Answer
“Fake Cartier Privé Tank Cintrée v4” is a seller term for a replica of the Cartier Privé Tank Cintrée. The “v4” label is not a Cartier code. It is not a factory standard. No public spec sheet exists for v4. Treat it as a version number from one seller or group of sellers. Judge the watch by measured parts, not the label.
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What the original watch is
Cartier released the Tank Cintrée in 1921. The case is rectangular and curved. It bends to sit on the wrist. The Privé line brought the model back in limited runs. The large Tank Cintrée case measures 46.8 mm by 23 mm, per Cartier. It uses a manual winding movement, caliber 9780 MC. The dial has Roman numerals, a railroad minute track, and blued steel sword hands. The case is gold in the original. A replica should match those traits.
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What “v4” may change
Version labels track changes a seller makes over time. A v4 may have a revised case profile, a new dial print, or a different movement. Sellers do not publish a change log. Ask for the case size, thickness, weight, movement type, and dial photos. If the seller cannot give numbers, the label has no value.
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Check 1: Case size and curve
Measure the case without the crown. The large original is 46.8 mm long and 23 mm wide. Thickness is about 7.3 mm. A replica that is 1 mm wider or flatter will sit wrong on the wrist. Look at the side profile. The curve should be smooth. The lugs should taper into the strap.
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Check 2: Dial print and hands
The Roman numerals should be crisp. The minute track should be even. The “Cartier” print should sit under the 12. The “Swiss Made” text should sit at 6. On the original, the hands are blued steel swords. A fake may use painted steel or wrong hand length. The Tank Cintrée time-only model has no small seconds. A subdial is a red flag.
Check 3: Movement
The original uses a manual winding movement. A replica may use a quartz movement or an automatic. Ask for a photo of the movement and a video of the seconds hand sweep. A quartz tick is easy to spot. A manual winding replica should have a smooth sweep and a crown that winds with light resistance. The original caliber is 9780 MC. Few replicas copy that caliber. Most use a generic manual or automatic movement.
Check 4: Caseback and engravings
The original has a solid caseback with engravings. Check the reference numbers, gold marks, and font. Replica engravings are often too deep or too shallow. The caseback screws should sit flush. A sapphire caseback is wrong for this model.
Check 5: Strap and weight
The original ships on an alligator strap with a gold deployant or pin buckle. A replica may use calf leather stamped to look like alligator. Check the weight. Gold is dense. A steel replica with gold plating will feel light. A tungsten replica can match weight but may cost more. Ask for the weight in grams.
Version labels and quality control
No central body certifies replica versions. Sellers set their own v1, v2, v3, v4 labels. A v4 from one seller may equal a v2 from another. Photos on a listing can show a sample that differs from stock. Ask for photos of the exact watch you will receive. Ask for a timestamp. Ask about return terms. Keep the chat record.
Legal note for U.S. buyers
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize them. The FTC states that selling counterfeit goods violates trademark law. This guide is factual, not legal advice. Check the law in your country before you buy or sell.
Questions to ask a seller
- What is the case length, width, and thickness in mm?
- What is the weight in grams?
- Is the movement quartz, automatic, or manual wind?
- What is the movement name and beat rate?
- Can you send photos of the dial, caseback, and movement?
- Is the strap real alligator or calf leather?
- What is the return policy?