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How to distinguish a real watch. How to distinguish an original from a fake when buying expensive watches and accessories. How to distinguish a fake Swiss watch from the original

Expensive watches from Swiss companies have always been in demand, because they are an indicator of wealth. It is for this reason that there are many copies and fakes. Therefore, when buying, it is important to know when buying a watch how to distinguish an original from a fake. There are many signs with which you can identify a low-quality product.

Signs that will help distinguish a fake at a glance

  • tick sound. Expensive watches are distinguished by noiselessness and smooth movement of the hands. Unlike the original, even a high-quality copy makes noise. The second hand at the replica moves in jerks from division to division. In an expensive Swiss watch, the hand makes about eight tiny movements per second. That is why a feeling of smoothness of movement is created. It is very difficult to distinguish this feature with the naked eye.
  • Lens. Many watches, such as the Rolex, have a magnifying lens in place of the date. This feature is difficult to fake, so fake glass is installed under the guise of a magnifying glass. Please note that the number window fits completely in the lens.
  • Material. Real watches are made from high quality materials. Swiss models are mainly created from noble metals and sapphire glasses. This feature makes the watch quite heavy. In case the watch seems light to you, it is most likely a fake. This can be a major factor in how to tell an original watch from a copy.
  • Back panel. Masters producing expensive watches very rarely make the panels transparent. Basically, the back cover is always made of metal and is engraved with instructions or manufacturer's data. A transparent cover can mislead the buyer, admiring the work of watch movements.
  • Strap. Often the product strap is made of real leather with matching slots. However, there are also many watches with a metal strap. In this case, please note that the strap expensive watches made of high quality metal. The content of any plastic, aluminum or thin metals indicates poor quality product. It's no less important aspect how to distinguish an original watch from a copy. Remember, the presence of plastic in any part of the product - sure sign fakes.
  • Waterproof. Any expensive chronographs from original manufacturers are waterproof. If you are holding a product with a slightly misted glass in your hands or see bubbles when lowered into water, then they are not airtight and are a replica. This is one of the main features of how to distinguish an original watch from a fake. It is important to remember that not all Swiss made watches are capable of withstanding deep sea diving. Only a few collections are designed specifically for diving. The rest survive a simple swim in the pool or bathe in the shower.

In a separate article we compared, Check it out if you're interested!

by the most in a simple way The only way to distinguish a replica watch from an original is to view the catalog of the company's website. Enter the full name of your watch and compare any small details that may differ. You should especially carefully look at the dial, since most of the mistakes when copying are in it. All Swiss firms are distinguished by extreme rigor in production. Therefore, even the smallest difference in hours is a sign of a fake.

Signs for specialists

These are the main differences between a fake and an original. If you still doubt the originality of your product, you should contact their manufacturer. The service specialists will open the watch and, based on the operation of the mechanisms, the smallest details and other features, will make a conclusion about the accessory of the product.

The specialists of the company, which sells exclusive Swiss watches on the Russian market, decided to tell us what are the main differences between replicas and copies from real Swiss chronographs.

For real, branded Swiss watches, you can pick up many epithets. On the most suitable are: luxurious, elite, stylish and exclusive. Thousands may dream of such a watch, but only a few get it. And now you are ready to become one of the “chosen ones” and purchase an expensive luxury accessory from a well-known world brand.

"The first signs" of fakes and replicas

Real chronographs, which were made in Switzerland, have distinctive features and details that cannot be faked in absolutely any way. You need to pay attention to them in the very first place:

