch from another maker can also land in a similar budget and holds value far better. Both routes avoid the service, legal, and resale problems that come with a counterfeit.