Quick answer
An imitation Pasha black watch copies the Cartier Pasha case. A good copy gets four things right: case width and thickness, the screw cap over the crown with its chain, the black dial layout with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, and the four bezel screws. The movement, the sapphire cabochon, the black coating and the lume are where the price gap shows.
Imitation Pasha Dark Buying Guide: Case, Crown Cap, and Movement Checks
What the real Pasha black is
Cartier launched the Pasha in 1985. Gérald Genta designed it. The current automatic version measures 41 mm across and about 9.55 mm thick. Four screws sit on the bezel. A hinged cap covers the crown and links to the case with a small chain. Water resistance is 100 m. The black version uses an ADLC coating on steel, a black dial and white printed numerals. Cartier also sells 35 mm and 30 mm Pasha sizes, so check which size a listing claims to copy.
Case and finish
- Measure the case. A 41 mm copy that runs 42 mm to 43 mm is off spec.
- Check the coating. ADLC reads matte. Gloss black paint is a common shortcut.
- Look at the four bezel screws. Slotted heads, flush with the bezel, aligned the same way on all four.
- Check the lugs. They curve down toward the strap. Straight lugs make the watch sit high on the wrist.
Crown cap and chain
The cap is the hardest part to copy. On the real watch the cap unscrews, hinges open, and stays attached by the chain. Test three points: the cap closes with a click, the chain ends are smooth, and the crown under the cap winds and sets the hands. Low grade copies glue the cap shut or fit a crown that does not turn.
Dial and hands
Black dial, white print. The numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 are large Arabic figures. The other hours are baton markers. Hands are sword shaped. The date window sits at 4:30 on the 41 mm model. Look at the print under 2x magnification. Copy dials often show thick print and a date wheel that does not center in the window.
Movement and caseback
The 41 mm Pasha runs the Cartier 1847 MC, an automatic caliber at 4 Hz (28,800 vph). The caseback is solid steel on the standard models, with engraving around the edge. Copies use a Miyota or a Chinese automatic. Ask the seller which one. A smooth sweep at 28,800 vph is a baseline check, not proof of origin.
Price bands
- Under $150: plated brass case, printed dial, quartz or low grade automatic.
- $150 to $300: 316L steel case, coated finish, Miyota automatic.
- Above $300: closer case geometry, better dial print, sapphire crystal.
Legal note
A replica Pasha is not a Cartier watch. It carries no Cartier warranty and no Cartier service. Sale and import of counterfeit goods is illegal in the US and the EU. Budget for service on the copy movement and expect no parts support from Cartier.