Beginner’s Guide: How to Spot a Fake Patek Philippe Watch
“As the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic, many consumers have made more practical purchases than luxury items. Some of them think faking a fake entry-level watch makes more sense than buying an actual one. When the resemblance between authentic and fake watches is close, it’s a good thing. Is a fake watch worth the price?”
A fake watch is cheap. You get to wear a watch that is less expensive than the original. It is illegal and the watch is not likely to last for many years, thus negating its affordability.
How to Spot a Fake Patek Philippe
Being one of the most coveted Swiss luxury watches, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Patek Philippe watches are some of the most replicated in the market. Some imitations look so good that buyers are often deceived into paying good money for them. If you don’t have any plans to buy a fake Patek Philippe, these are some of the telltale signs to help you avoid it.
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Do you know the type and quality of material used?
One of the solid ways to determine a fake Patek Phillippe is by simply holding the watch and feeling it. A real Patek Philippe only uses the finest materials such as gold, platinum, or some special kind of stainless steel. The same goes for Patek Philippe watch bands that are usually leather or rubber. It should be quite heavy in contrast to the fake ones that are much lighter to carry.
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Look back at the case.
If you look at the case back of the watch, you can see if the watch is genuine. The serial number of the watch is hidden. The serial number is written in the case. The watches of the brand are free from any inscriptions. The watch is most likely a fake if you have seen any number on the case.
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The crown and letters need to be checked.
Patek Philippe does an amazing job in creating high-quality watches that are unparalleled in accuracy, precision, and design, and that should make it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate its watches accurately down to the last detail. The brand uses a single style and size and it is uniform across all its watches. There is a diamond on each timepiece, which separates it from the fake ones.
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The screws need to be examined.
“The screws may seem small, but they could be a sign of the real thing. The process of heating the screws before attaching them to the watch makes them more resistant. The only thing unique to Patek is that it doesn’t use this process. It gathers the best screws there and uses them directly in its watches.”
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“It’s important to weigh in the price.”
“The price may be too good to be true. A watch on the lower end of the spectrum will set you back at least $12,000. It should be enough to question its authenticity if it’s any cheaper than that. With the materials being used to create one, you are assured of high-end quality that will last for generations, even though it will cost you this much. It’s a good idea to compare prices at at least three different boutiques before buying.”
Why It Matters to Invest in an Authentic Watch
- It retains its value.When properly taken care of, an authentic watch can retain its value even after several years. Depending on market demand, you can even sell it for a higher value, giving you an impressive ROI.
- It would last for a very long time. Because of the high-quality materials used and the special features, a luxury watch is outfitted with, you afford yourself a luxury watch that will not only support your lifestyle but one that will last for several years as well.
- It makes for a great investment.In relation to the first point, an authentic watch has a high possibility of being valued higher than its retail price in the long run. This is particularly true with limited-edition watches and vintage pieces.
- It’s the right thing to do. This is no-nonsense. Purchasing counterfeit goods may result in civil or criminal penalties—and it’s understandable why. It means you’re patronizing counterfeiters who are stealing someone else’s efforts. In the case of Patek Philippe, they’re stealing more than 180 year’s worth of research and development to deliver high-quality watches in the market.
Takeaway
If you are considering buying a counterfeit watch, consider buying a second hand one. It will cost more than a fake one. For a fraction of the price of a new one, you can get an original one.
May this article serve as a reminder that purchasing fake watches may seem promising at first. But, it will not take you long to realize that its affordability is far outweighed by its many downsides. Like with anything, it’s better to do your research first before buying the item you have your eyes on. Think of buying an authentic watch as supporting the industry and businesses that have started from scratch and undergone hardships to perfect their processes.
You can always purchase a second-hand watch. There are many sites online that offer a wide range of pre-owned watches. Some unused watches come with their original packaging. It is all a matter of being smart with your purchase.
Is buying a fake watch a good idea? Leave a comment to let us know.