As the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic, many consumers have made more practical purchases than they did previously. Some of them think that buying a fake entry-level watch makes sense. The resemblance between authentic and fake watches is very close. Is a fake watch worth the money?
The affordability of a fake watch is attractive. You can wear a watch that is seemingly expensive but at a fraction of its price. It is illegal and the watch is not likely to last for 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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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 at the case again.
“If you look at the case back of the watch you can see if it’s authentic. The serial number of the watch is not visible. The serial number is inside the case. The watches are free of any inscriptions. The watch is most likely a fake if you have seen any number on the case before.”
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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 terms of accuracy, precision, and design, and that should make it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate their watches accurately down to the last detail. The brand uses a single style and size and it is uniform across all of its watches. It places a diamond on each timepiece to separate it from the fake ones.
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The screws should be examined.
“The screws may seem insignificant, but they could be a sign of the real deal. The process of heating the screws before attaching them to the watch makes them more resistant, but you don’t know it. Patek doesn’t use this process, which is unique to it. 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.”
“If the price is too good to be true, then it is. The lower end of the spectrum will cost you at least $12,000 for a Patek Philippe watch. It should be enough to question its authenticity if it’s that cheap. It will cost you a lot to own a Patek, but with the materials being used to create it, you are assured of high-end quality that will last for generations. It’s important to compare prices of different boutiques before buying one.”
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 years’ worth of research and development to deliver high-quality watches to the market.
Takeaway
“If you’re thinking of buying a fake watch, consider buying a second-hand one. It will be more expensive than a fake one. For a fraction of the price of a new one, you can get an original Patek.”
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 consider buying a second-hand watch instead. There are a lot of websites that offer a wide range of pre-owned watches. Some unused watches are still in their original packaging. You have to be wise with your purchase.
What do you think about buying a fake watch? Leave a comment, and let us know.
