What Is a Cheater Cartier Santos Large?
A cheater Cartier Santos Large is a replica watch that uses a quartz movement instead of the automatic movement found in the genuine Cartier Santos Large. The term "cheater" comes from the watch community, where it describes a replica that looks correct on the outside but hides a cheaper, battery-powered movement inside. The genuine Santos Large runs on the Cartier 1847 MC automatic caliber, which has a sweeping seconds hand and a power reserve of about 40 hours.
imposter cartier santos extra-large
Cheater replicas cut costs by swapping the automatic movement for a quartz one. They often keep the same case, dial, and bracelet as a higher-end replica. The result is a watch that looks close to the real thing at a glance but fails on close inspection.
How to Spot a Cheater Cartier Santos Large
Spotting a cheater takes a few seconds once you know what to check. The movement gives it away every time.
Check the Seconds Hand
The easiest test is the seconds hand. A quartz movement ticks once per second. An automatic movement sweeps in a smooth motion, with six to eight beats per second. If the seconds hand jumps in distinct steps, the watch has a quartz movement.
Listen to the Movement
Hold the watch near your ear. A quartz watch makes a faint tick each second. An automatic watch makes a soft whir from the rotor and a fast, steady beat. Some quartz movements are silent, so use this test with the seconds hand check.
Check the Case Back and Weight
The genuine Cartier Santos Large has a solid case back with engraved details. Many cheater replicas also have solid case backs, so you cannot see the movement. Instead, check the weight. An automatic movement adds heft. A quartz movement feels light for a steel watch. The genuine Santos Large weighs about 140 grams with the bracelet. If the replica feels much lighter, it has a quartz movement.
Measure the Thickness
Cartier lists the Santos Large at 9.38 mm thick. A quartz movement is thinner than an automatic, so some cheater replicas measure 8 mm or less. Others add a spacer to match the thickness, which makes the watch heavier but still not correct. Measure with calipers if you can.
Check the Price
Cheater replicas sell for less than super clones. A super clone Cartier Santos Large with an automatic movement costs $250 to $500. A cheater with a quartz movement sells for $50 to $150. If the price is far below the market for a super clone, ask about the movement.
Cheater vs. Super Clone: What's the Difference?
A super clone aims to match the genuine watch inside and out. A cheater replica matches the outside but uses a quartz movement. Here is how they compare:
- Movement: Super clone uses a cloned automatic caliber (often a 1847 MC clone). Cheater uses a quartz movement.
- Seconds hand: Super clone sweeps. Cheater ticks.
- Price: Super clone $250 to $500. Cheater $50 to $150.
- Weight: Super clone feels close to genuine (around 140 g). Cheater feels light.
- Maintenance: Super clone needs servicing every few years. Cheater needs a battery change every one to two years.
- Accuracy: Quartz keeps time better than automatic. A cheater can gain or lose less than a second per day. An automatic might lose five to ten seconds per day.
Should You Buy a Cheater Cartier Santos Large?
Buy a cheater if you want the look of a Santos Large without spending much. It works as a fashion watch. The quartz movement is reliable and cheap to maintain. You can wear it without worrying about servicing costs.
Skip a cheater if you care about details. The ticking seconds hand is a clear tell. Watch enthusiasts will notice. The watch also feels different on the wrist because of the lower weight. If you want a replica that passes close inspection, save for a super clone.
What to Look for in a Cartier Santos Large Replica
If you decide to buy a replica, look for these features:
- Case dimensions: 39.8 mm wide, 47.5 mm lug-to-lug, 9.38 mm thick.
- Dial: Printed Roman numerals with a hidden "Cartier" in the VII. The secret signature is a mark of quality.
- Hands: Blue-steel sword hands with a polished finish.
- Bezel: Eight screws with flat heads. The screws should align with the case edges.
- Bracelet: QuickSwitch system with a push-button release. The links should have a brushed finish on the outside and polished sides.
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating. A cheap replica uses mineral glass.
A proper super clone will have an automatic movement that sweeps. Ask the seller for a video of the seconds hand before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cheater Cartier Santos Large worth it?
It depends on what you want. A cheater costs less and needs less maintenance. But it fails the most basic inspection. For a daily beater, it can work. For a collection, it does not.
Can you tell a cheater from the outside?
Yes, the seconds hand is the main tell. A ticking seconds hand on a Cartier Santos Large means quartz. You can also check the weight and thickness. A cheater often feels light and may be thinner than 9.38 mm.
Do cheater replicas use real gold?
No. Gold-plated replicas exist, but the plating wears off. Solid gold replicas are rare and cost thousands. A cheater with a quartz movement will not use real gold. The steel version is the common choice.
How much should a cheater Cartier Santos Large cost?
A cheater sells for $50 to $150. If you pay more than $200, you should get an automatic movement. Check the seconds hand first.
Can I service a cheater Cartier Santos Large?
Quartz movements are cheap to replace. A watchmaker can swap the battery or the whole movement for $20 to $50. Servicing an automatic super clone costs more, often $100 to $200.
The Bottom Line
A cheater Cartier Santos Large gives you the look of a luxury watch at a low price. It uses a quartz movement, which ticks instead of sweeping. If that trade-off works for you, a cheater can be a fun watch. If you want a replica that feels and acts like the real thing, look for a super clone with an automatic movement.