How to Tell a Fake New-Or-Used Watch

So you've decided that you want to buy a Rolex, a Panerai or an Audemars Piguet and you have a lot of cash set aside to spend on the wonderful watch you've been saving. Excellent, because the first thing you should consider is the economic price: expect to pay between $ 2500 and many thousands for an authentic watch. The watch is offered on a website or elsewhere for $ 360. IT'S A FALSE: Accept this. There are many websites and auction sites that claim they are selling really new and used Rolex watches or many other luxury watch brands, but in reality, their products are as real as the tooth fairy. So, lesson 1 is definitely about the price: if it is so cheap that it is a robbery, it probably will be!

Try using a reputable watch dealer when buying a watch. Countless websites offer special offers and many seem quite convincing and professional, but keep in mind that today, more than ever, you can create, or have built, a professional-looking site for a few hundred pounds with the processing capacity of credit cards, which you can carry. Your money in minutes. This means that the scammer can easily set up a site and make it appear that they are well established and genuine.

Do not be fooled by this and do your research. Ask how long they have been around. Check that they have a real live store that you can visit since this generally means they have spent a little more money on the company and also have the stock that you can examine. Also, if you have any problem with your purchase, there is a place to return if the need arises. These days, this is easily achieved by going to Google maps and writing your zip code and clicking on the 'Street View' link. You can then view the images of your online store.

Here are the key things to keep in mind for each of the most common brands:

Rolex

1. Check the watch case. The authentic new or used Rolex watch will have a small label with the hologram. Although replica manufacturers try to include this, if you move the clock a little, you will realize that it is not a hologram.

2. It may seem like a weirdo, but have a magnifying glass on hand and check immediately below the number 6. You are looking for an engraved Rolex crown. Replica watch manufacturers include them but are generally of low quality in fake watches. Look carefully as they are very small but also very clear.

3. A real Rolex is probably heavier than a fake one since replica manufacturers simply cannot afford to use heavier and better quality parts.

4. The Rolex do not work, except the Quartz series. The second hand should slide in a sweeping motion without audible sound.

5. There is only one type of Rolex that has a clear case behind and is the recent Prince model. If it is not one of these models, it is most likely false.

Panerai

1. A sure test is to look at the clock in the dark. In the dark, the fake clock will not be so bright, especially in the word 'Luminor'.

2. As with Rolexes, the glass cover must be made of glass, but it is usually made of glass in fakes.

3. In the false, the belt tends to have more seam than the real thing. The real belt tends to look rougher, believe it or not.

Cartier

1. As with many brands, the actual version will generally be heavier than the fake one.

2. Real Cartier watches have a scratch-resistant glass. Fakes do not. Ask the seller if you can try this and you will usually find out if your answer is false.

3. Look for the cabochon stone that should be in the winder. A true Cartier will have one, a fake will not have.

So when buying new or used luxury watches, be careful and shop wisely. Never rush into a purchase and take your time to use available resources and do your research. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.