Short answer

A fake Cartier Roadster 38mm is a counterfeit copy of a watch Cartier built from 2002 to 2012. The genuine 38mm Roadster measures 38mm across the case and about 45mm from lug tip to lug tip. It runs an automatic movement, Cartier calibre 049, reported as based on the ETA 2892-A2. Copies sell for $60 to $400. Most use quartz movements or a low-grade automatic. They copy the case shape and dial. They do not match the steel, the crystal, the engraving, or the movement.

Fake Cartier Roadster 38mm: How to Spot a Replica

Genuine 38mm Roadster specs

  • Case: 38mm wide, tonneau shape with rounded flanks.
  • Lug to lug: about 45mm.
  • Water resistance: 100m on most references.
  • Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inside.
  • Crown: set with a blue synthetic spinel.
  • Date: at 3 o'clock under a magnifier ground into the crystal on automatic versions.
  • Movement: calibre 049, 28,800 vph, about 42 hours of reserve.
  • Bracelet: integrated, polished center links, folding clasp.

Why the 38mm size matters

Cartier sold the Roadster in 33mm, 38mm, and 42mm cases. Copies cluster at 38mm because that size sells. A listing labeled 38mm can measure 36mm or 40mm. Ask for caliper photos.

roadster fake cartier 38mm

How to tell a fake Roadster 38mm

  1. Measure the case. Copies run 1mm to 2mm off in either direction.
  2. Check the crystal. Genuine sapphire carries inner anti-reflective coating. Copies use mineral glass or uncoated sapphire. The reflections look different under a lamp.
  3. Inspect the date magnifier. Genuine lens is cut into the crystal. Fakes glue a lens on top. A glued lens shows a seam and a cloudy edge.
  4. Weigh the watch. Copy cases are plated brass in the low tiers. Brass is lighter than 316L stainless steel. Ask for a gram reading on a scale.
  5. Read the caseback. Genuine etching has crisp edges, reference 2510, and a serial. Copies show shallow lines and mismatched fonts.
  6. Test the beat. Calibre 049 ticks 8 times per second. A quartz copy ticks once per second. This check needs an open caseback or a microphone app.
  7. Look at the crown cabochon. Copies use glass or plastic that sits proud or off center. Genuine spinel sits flush in the fluting.
  8. Check the bracelet. Link screws on the genuine bracelet sit flush. Copy screws protrude or show stripped slots.

Replica price tiers

  • $60 to $120: quartz, mineral glass, plated brass, printed dial.
  • $120 to $250: automatic DG2813 or a clone, steel case on some units, sapphire on some units.
  • $250 to $400: clone ETA 2824 or 2892, better dial print, closer caseback engraving.

No tier uses calibre 049. Batch quality varies. Two units from the same seller can differ.

cartier fake roadster 38mm

US customs and legal notes

Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States. 19 U.S.C. Section 1526 lets US Customs and Border Protection seize and destroy them. A seized parcel is not returned. Sellers rarely refund a seizure.

The Comprehensive Guide to the 38mm Fake Cartier Roadster Watch

What to ask a seller

  • Case width and lug-to-lug with calipers.
  • Movement photo and a timegrapher reading.
  • Weight in grams.
  • Caseback photo at high resolution.
  • Crystal type and coating.

If a seller cannot supply these items, treat the listing as unverified.