Which is the best and most simple method to check if a watch is a fake?

[quacker]

I have come across fake Rolex and Panerai watches in Thailand and China which are considered high quality fakes. The fake watches have got weight, looks quite similar to the original to the extent that it becomes quite difficult to tell whether it is a fake.

Of course, upon close examination, there are visible tell tale signs. So, which or what is the best way to examine these fakes?

[Oceanklassik]

Best method of course will be to open up the watch case and inspect the movement. If this is not convenient, then it'll have to be feeling it in your hands.

[quacker]

u just answered your own question - close examination
use a 10x loupe under natural lighting
tell tale signs include finishing, feel, details, colors, reflection, spacing and font type , even material

But of course, one would have to examine the watch to ascertain if it is a fake - LOL. Yes, using a loupe is one of the best ways to examine a watch, but we do not always carry one with us all the time.

For me the best and easiest way will be to check the lume of a watch and I have noticed - for whatever types and brands of watches. Either run it across a bright ight source or even better under u/v light. So far, to my knowledge, most fakes do not have good lume. Usually, not all the lumes will light up, i.e some parts are brighter than the others or some which does not light up at all or for some only the hour and minute hands will light up but not the indicators.

[ac_wong75]

Hi Quacker, it is not true that the fake illunme is bad. Especially the hight quality ones, the Illume is just as good as the originlas.
I came across mayn Rolex and Pam of high quality ( grade A) and theire illume is great. epscially on PAMs. The key are word spacing for the letteringon PAM case back and also if open caseback model it is even more obivous. just looking at the movement.

For Rolex more detail and attention is chapter ring when viewing them if u cannot open the case back. chapter rings spacing tends to be bad on the fakes.

[kenn18]

Without opening up the watch, you can be quite sure it is a fake if someone tries to sell an expensive watch cheaply to you in a backlane..

[quacker]

Without opening up the watch, you can be quite sure it is a fake if someone tries to sell an expensive watch cheaply to you in a backlane..

Isn't it worse if someone tries to sell a fake at an expensive price without having the chance to open up the watch regardless of whether it is sold in the backlane or at a boutique ?

[longsf]

As a general rule, if it is too good to be true it probably is too good to be true. Not easy nowadays as there are fake ones made quite like the real thing

[watchlist88]

Just to add on to the original question, pardon my ignorance, I have always wondered whether there are any top quality fakes that duplicate everything so closely even up to the box itself, the warranty card, the manual and the tags ?

Any guys come across such fakes before don't mind sharing with the rest so that we are more educated on this ?

[shou.biao.kuang]

But of course, one would have to examine the watch to ascertain if it is a fake - LOL. Yes, using a loupe is one of the best ways to examine a watch, but we do not always carry one with us all the time.

For me the best and easiest way will be to check the lume of a watch and I have noticed - for whatever types and brands of watches. Either run it across a bright ight source or even better under u/v light. So far, to my knowledge, most fakes do not have good lume. Usually, not all the lumes will light up, i.e some parts are brighter than the others or some which does not light up at all or for some only the hour and minute hands will light up but not the indicators.

Sound advice...

[shou.biao.kuang]

Isn't it worse if someone tries to sell a fake at an expensive price without having the chance to open up the watch regardless of whether it is sold in the backlane or at a boutique ?

Yes, these incidents had happened before even though the buying were from grey dealers who have been around here for more than 10 years! Buy-the-seller concept doesnt work in this instance... The only way is to have it checked by RSC.

[quacker]

Just to add on to the original question, pardon my ignorance, I have always wondered whether there are any top quality fakes that duplicate everything so closely even up to the box itself, the warranty card, the manual and the tags ?

Any guys come across such fakes before don't mind sharing with the rest so that we are more educated on this ?

I have personally come across a grade A fake Submariner which is almost as good as the original. Maybe 90%. Only thing missing is the warranty card. Box and tags can be bought or procured from people who sell or do not wish to keep them.

[quacker]

Yes, these incidents had happened before even though the buying were from grey dealers who have been around here for more than 10 years! Buy-the-seller concept doesnt work in this instance... The only way is to have it checked by RSC.

Bro, seriously??? In that case, opening up the watch is a must then! I get worried.

[Newcastle]

Bro, seriously??? In that case, opening up the watch is a must then! I get worried.

mr Quacker, you sounded like you just bought one.haha

[Mezz72]

I have personally come across a grade A fake Submariner which is almost as good as the original. Maybe 90%. Only thing missing is the warranty card. Box and tags can be bought or procured from people who sell or do not wish to keep them.

Can't fake warranty card?

[watchlist88]

This tread is getting interesting ... do contribute your comments and experiences guys ....