Beginner’s Guide: How to Spot a Fake Patek Philippe Watch

Many consumers have made more practical purchases than they have luxury items as the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic. Some of them think that buying a fake entry-level watch is more logical than buying an actual one. The resemblance between authentic and fake watches is almost always close. Is a fake watch worth it?

The affordability of a fake watch is attractive. You can wear a watch that is seemingly expensive but at a fraction of its original price. The watch is illegal and not likely to last for years, so it is 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.

1. 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.

2. Look at the case again.

The case back of the watch is a good place to look for the authenticity of a Patek Phillippe. The serial number is not put in any visible part of the watch. The serial number is written inside the case. The watches are designed in a way that they are free from inscriptions. If you have seen any number on the case back, you will most likely see a fake.

3. Check the crown and letters.

It is clear that Patek Philippe does an amazing job in creating high-quality watches that are unparalleled in terms of 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 of its watches. The diamond on each timepiece is a way to separate the fake ones from the real ones.

4. The screws should be examined.

“It seems insignificant, but they could be a sign of whether or not your Patek Philippe is legit. You may not know that each company has a way of heating the screws before attaching them to the watch, which makes them more resistant. Patek doesn’t use this process. It gathers the best screws there and uses them in its watches.”

5. The price should be weighed in.

The price is probably too good to be true. A lower end watch from the Patek Philippe brand will cost you at least $12,000. It should be enough to question its authenticity if it is cheaper than that. It will cost you a lot to own a Patek, but with the materials being used to create one, you are assured of high-end quality that will last for generations. It is important to compare prices at least three different boutiques before buying one.

Why It Matters to Invest in an Authentic Watch

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 thinking of buying a fake watch, consider buying a second hand one. It will cost you more than a fake one. You can get an original Patek for a fraction of the price of a new 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 buy a second-hand watch. There are many websites that offer a wide range of pre-owned watches. Some unused watches come with their original packaging. It is all a matter of being wise with your purchase.

What are your thoughts on buying a fake watch? Leave a comment to let us know.