What is a replica Panthère 27mm?

A replica Panthère 27mm is a copy of the Cartier Panthère de Cartier small model. The genuine watch has a rectangular case. Cartier lists the case size as 27mm by 37mm. The thickness is 6mm. The watch uses a quartz movement. Replicas copy the shape. They do not match the original in weight, finish, or internal parts.

Genuine Panthère 27mm specifications

  • Case: 27mm x 37mm rectangular.
  • Thickness: 6mm.
  • Movement: quartz.
  • Water resistance: 30 meters (3 bar).
  • Materials: steel, yellow gold, rose gold, or two-tone.
  • Bracelet: matching metal with screw details.

Cartier released the Panthère de Cartier in 1983. The small model uses a quartz caliber. The crown has a blue synthetic spinel or sapphire cabochon. The dial has Roman numerals and blued steel hands.

Common replica variations

Replica makers produce Panthère 27mm in steel, gold plating, and two-tone. Prices range from $150 to $600. High-end replicas may use a Swiss quartz or a Chinese quartz. Weight of a genuine steel Panthère 27mm is about 80 grams. Replicas weigh 50 to 70 grams. Gold-plated replicas wear through the plating in 6 to 12 months. Solid gold replicas are rare because gold cost exceeds the replica price.

Movement differences

The genuine Panthère 27mm uses a Cartier quartz movement. The movement is Swiss made. Replicas use quartz movements from China, Japan, or Switzerland. Japanese quartz (Miyota) is common in mid-tier replicas. Swiss quartz (Ronda) appears in high-tier replicas. No replica uses the exact Cartier caliber. The case back of a genuine watch has a serial number and model reference. Replicas have engraved numbers that do not match any Cartier database.

Legal status in the United States

US law prohibits trafficking in counterfeit goods. The relevant statute is 18 U.S.C. § 2320. Penalties include up to 10 years in prison and $2 million in fines for a first offense. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches. A single replica watch can be seized. The owner may face civil liability to Cartier. Cartier enforces its trademarks. In 2020, US courts awarded Cartier millions in damages against replica sellers.

How to spot a replica Panthère 27mm

  • Weight: Genuine steel Panthère 27mm weighs about 80 grams. Replicas weigh 50 to 70 grams.
  • Crown: Genuine uses a blue spinel or sapphire cabochon. Replicas use glass or plastic.
  • Case back: Genuine has a serial number and reference number. Replicas have numbers that do not match a Cartier database.
  • Bracelet screws: Genuine screws do not protrude from the link surface. Replica screws may protrude.
  • Clasp: Genuine clasp locks with a click. Replica clasp may not lock.
  • Engravings: Genuine engravings have depth. Replica engravings have less depth.

Quartz movement ticks once per second. Both genuine and replica quartz watches tick once per second. This feature does not help identification.