A luxury watch is a status symbol that everyone wants. So, it is not surprising that in the market there are many fake watches that look convincing. There are some easy tricks to tell the difference between a fake watch and a real luxury watch. The following wikiHow teaches you how.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Fake Watches
Step 1. Listen for the ticking sound
This is the most important indicator of the authenticity of the watch. High-quality luxury watches are made with hundreds of small-sized and perfectly arranged movement parts. Therefore, the watch will not ring at all. To test it, hold the watch close to your ear and listen carefully.
Step 2. Look for glaring errors
High quality luxury watches are made to very strict quality standards. Therefore, peeling paint, scratches, or misspelled words will indicate that the watch is clearly a fake. Also, if the buckle of the watch doesn't lock properly or the time is not correct, the watch is clearly a fake.
- For example, some fake Michael Kors watches omit the letter "S".
- Many low-quality counterfeit Rolex watches have a crown stamp that is not centered.
Step 3. Check the quality of the print
Genuine luxury watches made by skilled watchmakers. They use the right typewriter to make clear and legible prints. If the print is messy or hard to read, the watch is probably a fake.
This rule applies to all printed letters, including all serial numbers
Step 4. Feel the weight of the watch
Genuine luxury watches are made with expensive metals and have many small moving parts. Therefore, it will feel a little heavier than it looks. While fake watches will be lighter.
If possible, compare the weight of the watch you want to buy with the real watch. Both must weigh the same
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Genuine Luxury Watches
Step 1. Do your research
Browse the online auction results database for information about the watch you want to buy. In this database, you can see photos of these luxury watches and their selling prices. Also, do some research on the manufacturer and get to know the trademark, general band details, and buckles. If you know what to research, you'll be hard to fool.
For example, Rolex watches do not have glass backs. Instead, the watch uses a metal back, except for the rare 1930s models
Step 2. Research all the stamps
Luxury watches have a stamp of authenticity at some point on the watch. The location of this stamp may vary depending on the model. Do your research beforehand so you know which stamp to research on a particular model. Next, make sure that the letters on the stamp are spelled correctly and are easy to read.
For example, most modern Rolex models have multiple crown stamps, one on the band, and one on the face
Step 3. Examine the watch face
Genuine luxury watches use precious minerals like sapphire to protect the face of the watch. Cheaper watches use mineral crystals. To find out what minerals were used to make your watch, turn the watch sideways and carefully filter the color through the clear case.
- If the watch is made of sapphire, it will appear a purple tinge. This indicates that the watch is genuine.
- If the watch is made of mineral crystal, it will appear a green tinge. This indicates that the watch is fake.
Step 4. Examine the strap
Luxury watches usually have one or two stamps on the strap buckle. If you are familiar with the specs of your watch model, you will be able to tell if this stamp is missing. Likewise, if the buckle mechanism seems too simple or the strap fastening is not smooth, the watch may be a fake.
- The straps on luxury watches are usually heavy, shiny and smooth.
- Check the stamp inside the folding buckle mechanism.
Step 5. Compare the serial numbers
The serial number on the band and case must match. Some luxury watches also include the serial number on a sticker on the bottom cover of the watch.
Be careful with watches that are sold without the case. Most likely the watch is fake
Part 3 of 3: Buying Genuine Watches
Step 1. Buy a genuine luxury watch
The best way to avoid fake watches is to buy them from an authorized seller. It's the most expensive option, but by far the safest. When you buy a new watch, you will also get all the documents and serial numbers that verify its authenticity.
To find an authorized seller of your favorite watch, do an online search or contact the manufacturer
Step 2. Check the serial number with the manufacturer
If you are buying a used watch or at an auction, check the serial number with the manufacturer before buying. Luxury watchmakers keep records of their watches. Therefore, if the watch you purchased is genuine, you will be able to find the documentation.
To check the serial number, do an online search or contact a customer service representative
Step 3. Go to a quality assessor
If you're concerned that your offer is too high, take the watch to a professional quality assessor before buying it. If the seller is honest, they won't mind letting you appraise the watch. To find a quality estimator in your area, do an online search or talk to an expensive watch distributor.
- Ask a quality estimator to determine if the luxury watch is genuine or fake. If they think they are genuine, ask why.
- Also, a quality estimator will probably be able to tell you if you're getting a fair price.