  • Real genuine Swiss watches will definitely have “Swiss” or “Swiss Made” inscriptions on their cases. This marking on this moment used by almost all world watch companies
  • If you see the words “Movement” or “Quartz” near the word “Swiss”, then this will indicate that in this chronograph from “Swiss” there is only the movement itself, and all other parts were made and matched to this watch in other countries
  • The words "Geneve" or "Geneva" are affixed to the cases of expensive elite-class chronographs. In other, cheaper models, this marking cannot be
  • You should immediately take a closer look at the movement of the chronograph hands: for real, Swiss watches, they will seem to “float”, moving smoothly, measuredly. If the watch is fake, then most likely their hands will move in noticeably sharp jerks.
  • The watch case must contain the company logo or its name. For example, on wrist chronographs Rolex engraved crown. It is better to study in advance the catalogs of those brands whose watches you want to purchase. So you can see for yourself not only the option that suits you, but also the placement of branded engravings. And after that you can compare them with watches in stores and pawnshops
  • Authentic chronographs made in Switzerland will definitely be registered in a special catalogue. They are also equipped with a passport with a seal, which indicates their unique numbered identifier, place and date of sale.
  • Carefully inspect the box in which the watch comes. Even such an insignificant detail can tell a lot. The box must be "branded", you will immediately determine this. World brands supply their chronographs in packages made of expensive fabrics and materials: leather, morocco, silk, moire, etc. Embossed gold inscription may also be present. The bottom of the box is usually marked with the manufacturer's data.

What is the "puncture" of most manufacturers of fakes

Now it is worth talking in more detail about what genuine Swiss chronographs should not have. And what elements and details can most often be found in fake models.

  • Very low cost chronograph should be alarming. Usually watches that cost less than $100 cannot possibly be Swiss made. The lowest price threshold for some Swiss watch models is from 500 to 1000 dollars. Exceptions may be watches from brands that specifically release budget options. For example, Casio or Swatch
  • Clock face Bad quality , which in fake chronographs can even be cardboard, crookedly placed hour notches, fuzzy inscriptions - all this suggests that you have a craft
  • "Swiss Made"(“made” with a small letter) or “Made in Switzerland” markings can also indicate fake watches
  • Low quality materials, such as: leatherette instead of leather on the bracelet, plastic glasses instead of real ones, brass or copper instead of gold, etc. It is also worth paying attention to the accuracy of the seams on the straps and the absence of bends on it.
  • no box, and if it is, it looks sloppy: with crooked inscriptions, protruding threads, made of cardboard, etc.

According to world studies in this area, the greatest difficulty for scammers who make fakes is to "copy", that is, to make the so-called. replicas. Such crafts are very difficult to identify.

But here you can also identify a flaw, especially if you look closely with poorly attached "diamonds", and also make sure that there is no entry about this model in the catalog. "Precious" stones may have different sizes, be crooked, cloudy.

Where is it better to buy and not be "thrown"

Where is the safest place to buy expensive high-end Swiss chronographs? Of course, in branded outlets and those stores that have proven themselves on the good side. This is the most basic guarantee that you will not be deceived when buying a Swiss watch.

This choice should be approached as responsibly as possible, and only then luck will be on your side!

Expensive watches of famous world brands are a status thing, recognizable and in demand. No less important for reputation than a car. Cheap watch on hand successful person- this is much worse than modest solid shoes or coats from a novice designer. That's why well-known manufacturers watches prosper, but counterfeiters do not live in poverty either.

Watches of the most promoted brands are not a cheap purchase, they are bought for various reasons:

  • emphasize the position in society;
  • show the level of their well-being;
  • profitable to invest money;
  • replenish the collection;
  • you just need a good, reliable chronometer.

Prosperous businessmen and celebrities buy their watches from manufacturers' stores, so the problem ishow to distinguish an original watch from a fakedoes not occupy them. But for those who consider their own, even very decent money, this question is important.

Which watch brands are most often counterfeited

Swiss brandRolexwell known even to those who are not interested in expensive and prestigious brands. Politicians prefer him famous people and mafiosi from cult movies. The number of fakes usually significantly exceeds the production of their own products.

The oldest and most famous French firmCartierlovers of masterpieces of both watchmaking and jewelry art. The brand has the most large collection female models. Cartier is worn by queens and movie stars. The brand is especially interesting for collectors, investors - the price of real Cartier products is only growing.

