The trade in fake watches is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why watchmakers around the world experience significant losses. These counterfeit watches are gaining acceptance among those who consciously buy them as “replicas” or among consumers who have no idea that they are buying counterfeit watches. Fake watches are often offered in a casual setting and are rarely offered for sale by retailers. And now, the Internet is full or stocked with fake clocks. With fake watches, or “replicas” as they are now known, running rampant on the market, spotting a fake watch is important to ensure that you are buying a genuine watch.
Refraining from counterfeits is not that difficult if proper security measures are taken. At a quick glance, they may appear genuine, but by taking a closer look and examining them in detail, you can see the difference. Fancy brands that come with high-priced labels are common targets for counterfeiters.
When it comes to a genuine Rolex, one notable thing that counterfeiters cannot copy identically from an original is its weight. This is because counterfeit watches are made of lower-cost, lighter materials. The smooth-running mechanism of the real watch does not make any audible sounds. You can perform a basic test by dropping some water on the glass surface of the watch. The water will collectively spill on the genuine Rolex, while the fake one who wears glasses will simply spread out. For a more detailed examination, you can use a magnifying glass to see the tiny, but very clear Rolex crown, etched just below six o’clock that counterfeiters cannot perfectly duplicate. The hologram decal you’ll find on the backs of genuine Rolex cases is also an easy way to spot a fake watch. Counterfeiters can emulate hologram stickers, but if you look closer and see it in an illuminated position, you will notice that it is not a true hologram.
Counterfeiters have duplicated Panerais. Many of their counterfeits have the E0117 / 1950 series on the back of the box. So if you see this serial number on the back of the box, you know that the watch is a fake. The original Panerais have rougher straps, while the replicas have more embroidery stitches. The counterfeits use glass and not real glass. Better try them in the dark. Fake ones are not as bright as real ones in dark areas, most noticeable in the word Luminor.
The easiest way to determine if a pressed Cartier watch is authentic or a replica is to look inside the back case. The genuine watch will have your trademark imprinted on the movement that counterfeiters will not attempt to copy. Real Cartiers feature scratch-proof glass, which replicas don’t have. Real watches are considerably heavier than fake ones. Also, check the cabochon stone located on the winder, if it’s not there, you already know what it is.
With the proper knowledge to determine a fake watch, you can spot the difference between real and replica watches. Of course, the best and proven way to ensure that the watch you are buying is authentic is to buy it only from authorized dealers.
