Counterfeiting is a huge problem in the watch industry. We don't want you being duped into spending your hard-earned money on what you thought was a luxury watch but in reality is a much lower-quality counterfeit. Here are some ways to spot a fake:
1. If the deal is too good to be true, it is
If while you're searching for a place to buy your watch you find a suspiciously good deal from an unknown retailer (e.g. a 90% discount), steer clear! Always buy watches through legitimate channels, such as brand-authorized retailers. This ensures you get the quality product you want.
2. Take a good hard look
Several visual cues can warn you of a counterfeit watch, so whip out a magnifying glass. Most often, counterfeit watches promoting additional functions, such as a chronograph or moon phase, don’t have that function or won’t work correctly.
Check the font, search for spelling mistakes, and inspect the logo and engravings. The errors in a fake can be tiny, but you can spot them if you know what a genuine watch looks like. More noticeable mistakes are peeling paint, fading engravings, and scratches.
Genuine watches use a sapphire crystal on the dial that is scratch-resistant and durable. The sapphire crystal top will also give a violet tint at a certain angle, so you can tilt the watch under a light to test for this when checking that a watch is genuine.
Counterfeit watches will use low-quality glass or mineral crystal, which often has imperfections and will scratch easily. The watch dial of a fake watch may make the watch face appear hazy. If the dial can't be seen clearly, you are probably looking at a fake.
You should also check the date window, as counterfeit watches usually have weaker magnification, making the date difficult to read.
3. The Feel
Many counterfeit watches will use cheaper materials to save a buck, so fakes tend to be lighter than real watches. A real watch is made from gold, stainless steel, and heavy metals or alloys, which are heavier and more sturdy than cheaper metals.
In short, doing your due diligence will help you avoid flushing your money down the drain. Do your research, take a close look, and take your time when buying a watch.