“As the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic, many consumers have made more practical purchases than they would have done in the past. Some of them think that buying an entry-level watch is a better idea than buying a fake one. When the resemblance between authentic and fake watches looks close, it’s particularly the case. Is a fake watch worth the money?”

The cost of a fake watch is attractive. You can wear a watch at a fraction of the price of an original. It is illegal and the watch is not likely to last for many 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.

1. Determine the quality and type 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. You can look at the case again.

If you look at the case back of the watch, you can see if the watch is authentic. The serial number is not visible in any visible part of the watch. The serial number is in the case. The watches of the brand are free from any inscriptions. The watch is most likely a fake if you have seen any number on the case before.

3. 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 hard for counterfeiters to replicate its watches accurately down to the last detail. The brand uses a single style and size and uniform across all of its watches. It places a diamond on each timepiece to separate them from the fake ones.

4. The screws must be examined.

“The screws may seem small, but they could be a sign of the real deal. The process of heating the screws first before attaching them to the watch makes them more resistant, as you may not know. The only thing unique to Patek is that it doesn’t use this process. Instead, it gathers the best screws and uses them directly in its watches.”

5. Take the price into account.

“If it’s too good to be true, then it is. The lower end of the spectrum will cost you at least $12,000. It’s enough to question its 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 a long time. It’s a good idea to compare prices at at least three different boutiques before buying.”

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 considering buying a fake watch, consider buying a second hand one. It will cost you a lot more 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 buy a second-hand watch. A wide range of pre-owned watches can be found on a number of websites. Some unused watches still come with their original packaging. You have to be wise with your purchase.

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