Replica Cartier yellow gold watches are copies of Cartier watch models. They use yellow gold color. They are not made by Cartier. They are not solid 18k gold. Most use gold plating or gold-filled cases. Genuine Cartier yellow gold watches use 18k yellow gold. That gold is 75% pure gold. Replicas use brass or stainless steel with a gold layer. The layer is 0.5 to 5 microns thick.

Models copied

Models copied include Tank, Santos, Ballon Bleu, and Panthère. The Tank has a rectangular case. The Santos has a square case with screws. The Ballon Bleu has a round case with a blue cabochon crown. The Panthère has a square case with a link bracelet. Sizes range from 22 mm to 42 mm.

Movements

Movements in replicas are quartz or automatic. Quartz uses a battery. Automatic uses motion. Genuine Cartier watches use Swiss quartz or in-house automatic movements. Replica automatic movements come from China or Japan. Examples are the Miyota 9015 or a clone of the ETA 2824.

Price

Price for a replica Cartier yellow gold watch is $150 to $600. Price depends on movement, gold plating thickness, and case material. Few solid gold replicas exist. Solid gold replicas cost $2,000 or more. They are illegal to sell as genuine.

Legal status

Selling counterfeit goods violates trademark law. In the US, the Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 sets penalties. First offense can be $2,000,000 fine and 10 years in prison. Buying for personal use is not a federal crime in most cases. Customs can seize the item. Customs seizure happens under 19 USC 1526.

How to evaluate a replica

Check the weight. Genuine 18k gold is heavy. A 40 mm gold watch weighs 120 to 180 grams. A replica with gold plating weighs 60 to 90 grams. Check hallmarks. Genuine Cartier has hallmarks like "750" or "18k". Replicas lack hallmarks or have incorrect ones. Check the crown. Genuine Cartier crowns have a blue sapphire or spinel cabochon. Replicas use glass or blue plastic.

Investment and service

Replica Cartier yellow gold watches are not an investment. They lose value. Genuine Cartier watches can hold value. Replicas cannot be serviced by Cartier. Cartier will not repair a replica. Repairs must go to a third-party watchmaker.