Short answer

A replica Cartier quartz watch is a copy of a Cartier case and dial fitted with a battery quartz movement. It keeps time within about 15 seconds per month. Copies sell for $40 to $300. A genuine Cartier quartz watch uses the same movement type and sells near $3,000 at retail.

Quartz against mechanical

Quartz movements use a battery, an integrated circuit, and a crystal that vibrates 32,768 times per second. Mechanical movements use a mainspring and a balance wheel. Quartz needs a battery swap every 2 to 3 years. Mechanical watches need service every 5 to 7 years. Quartz parts cost less to make. That is why most copies use them.

Cartier lines that exist in quartz

  • Tank Must, 25.5 mm and 29 mm cases
  • Tank Solo, small and large
  • Ballon Bleu, 28 mm and 33 mm
  • Panthère de Cartier, small and medium
  • Ronde Must, 29 mm and 36 mm

Current Santos de Cartier references use automatic movements. A quartz Santos copy is a mismatch with the original. The seller may not tell you this.

What to check before buying

  • Case diameter in mm against the Cartier spec sheet
  • Dial printing: the Cartier script, the Swiss Made line at 6 o'clock, the Roman numerals
  • Crown: blue spinel on steel models, sapphire on gold models
  • Caseback engravings: reference number, serial, water resistance rating
  • Strap fit at the lugs and the clasp stamp

Ask for photos of the caseback and the crown. Ask which movement is inside. If the answer is vague, treat the listing as unknown.

Battery and service

Most quartz Cartier copies take an SR626SW or SR920SW cell. Battery life runs 18 to 36 months. Gaskets dry out over time. Water resistance drops after the first battery change unless the shop swaps the gasket and pressure tests the case.

Legal status in the US

Selling or importing a watch that carries a counterfeit Cartier trademark is illegal under the Trademark Counterfeiting Act. US Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments and assess fines. Possession by an individual buyer is not a federal crime. Orders shipped from overseas carry a seizure risk.