You can spot a fake wristwatch right away by looking at its lume dot, which rhymes with “bump”. It should be written with an E at the end, meaning luminescence. You can also look for a logo that is either gold or steel on the face of the watch.
Audemars Piguet
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to tell a fake wristwatch from a real one, look for a specific design on the dial. For example, a fake Audemars Piguet dial will usually have a different design, without a metal surround or the distinctive Tapisserie pattern. Another telltale sign is the date window. Many fakes feature a date window that has not been properly finished, and the digits may not be readable.
Luxury watches usually feature a high standard of finishing, which is difficult to imitate. Similarly, fake luxury watches have irregularities and rough edges. This is because machines cannot duplicate the craftsmanship of luxury watches. Replicas usually use cheaper battery-driven components and lack intricate internal mechanisms. In addition, they often display weird anomalies.
Another way to spot a fake watch is to notice the typeface of engraving. Genuine watches tend to have sharper fonts for the engravings, while fakes usually use lower-quality typefaces. Also, look for errors in spelling or the typeface of the engravings.
You can also identify fake watches by checking the model and serial numbers of the watch. The serial numbers of authentic watches should match on the dial and bracelet. The serial numbers can also be found on a sticker behind the dial. If you don’t find any serial numbers, the watch is a fake.
Besides, it’s also important to know where you’re buying the wristwatch from. It’s always better to buy from an authorized dealer. If you’re not sure about the seller, you can check out reviews online or visit the store itself. By doing so, you will reduce the risk of buying a fake wristwatch.
Lastly, check out the movement. Quality brands typically have a very smooth movement. A fake will have a rough, uneven movement. Likewise, a watch that is “super fake” may have a movement made by an ETA. If the movement is smooth, then the watch is not a fake.
Another area to check for fakes is the dial. The dials of luxury watches are very difficult to replicate, but fakers are becoming better at it. For instance, Philipp Stahl, who publishes a blog called Rolex Passion Report, has documented the production of very high-quality fakes.
Factory watches often have dust and fingerprints on the dial, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are fake. Some pre-owned watches are also serviced by someone who didn’t pay close attention to the quality of the watch. A fake watch may not have the serial number to be authentic.
Another key feature to look for is the font of the dial. Genuine Rolex watches feature sharp, even lettering. If you’re looking for a fake Rolex watch, you’ll find the lettering is uneven.
Patek Philippe
The easiest way to tell if your wristwatch is a fake is to check the quality of the movement. Patek Philippe luxury watches have incredibly intricate movements, and if the movement looks simple, chances are it’s a fake. In addition, most fakes lack the signature ‘Certificate of Authenticity’, or COA, which will come with your watch. It’s pretty simple to see which quartz watches are genuine.
If you are not sure whether a watch is genuine, you can contact the Patek Philippe Archives and request a document. This document will provide the manufacturer’s serial number, case and movement information. However, this is not a proof of authenticity, and you’ll have to pay a fee to get the document. The process will take about ten weeks, but it will give you an idea of whether the watch is genuine or not.
You can also look for visible signs of fakery, such as dial flaws. A Patek Philippe watch should be polished and smooth, with no scratches, pockmarks or rough edges. It will also have a fully-finished crown.
Another way to spot a fake Patek Philippe watch is to look at the screws. Genuine watches don’t have blue screws. They’re hard enough without being blued. The screws on a Patek Philippe wristwatch should be red, not blue.
In addition to the serial number, you should also look for the model number on the watch. This number will be found on the official paperwork. Authentic Patek Philippe watches will have this number. This information can help you decide if the watch is a fake or a genuine piece of jewelry.
When looking at fake watches, you should also check the quality seal. If the seal doesn’t look like it’s from Patek Philippe, it is likely a fake. A fake Patek Philippe watch may have an imperfectly executed seal, or a wrong date. The strap should have an appropriate heft and finish, and all of the links should align properly.
The serial number is also another way to spot a fake Patek Philippe watch. Patek Philippe watches are generally made of 18ct gold or platinum, with the serial number inscribed on the inside caseback. This serial number is difficult to replicate, and the serial number on a fake watch will be visible.
Moreover, a fake watch will not come with the responsibility hallmark. The hallmarks must also be present on the caseback of a genuine Patek Philippe watch. The caseback will feature two different hallmarks: the “common hallmark” on the left side and the “official Swiss hallmark” on the right. A genuine Patek Philippe watch should also feature diamonds that are internally flawless.
Rolex
One of the easiest ways to spot a fake Rolex wrist watch is by looking at the date. Authentic Rolex wristwatches feature a convex lens that magnifies the date by 2.5 times, while fake ones will have a flat lens.
Another way to spot a fake Rolex wrist watch is by examining the caseback. A genuine Rolex will have a caseback that is solidly screwed into the watch case. The caseback should also be fluted to provide the proper water resistance. If the caseback is transparent, it is probably a fake.
To avoid buying a fake Rolex wristwatch, make sure to ask for a clear picture of the watch. A fake Rolex dial is usually made with paint and does not have the etched lettering inside. A genuine watch has a polished dial with fine lettering.
Another sign of a fake Rolex is a stuttering second hand. A real Rolex’s second hand will move smoothly, in short ticks. A fake’s seconds hand will stutter and make a clicking noise.
Another way to identify a fake Rolex wristwatch is by checking the date. A fake watch will lack the cyclops lens that magnifies the date on the front of the watch. Also, the date window of a counterfeit will lack the right shape. The chronograph will also not be accurate. You can also check out the crown logo to ensure that it is genuine.
The crown of a genuine Rolex is laser etched. You can check this out by using the flashlight app of your phone. The crown will be laser etched, while fakes will not have this LEC. Taking note of this detail will help you make a quick decision on whether or not the watch is authentic or not. It’s important to know where to look and trust who you’re buying from.
The lugs of a real Rolex watch are thick and symmetrical. The lugs of a replica Rolex will be much thinner and tapered. Real Rolex lugs will also have a different feel to them.
You can also check the model and serial number of the watch. A real Rolex watch has an etched logo near the six o’clock position on the dial. If you can’t see it, then the watch is most likely fake. Alternatively, you can use a jeweler’s lens to check the serial number.
The Rolex brand is one of the most expensive in the world, which makes it a popular luxury purchase for many people. Unfortunately, the brand is also highly counterfeited. Many counterfeits are so sophisticated that they are nearly impossible to spot. It’s vital to know how to spot a fake Rolex wristwatch before you spend a lot of money on it.
The serial number and case reference number are vital indicators. If you have trouble identifying them, look online for reviews by previous customers. If there are negative reviews, it is likely the shop has dealt in counterfeit items. Be sure to find a reputable dealer who stands behind their products. A reliable dealer will guarantee authenticity with an in-house expert who has years of experience in servicing Rolex watches.