Just as there are originals, the replicas are not left out and are in pretty much circulation. When it comes to watches, fake watches are big businesses. According to some reports, as many as 30 per cent of watch searches are for replicas. This means there are a lot of fake wrist watches out there to snare the gullible. To ensure that you don’t fall for the fakes trap, here are tips to make you choose original wristwatches:
1. Location
Just because a watch is behind glass doesn’t mean it’s the real deal. Unless your dealer is affiliated with the brand, you can’t guarantee what they promise is what you get. Ask in store for what marques they’re licensed to sell and double-check on the watch brand’s official website for extra clarification. Sometimes it’s worth spending that little bit more on a watch sold at an authorised dealer. You can be guaranteed authentic watches, and be given warranty too.
2. Don’t be selfish
Watches often make smart investment pieces because they hold their value. So be wary of sellers who don’t know what a good watch is worth. A retail specialish advises that if you are saving more than 25 per cent of the current market value of a similar model, it’s unlikely to be the genuine article. You’re highly unlikely to come across a watch from an established brand at an extremely reduced rate. Be realistic when it comes to potential discounts.
3. Be present
A picture tells a thousand words, and most of them are lies. If you’re buying through an online auction or second hand site, a lack of detail in the photograph can be an indicator the seller has something to hide. A watch shown without the original box and papers can also sometimes indicate a lack of legitimacy.
4. Weigh your options
Counterfeiters usually use cheap materials to save costs, so forgeries tend to feel lighter than the real deal. The experts say that one of the hardest parts of making a genuine watch is the hand finishing, a process that cannot be replicated by machine. More so, a fake will often feel sharp on the edges, a sign it hasn’t been properly hand finished. ‘Good’ fakes can mimic the textured brushing of stainless steel, but up close there will likely be irregularities.
5. Face facts
Take one to the dial and look for any mispositioned letters or missing details. Luxury watches are sold on perfection. Fake watches usually have inconsistencies. Before spending, search for an image of a legit dial (again, the marque’s official website is a good place to start) and compare every detail. Engraving is often a tell-tale sign too. Get up close and check for consistency and smooth lines – the texture of the lettering should be perfectly even and without flaw.