Breguet- Swiss classics and notorious quality. High prices are also a temptation for fake business masters.

Tissot– original collections, limited edition of exclusive models. unusual materials, reliable protection authenticity. But this brand cannot avoid copying.

Patek Philippe - is considered the manufacturer of the most complex - and most accurate - mechanisms. The fakes are made to look the same, but they walk just like all badly made cheap imitations.

Chinese craftsmen massively stamp even plasticLuminoxvery inexpensiveFossil- but the terrible quality is visible even to the most inexperienced eye.

Types of fake expensive chronometers

Fake watches are frankly cheap Chinese artisans and very high-quality replicas, which are most often produced in Turkey and Egypt. Such products are quite expensive to manufacture and very accurately convey the design of the copied model. It is often possible to detect a forgery only by the mechanism, and this is difficult to organize even in a store. If there is a chance to consult an expert, then remember that it will be possible to return the detected fake to the store within two weeks if there is a receipt and a seller's stamp on the purchase passport.

In such difficult situation especially important to know, how to distinguish an original watch from a fake.

If a specific brand is not selected

Don't buy watches expensive brand if it doesn't matter to you. AT official store can offer sufficiently high-quality watches: when choosing, in addition to design, you need to pay attention to important features -how to spot a fake watch good original.

Appearance
  • on fake copies, the color of the hands and marks on the dial is often different - this should not be;
  • defects in inaccurate stamping lead to blurring of numbers and inscriptions along the edges, which are not found in real production;
  • the arrows should be parallel to the glass surface - this can be seen with a close look;
  • on the back, on the cover of the watch should be marked: logo, serial number, producing country;
  • the watch must be accompanied by a well-printed instruction, passport or warranty card with the data entered into them indicated on the cover;
  • watches must be sold in branded packaging with the logo and name of the manufacturer.

If there is no guarantee for the product, and the passport is not attached, you cannot buy a chronometer. There will be no one to complain to.

In the case of purchasing watches with jewelry, you need to look at the quality of the placement of stones in the nests, their appearance and cleanliness. In fakes, they look cloudy and unevenly installed. After all, they made a replica watch, not jewelry.

Also, fakes have poor gilding, the coating is quickly destroyed - this can be seen. Keep in mind that this is a budget purchase.

If the seller shows a great-looking watch with “real Swiss quality”, then the case or dial should be engraved: Swiss Made. The inscription Swiss Parts indicates that the filling of the mechanism is Swiss. And the Swiss Movement mark indicates assembly in another country. In any case, the manufacturer must have an official website and the model can be seen there, unless the chronometer is vintage. You need to inspect and check the purchase especially carefully, as it will not be cheap.

If possible, take a look at the manufacturer's website and see all the design details and specifications.

How to buy a real Cartier watch

Cartier - French stamp very popular watches and jewelry. Actually, the chronometers themselves will be real works of art, the price of which will increase with age. This is prestige, and an investment of money and an object for collecting.

The global fame of Cartier gives rise to the mass appearance of replicas of the brand on the market. They are often well presented as genuine products and come true well. With such an acquisition, we are talking about large amounts, so you need to knowhow to distinguish a fake watch from the original.

Signs of real Cartier:

  • The stamp on the back cover indicates the metal used, its sample, serial number, model name, brand mark and master's mark. The last mark is typical for the French brand.
  • Materials - gold, platinum - are used only high standard.
  • Cartier hands are made from blued steel. Special processing gives a bluish tint and shine. The hands of the brand are also massive - they cannot be thin and flat with this technology.
How to identify a genuine Rolex

Rolex has been associated with prosperity and influence for more than a century. A few features of a true chronometer come in handy:

