“As the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic, many consumers have made more practical purchases. Some of them think that buying a fake entry-level watch makes more sense than buying an actual one. When the resemblance between authentic and fake watches looks close, it’s particularly the case. Is a fake watch worth it?”
The affordability of a fake watch is attractive. You can wear a watch at a fraction of the original price. It is illegal and the watch is not likely to last for many years, thus negating the affordability of the watch.
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 the 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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The case should be looked at again.
If you look at the case back of the watch, you can see if it is authentic. The serial number on the watch is not visible. The serial number is inside the case. The watches are designed in a way that they are free from any inscriptions. The watch is most likely a fake if you have seen the number on the case before.
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You can check the crown and letters.
“Patek Philippe does an amazing job of 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. The brand uses a single style and size and it’s uniform across all of its watches. Each timepiece has a diamond on it, which distinguishes it from fake ones.”
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Take a look at the screws.
“The screws may seem insignificant, but they could be a sign that your Patek Philippe is not 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. It gathers the best screws and uses them in its watches.”
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Take the price into account.
“The price might be too good to be true. A watch from the lower end of the spectrum will cost at least $12,000. It should be enough to question it’s authenticity if it’s cheaper than that. It will cost you a lot, but with the materials being used to create one, you are assured of high-end quality that will last for generations. It’s a good idea to compare prices at at least three different boutiques before you buy 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 year’s worth of research and development to deliver high-quality watches in the market.
Takeaway
Buy a second hand watch instead of buying a fake one. It will be more expensive than a fake one. For a fraction of the cost of a new one, you 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 many websites online that offer a wide range of pre-owned watches. Some unused watches will still come with their original packaging. Being wise with your purchase is all that matters.
What do you think about buying a fake watch? Leave a comment to let us know about it.
