Answer
A Pasha two tone imitation watch copies the Cartier Pasha de Cartier in steel and yellow gold. The main checks are gold plating thickness, case size, movement type, and weight. Cartier sells the two tone Pasha in 41 mm and 35 mm. Imitation versions sell for $150 to $600. Gold plating on those versions runs from 0.5 to 5 microns. Solid 18k gold parts add weight and cost.
Case and bracelet
The genuine Pasha two tone uses a steel case with an 18k yellow gold bezel, crown cover, and center bracelet links. The imitation may use brass with gold plating or steel with gold plating. Plating thickness matters. ISO 3160 sets 5 microns as the entry level for a gold alloy covering on a watch case. A 0.5 micron layer wears through in months. Ask for the plating spec in microns.
Sizes
Cartier makes the Pasha de Cartier in 41 mm and 35 mm. Check the case size in the listing. A 41 mm case with a full bracelet sits larger on the wrist than a 35 mm case. Check the listed weight in grams. A steel and gold Pasha with a full bracelet weighs more than a brass replica of the same size.
Movement
Cartier lists the 41 mm Pasha with the 1847 MC automatic calibre. The 35 mm Pasha uses a quartz movement in several versions. Imitations use three options: a quartz movement, a Chinese automatic, or a Swiss clone automatic. A quartz watch has a ticking seconds hand. An automatic has a sweeping hand and a caseback rotor. Ask which movement the seller ships.
Dial and crown
The Pasha dial has a square inner track inside a round outer ring. The crown sits under a screw-down cover with a chain. On imitations the chain may be stamped metal, not linked. Check the cabochon. Cartier uses a blue sapphire or spinel. Imitation uses glass or resin.
Water resistance
Cartier rates the Pasha two tone at 100 m. Imitation cases may not seal. A pressure test costs $20 to $40 at a watch repair shop. Do not swim with an untested replica.
Price range
Two tone Pasha imitations sell for $150 to $600. Price tracks the movement and plating. A $150 watch has a quartz movement and 0.5 micron plating. A $500 watch may have a Swiss clone automatic and 3 to 5 micron plating. Solid 18k gold parts are not common in this price range.
What to verify before buying
- Plating thickness in microns
- Movement type and maker
- Case size in mm
- Listed weight in grams
- Water resistance rating
Ask for photos of the caseback and the movement. A seller who cannot name the movement or the plating thickness does not have the data.