What an imitation Pasha de Cartier is
The Cartier Pasha debuted in 1985. Gerald Genta designed the case. A grid covers the crystal. A chain links the crown to a cap. An imitation watch copies these visual cues. It does not come from Cartier. Cartier does not authorize these copies.
How to Spot a Fake Must de Cartier Pasha Watch
The term "must de Cartier" refers to a Cartier line from 1973 to the 1990s. That line used vermeil cases and quartz movements. A seller may combine "Pasha" and "must de Cartier" in one listing. This mix is a warning sign. The original Pasha and the must de Cartier line are different products.
fake pasha watch must de cartier
Case and size checks
Cartier made Pasha in 35 mm, 38 mm, 41 mm, and 42 mm cases. Measure the case across the back without the crown. A 38 mm Pasha measures 38 mm. A copy may measure 40 mm. The crown cap sits at 3 o'clock. The chain has 5 to 7 links. Count the links. A short chain or a glued cap is a copy cue.
Dial and hands
The Pasha dial uses a square minute track inside a round chapter ring. The "Cartier" text sits below 12. The "Swiss Made" text sits at 6. Copy dials use thick fonts. The date window sits at 4:30 on many models. Check the date wheel numeral shape. Cartier uses a specific numeral shape.
fake pasha watch must de cartier
Movement checks
Original Pasha watches use Cartier calibers 191, 049, or 8100 MC. These are automatic or quartz. A screw-down case back holds the movement. A copy may use a Miyota 9015 or a Chinese 2813. Ask for a movement photo. The rotor engraving on a copy shows shallow lines. Cartier engraves deep lines.
Crown chain
The crown chain is a functional part. It holds the crown cap to the case. Pull the cap. The chain should resist. A copy uses a spring bar with no chain. This part breaks in weeks.
Price data
A genuine steel Pasha automatic sells for $5,000 to $8,000 on the secondary market as of 2024. A gold Pasha sells for $12,000 to $25,000. An imitation sells for $90 to $400. A "super clone" Pasha sells for $500 to $900. Price alone does not prove a watch is genuine. A high price on a copy is a loss.
Legal status in the US
US law 18 U.S.C. § 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods. The penalty is up to 10 years in prison for a first offense. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at ports. A buyer who imports a copy risks seizure. The FTC states that selling counterfeit goods is illegal. Cartier holds trademark registrations for the Pasha name and the grid dial.
Listing phrases and what they mean
- "1:1 Pasha" means a copy made to match dimensions. It does not mean Cartier quality.
- "Swiss made copy" is a contradiction. Swiss law requires Swiss manufacture for the term.
- "Must de Pasha" is not a Cartier model. The must de Cartier line ended in the 1990s.
- "Genta design" is true for the 1985 Pasha. It does not make a copy genuine.
How to verify a Pasha
- Ask for a photo of the case back. The reference number sits between the lugs.
- Send the reference number to Cartier client service. Cartier confirms the model and year.
- Weigh the watch. A steel Pasha 38 mm weighs 120 g to 140 g. A copy weighs 90 g to 110 g.
- Check the crown chain. A copy may have no chain or a loose chain.
- Request a movement photo. Compare the rotor engraving depth.
- Meet at a watchmaker. A watchmaker opens the case in 5 minutes.
Limits of this guide
Photos on a listing can hide defects. A copy can pass a photo check. Only a watchmaker or Cartier service can confirm a watch. This guide lists facts. It does not endorse buying copies. Cartier does not service imitation watches.