Could you spot a counterfeit watch?

The high demand and desirability of luxury watches along with the price has led to a growing counterfeit market. Where some may want cheaper counterfeit watches, others are being conned into thinking they are getting a good deal on a designer watch.

Do you think you could spot a counterfeit watch? Would you know what to look for when many counterfeit watches are now almost indistinguishable?

At Florida Pawn, we are trained to spot counterfeits and you can trust that the watches we sell are genuine. So, we thought we would share some specialist tips on how to spot a fake watch:

Distinctive brands

If you know what brand of watch you want to buy, research it and model to understand their key distinguishable factors. If you are purchasing a second-hand watch that is no longer being made, research it on reputable auction sites as they can help you find distinguishing factors.

What to look for:

1. Design and finish – examine how the watch is made and how it is finished, for example, compare the colours, look for hallmarks and imperfections. A luxury watch should be flawless as they are made to higher standards unlike counterfeit watches which are made cheaply and are more likely to have imperfections
2. Weight – genuine watches will be made from quality materials which will tend to be heavier which is a key distinguishing factor.
3. Serial numbers and signature engravings – both serial numbers and all engraving work should be in their brand typeface, be clear and perfectly formed as many brands have distinguishable fonts, so look for imperfections or errors in them.
4. Clock movement – luxury watches have perfected their watch movement and it should be smooth and the internal mechanisms will be first class. Look for differences and poor movement, although you should only get an expert to inspect the internal mechanisms.
5. Listen – the sound that the watch makes is important as luxury watches have smoother mechanisms with minimal noise so if you can hear it ticking it’s unlikely to be genuine.

Check the paperwork

Ask to see the paperwork and proof of ownership as many vintage watches will come with a certificate proving their authenticity. Knowing where the watch has come from and having the paperwork can reassure you about the watch and will help the watch hold its value.

Choose a reputable dealer

It is safer to purchase luxury watches from established, reputable or authorised dealers. They should be able to show you the key distinguishing factors and prove its province, and if in doubt of their expertise consider whether you should buy from them.

Know the value

You should also understand what the watch you want to buy is worth and if you find it at an unbelievably good price then it is probably too good to be true. Many luxury watches such as Omega and Rolex tend to hold their value and are often seen as investment pieces so the chances of a genuine watch being below market value is unlikely.