How to Spot an Original Watch (and Avoid Fakes)

People come in worried about buying a fake, and it is a fair worry. But copies almost always slip up on the small things. Here is what we check.

Start with the caseback. Real ones have the serial and reference number cut in cleanly, along with markings like Sapphire Crystal or Water Resistant 100m. On a copy the engraving is shallow and the edges look smudged.

Then pick it up. Steel and gold-tone cases have real weight to them. Copies use cheap alloy and feel hollow the moment you hold one.

Watch the seconds hand for ten seconds. An automatic sweeps. A quartz ticks in clean, even steps. A bad copy does neither properly.

Last, the paperwork. Every watch we sell comes with its warranty card, box and booklet. If a seller cannot show you those, walk away.