Short answer
A Rotonde de Cartier replica is a copy of Cartier's round-case watch line. Prices run from about $80 to $1,200. The case shape is the easy part to copy. The movement, the gold content and the hand finish are the hard parts. No replica at these prices uses a solid 18k gold case.
What the genuine Rotonde de Cartier is
Cartier lists the Rotonde de Cartier as a round case family. Case sizes run 40 mm to 45 mm. The line covers time-only models, calendar models, skeleton models and tourbillons. Movements include the 1904MC automatic and hand-wound Cartier calibers. Retail prices for steel and gold time-only models sit in the five-figure range. Tourbillon references pass $100,000.
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Replica tiers and price bands
- $80 to $200: quartz or low-grade automatic, plated brass or steel case, printed dial.
- $250 to $600: automatic third-party movement, 316L steel, gold plating of 3 to 5 microns.
- $700 to $1,200: top tier, cloned bridges, sapphire crystal, plating of 5 to 10 microns.
What differs from the real watch
- Case metal. Genuine gold references use 18k rose gold. Replicas use steel with plating. Weight differs by 20 to 40 grams on gold models.
- Movement. Genuine watches use Cartier calibers. Replicas use Miyota, Seagull or similar automatics. Rotor engraving is stamped, not finished by hand.
- Crown. The genuine cabochon is a blue sapphire. Replicas use glass or synthetic spinel.
- Dial. Check the Cartier script thickness and the minute track spacing at 12 and 6.
- Caseback. Compare engraving depth and reference numbers. Replica fonts run wider.
Checks before paying
- Ask for a photo of the caseback with the reference number.
- Ask for the movement name. A seller who cannot name it is a reseller.
- Ask for the case weight in grams.
- Request a video of the seconds hand sweep.
- Get the return window in writing.
US law and shipping
Counterfeit goods are illegal to traffic in the United States. 18 U.S.C. § 2320 sets a maximum of 10 years for a first offense involving a counterfeit mark on goods. CBP can seize and destroy shipments. Personal-use import is not a legal route. Card networks and payment processors block replica merchants, so chargeback protection is thin.
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Service and parts
Cartier boutiques do not service replicas. Independent watchmakers may refuse the work. Parts supply is the limit. A replica tourbillon that needs service in year three often has no replacement parts.