  • Inspection appearance must show perfect quality: uniform color, smoothness, transparency of glass, font accuracy, symmetry of the location of characters on the dial.
  • The sapphire glass is not scratchable and water does not spread over it - even a tiny drop will demonstrate this.
  • The engraving of the serial number and model number is very clear and deep, the lines are thin and do not break. - On the replica, they are of poor quality.
  • The logo - the familiar crown - on the dial is required. It is also present on the head of the plant.
  • Quartz models for the brand are very rare.
How not to buy a fake Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe Chronometers differ in unusual design and unique precision of the mechanism. The brand combines the rigor of classics and modern boldness of forms. Finds fans among different walks of life. Characteristics brands:

  • An engraving with the name of the material and a unique stamp are applied to the metal under the cover - on flat part mechanism. The lid of real Pateks is clean. The designations are just on the replicas.
  • The case and bracelet are made from precious metals- gold, platinum, silver.
  • The sapphire crystal of the dial is not subject to mechanical damage.
Buy a real chronometerBreguet

The famous Breguet is a model of reliability, good taste, aristocracy - has been successfully producing and selling watches since the end of the 18th century. The quality has only increased over the past two centuries. But he was also touched by a wave of shameless counterfeiting. The brand has enough signs of originality:

  • The unique technique of guilloching the dial after applying all marks, inscriptions, engraving. Upon completion of processing, the finest grid of the pattern is visible on the metal surface. All work is done by hand and cannot be copied.
  • Arrows of a special shape - with a circle included in front of a thin pointed end. This form is over 200 years old.
  • The corrugation of the surface of the case is also a handmade pattern.
  • Protective secret signature on the dial - visible only from a certain angle in strong direct light. Fake makers fail to copy it.
Characteristic features of other branded watches

Famous brands protect their products different ways. Watermarks and holograms, unique complex logos - the frigate at Flagship Longines, the crown at Rolex, the MK mark at Michael Kors, relief of an eagle at Armani . Brand names are applied by fine engraving - on the head of the plant and in some other places, often inside, under the lid.

Some manufacturers have secret security marks, which only the developers and a few masters of the company know about. This allows you to always find the most skillful cue. But it does not help the inexperienced buyer at all, forcing him to contact only the brand's branded stores.

What is the danger of forgery

Buying and wearing fakes is not only bad manners in the eyes of many. There is a very high risk of a quick breakdown of the mechanism, which is likely to be disposable. The loss of appearance and similarity to the copied sample can occur even earlier. All that remains is to read the famous name on the tarnished case.

In the very best case fake watches work for a year. And they show inaccurate time from the very beginning. Even honest chinese watch sometimes they work better, although also for a short time.

But the main thing is that the owner of the replica does not suspect what materials the counterfeit manufacturers created their product from. Alloys may contain: zinc, nickel, lead compounds, harmful plastic. It is impossible to determine this visually.

It is also worth remembering that the business of making fakes is illegal, and few people know where the fabulous incomes go. Every year, only in Switzerland, 30 million branded watches are produced, and about 2,000,000 fakes are confiscated and destroyed in the same time. Of course, most of the counterfeit remains in circulation.

Prices

For exclusive Swiss chronometers of the highest quality, or samples of jewelry art famous brands There are no discounts or promotions. Of course, you can buy an original from a private person - especially vintage models of past years of release. There is such an opportunity in resale stores, where all things are checked by specialists.

It can take several hundred dollars to produce a super fake, while sellers expect to sell such watches for thousands, tens, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. At original watches there are some parts of the mechanism that fake suppliers cannot make cheap copies of. Therefore, fooled buyers often find out the truth only when the watch case is opened and the mechanism is studied under a magnifying glass. Unfortunately, this the only way know everything for sure if you suspect that your watch may be a super fake.

You may ask: what's wrong with buying copies of reasonable price? But watch counterfeiting is not without casualties. In addition to being intellectual property theft, counterfeit watches can be a physical threat. Counterfeiters often use hazardous materials, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which are banned from many consumer products, including watches. Super fakes often do not work well, and this can threaten your life: for example, if you are scuba diving, and your watch starts showing the time incorrectly underwater.

The biggest concern is that, according to a report released this year by nine US government agencies, organized crime, drug smuggling and terrorism are funded by counterfeit watches (and other counterfeit products).

