A luxury watch is a status symbol, and it’s one that many people aspire to own. If you’re getting ready to make a purchase, whether you’re picking out a Rolex, a TAG Heuer, or another luxury watch brand, it’s helpful to know what to look for to ensure that you’re getting the real thing. Counterfeit watches are everywhere, and manufacturers continue to produce them to fool unsuspecting and trusting buyers. Read on to find out how you can avoid getting scammed with a fake watch.
All About the Fake Watch Industry
When you think of a knock-off watch, you may think of a shifty salesperson opening his jacket to reveal watches hanging from the inside. However, it’s a lot easier to get a fake watch, and it rarely involves interacting with a salesperson. In most cases, people who buy counterfeit jewelry don’t realize they’re doing so, and the person or company selling the pieces will charge a lot of money to scam the buyer. Switzerland houses several of the top high-end watch manufacturers, and reports indicate that the replica watch market costs those businesses billions of dollars every year.
A group of watch brands in Switzerland came together and formed the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), launching a publicity campaign about the prevalence of fake watches. This campaign was an attempt to inform the general public about the production of counterfeit luxury goods, as well as encourage them to purchase real products from the brands that were manufacturing them. The watch industry continues to put money into marketing their products, increasing the demand. As a result, those high-end watches tend to be forged by other manufacturers to scam buyers.
While the customs agents and others involved in the luxury goods markets attempt to seize and remove counterfeit products before they enter a country, the challenge is in finding every product. The replica watch industry has become a market for people who want high-end items but can’t afford the real thing, as well as people who believe they are getting an authentic product, only to find that they’ve been hoodwinked by a tricky seller.
Spotting a Fake Watch
Counterfeit watch producers continue to improve their products, making it more difficult to spot a fake. In the past, people believed that if the watch was lightweight, it was fake. However, a counterfeiter can easily use heavier metals or utilize the same ETA movements that are found in real high-end watches.
Instead of feeling the weight of the watch, start by taking a closer look at the face. You may need a magnifying glass, but check out the date placed on the watch face. If it’s hard to read or looks blurry, it may be a counterfeit watch, as the printed date is usually not as strong or clear on knock-offs.
The movement of the watch is a clear indicator of a counterfeit. If the second hand jumps or twitches, you’re likely dealing with a fake. A Rolex watch runs on automatic movement, which utilizes the motion of the wearer’s wrist to wind the intricate gear and spring system to produce smooth, sweeping movements.
You can also look inside the back of the watch to see if any of the engraved letters look oddly proportioned or sloppy. Uneven stainless-steel polishing is another giveaway, as a high-end Breitling, Hublot, Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet watches will all feature smooth, even polishing. If the watch you’re considering includes the original packaging, look for warranty information or other paperwork that outlines the quality of the product. Counterfeiters may skip this type of paperwork altogether.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
When you want the real thing, the best way to protect yourself is by only buying from a reputable seller. If you’re shopping for a new watch on the streets of New York City, only visit well-known jewelry stores, rather than stopping at empty storefronts or talking to individuals who claim to have access to high-end products. When you buy from a legitimate retailer, the odds of purchasing a fake are slim, as these retailers typically employ people who know what to look for when spotting a counterfeit product.
You may also hear people refer to the “gray market” when talking about watch sales. Gray market watches are authentic products, although they are sold outside of authorized dealers. They may not be brand-new, and you likely won’t get the warranty coverage that the manufacturer offers with its new products, but they are genuine. In most cases, retailers in the gray market do not buy or sell counterfeit watches or other jewelry products.
Shopping at Hustedt Jewelers
At Hustedt Jewelers, we specialize in luxury watches for our customers. We have two locations in Bloomington and Gibson City, Illinois, so you can bring your watch to us or shop the selection we carry. Our team members are passionate about high-end watches, and we have a wide selection of products from leading brands in the industry for both men and women. Investing in a luxury watch is more than just for status — it can also give you the perfect accessory for any outfit or occasion.
You can also feel proud of the piece that adorns your wrist, as it will feature superior materials crafted by skilled artisans. A watch that comes from one of the leading brands will go through a number of tests to ensure its time-keeping precision and quality. These watches also tend to hold up better through normal wear and use. With the proper care, a luxury watch can last for your lifetime, and you can pass it to the next generation.
If you have a luxury watch that needs some TLC, we also offer watch repair services. These services are handled by skilled and experienced technicians who know exactly what to do when diagnosing and repairing high-end jewelry products. If you have questions about a watch you own or one that you’d like to purchase, stop by and visit us at Hustedt Jewelers. We’re your trusted watch experts in central Illinois.