A Cartier Rotonde Earth Moon copy is a replica of a limited Cartier moon-phase watch. The original has a 47.5 mm case, a hand-wound calibre 9440 MC, and a moon disc cut from meteorite. Copies differ in case size, dial print, and the moon disc. Check those three points first.
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Original specs
The Rotonde de Cartier Earth and Moon came in platinum and pink gold. The case measures 47.5 mm. The movement is the calibre 9440 MC, a hand-wound movement with about 72 hours of power reserve. The moon display sits at 12 o'clock. The moon itself is a disc of meteorite. A pusher at 4 o'clock moves a cover disc over the aperture.
Cartier Rotonde Earth Moon Clone Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
What copies get wrong
Most copies miss the meteorite. A real meteorite disc shows a Widmanstätten pattern under a loupe, with long intersecting lines. Copies use printed foil, painted brass, or a photo. The pattern looks like dots or a flat print at 10x. The moon cover disc is another tell. On the original, the pusher moves the cover with a smooth travel and a clear stop. On a copy, the pusher may be fixed or move a printed disc.
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Case size is the second issue. Some copies measure 43 mm or 45 mm. Ask for a caliper photo across the case at 3 and 9 o'clock. The original is 47.5 mm.
Dial and case checks
- Dial print: the word "Cartier" sits below 12 o'clock. Check letter spacing and the weight of the strokes. Copies often use a thicker font.
- Crown: the original has a blue sapphire cabochon. Copies use glass or plastic. A plastic cabochon scratches with a fingernail.
- Caseback: the reference number and edition number are engraved. Copies use laser print or shallow etching.
- Weight: platinum is dense. A platinum case feels heavy in the hand. A steel copy feels light. Use a scale if you can.
Pusher and moon function
Ask for a short video. Press the pusher. The cover disc should move and stop. The moon disc should stay in place. On a copy, the pusher may not connect to a disc, or the disc may move with the crown. The original pusher is a separate function from the crown.
Price and limits
No copy matches the meteorite. No copy matches the calibre 9440 MC. A copy will have a stock movement with a different power reserve. Treat any claim of "1:1" as a claim to test, not a fact.