If you are one of those who will never buy a cheap fake, the question arises: how to avoid inadvertently buying a super fake? You need to buy new watches only in brand stores or from authorized dealers. There are other legitimate sellers on the internet, including individuals on platforms like eBay, but it's easy to get scammed. Pay attention to such warning signs, as negative or outdated reviews if they are displayed on the site. Suspicions should be aroused by blurry photos, pictures that are clearly stolen from the brand's website, or photos that do not depict the watch that is actually sold. Do not buy from a seller if you encounter even minor difficulties in contacting them.

The offer to buy, say, a Breitling Navitimer for $2,000 (new watches from this brand range from $8,000 to $48,000) may seem very tempting. But if the price seems too good to be true, the offer is probably a scam. To be even more secure, always pay with PayPal or credit card, which provides protection when making purchases. If it turns out that you have been deceived, you can demand a refund of part of the money spent.

Translated by Nadezhda Belichenko

Rolex watches are a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and it is not surprising that they attract many counterfeiters. Distinguishing a real watch is not so easy, but there are some signs that you should pay attention to in order to understand whether you are looking at a genuine luxury watch or a cheap imitation. However, if you come across a fake High Quality may need professional advice. This article will help you learn to distinguish the original from the fake.

Steps

Main features

    Listen for ticks. The second hands of ordinary watches move in jerks, and if you listen well, you can hear a quiet ticking. However, the second hand of Rolex (and many other watches expensive brands) moves very smoothly and you won't hear the second hand tick. If a ticking sound is heard on the Rolex, it is a fake.

    Pay attention to the movement of the second hand. As mentioned, the Rolex seconds hand moves smoothly and does not twitch during the course. Take a closer look at the arrows, whether they move perfectly smoothly. Or do they speed up, slow down and twitch? If the second hand does not move smoothly, you have a fake in your hands.

    magnifying lens. Many (but not all) Rolex models have a date indicator. Usually it is located on the right side of the dial (next to the number 3). To better see the date, the manufacturer placed a small magnifying glass above the date indicator. This lens is difficult to counterfeit, so on many fake watches this glass only looks magnifying, but if you look closely, it is ordinary glass. If the glass above the date does not increase the number, then you are holding a fake.

    Loosen the crown and turn the hands back to change the date to yesterday. The date should change after 6 movements, not 12. This feature is almost impossible to copy, so if you do not observe it, then the watch is probably fake.

    Suspicious ease. Real Rolex are made of real metal and sapphire glass, which makes them heavier and gives them weight. Putting them on your wrist or holding them in your hands, you will feel heaviness. If you have a suspiciously light watch in your hands, then most likely it is forged from light materials.

    Transparent back panel. The back panel of some fakes is transparent, which allows you to see the internal mechanisms of the watch. Such a panel should not be under a removable metal cover. None of the original models have such a rear panel. Only a few Rolex watches were made with these panels, but they were not offered for sale, they could only be seen at exhibitions.

    • Counterfeiters thus mislead buyers who look at the internal mechanisms of watches and admire their work, not paying attention to the real origin of their purchase.

  1. non-metallic parts. Take the watch in your hands and inspect it. Look at the back panel, it should be smooth, high quality metal without any markings. The strap is made of leather or also of high quality metal. If any part of the watch is made of plastic or thin cheap metal such as aluminum, then you are faced with a fake. All this points to how to distinguish a real Swiss watch from a fake. Rolex watches are made from the highest quality materials, the cost of creating quality watches is not important for their manufacturers.

    • If the back panel looks like metal, but plastic is found underneath, then this watch is also a fake.

  2. Check the water resistance of your watch. the right way to determine the original watch is to test for water resistance. All Rolex watches are perfectly watertight, if your watch has missed even a little water, then it is not a Rolex. To check, dip the watch in a glass of water, hold for a few seconds, and then remove it. Genuine Rolex will continue to function normally and no water droplets will appear on the inside of the glass.

