Fake Cartier Santos White Gold: Answer First

A fake Cartier Santos white gold watch is a replica that copies the look of a Cartier Santos made from 18k white gold. Real Cartier Santos white gold models exist. Cartier uses 18k white gold for cases and bracelets. Fake versions often use stainless steel with a rhodium finish. The finish mimics the color. The weight and hallmarks differ.

Real Cartier Santos White Gold Facts

Cartier introduced the Santos in 1904. The modern Santos de Cartier line includes white gold models. One example is the Santos de Cartier Large model in 18k white gold. The case size is 39.8 mm. The thickness is 9.38 mm. The watch has a sapphire crystal and a caliber 1847 MC movement. Cartier stamps the caseback with hallmarks. These hallmarks include the French eagle head for 18k gold. The watch weighs about 150 grams with a full bracelet.

Common Traits of Fake Cartier Santos White Gold Watches

  • Material: stainless steel core with rhodium plating. Some use gold plating. Plating wears off at edges.
  • Weight: fakes weigh 80 to 110 grams. Real 18k white gold weighs more.
  • Hallmarks: missing or wrong. Fakes may have a 750 stamp but no eagle head.
  • Movement: many fakes use a Miyota 9015 or a Chinese clone. Real uses Cartier caliber 1847 MC.
  • Caseback: engravings are shallow or off-center. Real engravings are crisp.
  • Price: real white gold Santos costs $30,000 to $50,000. Fakes sell for $200 to $800.

How to Check a Cartier Santos White Gold Watch

  1. Weigh the watch. A real 18k white gold Santos with bracelet weighs over 140 grams. A steel fake weighs under 120 grams.
  2. Look for hallmarks. Use a loupe. The eagle head stamp is on the caseback and clasp. Fakes lack it or have a poor copy.
  3. Check the movement. Real Cartier caliber 1847 MC has 23 jewels. It beats at 28,800 vph. Fakes often beat at 21,600 vph.
  4. Test the material. 18k white gold is non-magnetic. Stainless steel responds to a magnet. A strong magnet will not stick to real gold. It may stick to steel.
  5. Compare the dial. Real dials have sharp printing. Fake dials have fuzzy printing on the Cartier text.

Legal and Market Notes

Cartier does not authorize replica production. Selling fake watches violates trademark law in the US. Buyers of fakes have no warranty. Resale value is near zero. Real Cartier Santos white gold watches hold value. They come with papers and a box.