What are the best ways to tell fake vs genuine watches. Our guide outlines the clues for fake and replica watches, and warnings about ‘Frankenwatches’.
According to the official Swiss watch industry association FH, there are more counterfeit watches than originals. Tens of millions of counterfeit watches are offered every year, while the Swiss watch industry produces around 30 million watches. Among them are well-known models from all brands. Watches are one of the most common counterfeit products, so you need to know how to identify fake vs genuine watches.
In recent years it has been observed that the sale of replica watches has shifted from Internet sites to social media such as Facebook, Youtube or Instagram. It is becoming more and more difficult to find out about the counterfeiters. A specially set up department of the Swiss Watch Industry Association deals on a daily basis with tracking down such Internet offers, arranging for them to be closed and destroying counterfeit watches. However, watch buyers are often not aware
In this article, I would like to give you five tips for buying watches : These should help you to distinguish real watches from replica ones.
But I have to make a little confession right from the start: it’s not something I’m particularly proud of, but it shows how easy it is to be deceived. In 2003 I started looking for an Oyster bracelet for my Rolex Datejust , which I received with an Jubilee bracelet when I bought it. I quickly found what I was looking for on eBay and after getting an overview of the seller ratings, I decided to click on “Buy Now”. I can’t remember the exact price, but it was attractive.
How to tell a fake Rolex Submariner
Tips to tell fake vs genuine watches
Tip for buying a watch # 1: Don’t get carried away by the impulse
However, the amount was not small enough to be called “too good to be true”. When I got the bracelet, I quickly noticed that it was a fake (or so-called replica). Had I not been so hasty with my purchase decision and had I better checked the offer beforehand,
I would have noticed that the Clasp codes are wrong and the reference number is engraved in the wrong place. So there was no longer any question of a real Oyster bracelet for my Datejust. With this purchase I paid for my impulsiveness. Since then, I’ve stopped making impulse purchases unless I’m absolutely sure that everything is okay.
In this article we would like to deal with the purchase of replica watches – or even worse – so-called Frankenwatches , i.e. watches that are assembled from different parts. People who would very much like to own a Rolex or Breitling, for example, but only have a limited budget of $100 or less are interested in buying cheap counterfeits.
Hiow to tell a fake Patel Philippe Nautilus
Not all replica watches are created equal
The buyers for replica watches are fully aware that they are buying plagiarism and have no intention of buying an original. Because the counterfeit luxury watches probably also go perfectly with the imitation Louis Vuitton bag and the imitation Hermès belt. But let’s not devote ourselves to this category. Because: “Fake watches are for fake people” – and those who value good quality materials and design will not buy a replica.
But first we have to differentiate between replica watches and Frankenwatches. Replica watches are complete fakes. Nothing about them is real. An example of this is the fake Daytona that appears in “Kill Bill II”. It can be clearly identified as a forgery on the dial, more precisely on the chronograph totalizers.
But be careful – nowadays some replicas can hardly be distinguished from the original. Because these models are also made of usable stainless steel, most of the details are correct and maybe they are even sold with forged papers and in a counterfeit box, so be very wary when you want to differentiate fake vs genuine watches.
Tip for buying watches # 2: Not a specialist retailer? Check the offer carefully
So be especially careful when purchasing a mechanical watch that you do not purchase from an authorized retailer. However, two aspects can give an indication of whether it is a fake:
1st: The price: If the price is too good to be true, you should stay away from the watch.
2 .: The movement: Make sure that the watch has an original movement and check the details of the watch to be absolutely sure. It is best to take a similar watch with you that you know is real.
Frankenwatches are another even more dangerous matter. A Frankenwatch is a watch, the components of which are almost all originals.
The difference between replica watches and ‘Frankenwatches’
However, the individual parts that make up the watch do not belong together – either because they did not match at the time of manufacture or were not originally built into the model. A Rolex Submariner from 1965, for example, becomes a Frankenwatch with the movement of a Rolex produced later, which doesn’t even have to be that of a Submariner.
If the owner adds a bracelet that does not belong to the original, a bezel from a later model and a replacement plexiglass, the result is a Frankenwatch. All that remains of the original Submariner is the case itself. And it is precisely this mix that often makes it so difficult to distinguish a real vintage watch from a Frankenwatch.
Tip for buying a watch # 3: Research the brand and model history
In both cases, knowledge is the key to making the right purchase decision. To avoid buying a replica, you should inform yourself sufficiently about the models in question and their history. The level of knowledge naturally depends on the level of documentation about a brand or a specific watch.
There are great books on numerous watches and brands, such as the Rolex GMT Master, the Omega Speedmaster (“Moonwatch”) or the watches from the Swiss brand Longines ( “Longines Watches” ) that will make you real experts in this field. The books are not cheap, but can save you from an expensive bad buy.
The simplest method, however, is to go to an authorized dealer and buy a new watch. However, that doesn’t solve the problems in the second-hand and vintage watch market. The demand for some discontinued models and vintage watches is so strong that the prices are correspondingly high and this fact in turn attracts criminals who specialize in the production of copies and with the deception of passionate collectors and buyers want to make a fortune.
Tip for buying a watch # 4: Contact the manufacturer
Many watch brands also keep claiming that the internet and online shops are a bad place to buy watches. This view is particularly represented by brands that do not have a clear strategy with regard to online business and thus easily avoid the discussion. Of course we know better. Because numerous brands are happy to help if you want to know something about a watch that is no longer manufactured or even a vintage watch. They provide information about whether the parts are original, the origin of the watch, and sometimes the manufacturers even offer to check the watch and its quality. The latter means, however, that you have already bought the watch. If there is a lot of money involved, a seller may agree to have the watch checked for authenticity by a brand or a brand’s service center. Unfortunately, this option comes too late for the singer John Mayer, because he found out that some of his watches are replicas.
Regardless of whether you acquire the knowledge of watches yourself or rely on the knowledge of other collectors, you are well prepared not to buy a replica. Of course, this rule not only applies to online purchases, but also to used and vintage watches that are sold in traditional shops and at auctions (yes, even Frankenwatches and replicas are auctioned there from time to time).
Used watches with manufacturer’s guarantee
Some watch brands are planning to equip their own used watches with a manufacturer certificate and offer them again. Linde Werdelin was one of the first watch brands to offer used watches itself.
Also Audemars Piguet and Breitling announced some time ago that they want to get into this business. When brands themselves sell used watches with a (refreshed) warranty and through their own network (or even directly), they are a good alternative for watch fans. Used watches are exchanged for new watches, they are checked or, if necessary, they are given a revision and are offered again on the market. How exactly this will look in the future is not yet entirely clear.
Tip for buying a watch # 5: Use collector knowledge
In addition, there are brand forums in which numerous experienced users post helpful articles on the topic of replicas, and of course various watch blogs that deal with different wristwatches. Gather as much information as possible about original models, possible counterfeits and Frankenwatches, and always get a second opinion in case of doubt.
