A fake Santos 2018 Cartier is a replica of the Santos de Cartier that Cartier relaunched at SIHH in January 2018. The genuine watch is a 39.8mm steel piece with the Calibre 1847 MC, a QuickSwitch bracelet, and SmartLink sizing. Replicas copy the case, bezel screws, dial, and bracelet, but they run Japanese or Chinese movements and never see a Cartier service center.
What makes the 2018 Santos different from older Santos models?
Cartier built the first Santos for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, and most collectors call it the first purpose-built men's wristwatch. The 2018 version dropped the old Galbee and Santos 100 shapes and went back to a flat, square case with a slim tapered bezel and visible screws.
replica cartier santos 2018 watch
Specs of the genuine 2018 Santos de Cartier
- Case: 39.8mm wide, 9.08mm thick, steel (gold and two-tone versions exist)
- Movement: Calibre 1847 MC, automatic, about 42 hours of power reserve
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Crystal: sapphire on the front and the back
- Bracelet: QuickSwitch release and SmartLink removable links, no tools needed
- Medium size: 35.1mm case for smaller wrists
Those numbers are the checklist for replica buyers. A listing that says 41mm, or a watch that measures 9.5mm thick, is using an older mold.
Which factories build a fake Santos 2018 Cartier?
Several Chinese factories make this model, and quality splits into clear tiers. Buyers talk about GF, V6F, BV, KOR, 3K, AF, and MK.
Fake Santos 2018: A Guide to Replica Cartier Santos Watches
- GF (G Factory): the common pick for the 39.8mm Santos, with a Miyota 9015, clean dial print, and a solid bracelet.
- V6F: older runs with a thin case, strongest on the 35.1mm medium size.
- BV and KOR: mid-tier builds with mixed dial fonts and stamped-feeling links on early batches.
- 3K and AF: newer entries with better bezel screws and weaker caseback engraving.
Factory names change and batches move fast, so a label on a listing proves little. Judge the watch from photos, not from the badge.
How do you spot flaws on a replica Santos 2018?
Bezel screws
Genuine screws sit flush with the bezel and line up with the caseback screws. Replicas show raised heads, uneven slots, or screws that lean at an angle. Ask for a straight-on shot and a side profile.
Dial and date
The 2018 dial uses Roman numerals, a railroad minute track, and a secret Cartier signature inside the VII numeral. Replica print looks thick under magnification, and the date wheel font is too wide on cheap batches.
Caseback and movement
A real caseback carries crisp engraving with a reference number and a serial. Most replicas use shallow laser etching and a rotor with a printed logo instead of a decorated 1847 MC.
Bracelet and QuickSwitch
QuickSwitch is the release button hidden under the end link. On replicas that button can stick, sit too high, or drop the bracelet with no press at all. SmartLink levers should slide out by hand and lock back into place.
Weight and feel
A steel Santos on a full bracelet feels dense in the hand. Replicas come in lighter when the factory uses hollow or half-solid links, and the clasp snaps with a thin sound.
How much does a fake Santos 2018 Cartier cost?
- Under $120: quartz or low-grade automatic, wrong case size, printed dial, plated gold that fades.
- $200 to $350: Miyota 9015 or A2824 inside, decent case shape, weakest points are the bracelet and date font.
- $400 to $600: top-tier builds with a decorated clone movement, better screw fit, and anti-reflective sapphire.
- Over $700: often a scam listing, or a used genuine watch with replica parts fitted.
Two sellers can list the same batch $150 apart. Compare caseback photos, crown photos, and clasp photos before you send money.
What are the risks of buying a replica Santos?
- Cartier will not service, authenticate, or supply parts for a replica.
- Water resistance is a guess. Gaskets on replica cases go without proper grease, so keep it out of pools and showers.
- Customs can seize a shipment, and some countries ban replica imports outright.
- Some sellers pass replicas off as genuine, which turns a $300 watch into a $6,000 loss.
- Resale value is close to zero once the watch leaves the box.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fake Santos 2018 Cartier waterproof?
Treat it as splash-proof. Factories test nothing after assembly, so a listing that claims 100 meters carries no proof. Skip swimming, showers, and hot tubs.
Does the replica use the Calibre 1847 MC?
No. Replicas run a Miyota 9015, an ETA 2824 clone, or a Chinese automatic with a decorative plate. Winding feel, beat rate, and service parts all differ from the Cartier movement.
What is the difference between the medium and large Santos 2018?
The large case is 39.8mm and the medium is 35.1mm, with the same design language. Most factories focus on the large size, so medium replicas show more flaws around the bezel and dial print.
Can a jeweler tell a fake Santos from the real one?
Yes, in most cases within a minute. Caseback engraving, dial print, and screw finishing are hard to match at $300. A Cartier boutique or an authorized watchmaker can confirm with the serial and the movement.
Buyer checklist before you order
- Confirm the size: 39.8mm large or 35.1mm medium, around 9.08mm thick.
- Ask for a straight-on dial photo, a side profile, and a caseback macro.
- Check the movement listing: a Miyota 9015 with a decorated rotor is the common choice.
- Confirm that QuickSwitch works and that SmartLink levers move.
- Pay with a method that allows a dispute, and walk away from sellers who only take crypto.
- Budget $250 to $450 for a solid build. An $80 Santos is a costume watch.
A replica Santos 2018 can look close on a wrist, and that is the honest limit. The case and dial carry the design, while the movement, finishing, and resale value do not. Buy with clear photos, a fair price, and no illusions about what arrives in the box.