With so many watch designs, sizes and brands out there in the market today, it can be hard to tell if a watch you’re interested in buying is genuine or otherwise. Fake watches are increasingly popular for those looking for a more affordable option, but how do you know if what you’re purchasing is worth your time and money? It’s important to identify these counterfeits early on because they often come with pricey repair bills later down the line. Don’t worry though – we’ve done all the hard work for you!
In this blog post, we will provide 10 easy steps that can help determine whether your prospective watch purchase is authentic or not. With our tips and tricks, anyone from first-time buyers to avid collectors should have no problem spotting a fake watch.
- Check the Brand: Knowing which brands are authentic is the first and most important step in spotting a fake watch. Common counterfeits include Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling and Tag Heuer – if you’re looking to buy any of these popular brands, make sure to do your research beforehand.
- Inspect the Movement: High-end watches typically feature intricate movements that require lots of precision to get right – this makes them quite difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. To ensure your watch is genuine, check for smooth movement and an audible ticking sound when turning the crown.
- Look Out for Uneven Fonts: Fake watches often have uneven fonts on their dials or straps, so pay close attention to any imperfections that could indicate a counterfeit.
- Check the Serial Number: Most genuine watches have serial numbers etched into their back casing that can help you verify their authenticity. If there’s no serial number, it’s likely fake – if there is, make sure to look up the number online and compare it with what you find on the official manufacturer’s website.
- Examine the Magnifying Bubble: Many luxury watch brands feature a magnifying bubble or “cyclops” over their date window – if this isn’t present on your prospective purchase, it’s probably not real.
- Inspect the Engraving: Fake watches often have poor engravings of logos or markings that are barely visible to the naked eye, so double-check for any signs of a counterfeit here.
- Look at the Strap: High-end watches usually have straps made from buttery soft leather or sturdy stainless steel – if yours feels flimsy or plastic-like in comparison, it’s likely a fake.
- Check the Weight: Fake watches tend to feel light compared to genuine ones due to their lower quality components and materials used in construction – make sure to weigh your prospective purchase before making a final decision.
- Feel Around the Edges: Authentic watches often feature sharp edges and precise manufacturing, while fakes may have slightly more rounded edges due to poor craftsmanship.
- Check the Price: If a watch seems too good to be true (i.e. it’s significantly cheaper than market value), there’s a good chance it is fake – be sure to check against the manufacturer’s website and see if its price is realistic before buying!
Now that you know what to look out for when purchasing a new watch, you can rest assured that your next purchase will be an authentic one. With these 10 easy steps, spotting a fake watch should be no problem at all! If you need help spotting a fake watch, contact us today at USA Gold and Jewelry. We are experts in luxury watches and would be happy to help you!