    If other methods did not help, there is another one. In order to check the quality of the purchased watch, just check the availability of such a model from this company. To do this, go to the Rolex website, which has a catalog of all models with photos. Find a photo of your watch model and compare. Special attention look at the dial, is everything in its place? If your watch has an additional dial (date, chronograph) is it in the right place? Are the inscriptions identical?

    • Even if you answer “no” to one of the questions, you have a fake. The Rolex company is known for quality, shortcomings are extremely rare in the products of this company.

    Minor signs

    1. Serial number. Some fakes are of very high quality and are difficult to distinguish from the real ones. To determine the authenticity of a watch, you will have to study the smallest details, which is a very difficult job. First, find the watch's serial number. To do this, you will need to remove the strap. It is necessary to pick up the pin with a thin object and bring it to the side. If you find it difficult to do this, you can entrust this matter to professionals. The serial number is located between the "legs" under the number 6 on the dial.

      Pay attention to the crown under the number six. Since the early 2000s, Rolex began engraving the company's crown emblem directly onto sapphire glass. If your watch is from this period, you will find this small decal. Using a magnifying glass, inspect the glass around the number 6. The crown will be exactly the same as at the top of the dial, but smaller sizes. The micro-engraving is very small, so it is not easy to see it. It can be seen if you tilt the watch at a special angle.

      Inscriptions on the dial. Another hallmark of the originals is the well-made inscriptions that lie flat around the dial. Check them out with a magnifying glass. The inscriptions must be clear, thin, without defects. In addition, they must be engraved on the metal dial. If it looks like the inscriptions are drawn or printed, it is a fake.

      • This engraving is done on a series of Rolex watches called Oyster. Watches from the Cellini series have a non-standard design (rectangular dial, etc.), so they may not have such an engraving.

    2. Pay attention to the quality of the logo on the dial. Almost all (but not all) Rolex watches have a brand emblem on the dial, which is located next to the number 12. By examining it under a magnifying glass, you can also distinguish a fake from the original. The emblem is made of high quality metal. The circles on the edges of the crown are convex. The sheen of the outline of the crown should be different from the rest of the crown. If the crown on your watch looks cheap and of poor quality, then the watch itself is of the same quality.

      Clear inscriptions on the dial. Rolex watches are known for excellence. Even a small defect will indicate that your watch is not genuine. Check the inscriptions on the dial with a magnifying glass. Each number or letter must be accurately printed. The distance between words and numbers should be the same. If you notice even a slight unevenness in the inscriptions, this is a fake.

      • Any spelling or misspelling is also an indication that the watch is not genuine.

    Reliability of the seller

    1. Avoid poor quality packaging. Everything related to Rolex must be impeccable and elegant. This also applies to packaging. Real Rolex watches are packaged in quality boxes that include watch mounts and a small cloth for cleaning the watch. Each item of packaging must bear the Rolex logo and name. The watch comes with a warranty card and instructions. If your watch does not have any of the above, it is fake.

      • Do not buy watches from street sellers, they do not have original packaging and there is no guarantee.
    2. Sometimes, even knowing all the signs, it is almost impossible to distinguish the original from the fake. In this case, an experienced jeweler or watch seller can help you: he will pay attention to details that are invisible to the layman's eye. If you are well acquainted with this specialist, they may evaluate the authenticity of your watch for free. Otherwise, you will have to pay quite a lot for the service. high price, although quite acceptable compared to the cost of a real Rolex watch.

    3. Ready.

    • Take your watch to Rolex Service. They will open the watch and tell you if it is real or fake.
    • Look up the model you purchased and its serial number on Google. Compare signs original model with signs of the watch you bought.
    • Check also the watch box. For fakes, the box looks wooden, but in fact it is made of a material like chipboard, the pillow inside the box is made of a cheap-looking material.
    • Pay attention to the seller. Signs of a fake may be that the seller says that he bought the watch abroad or that he was given it as a gift.