As the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic, many consumers have made more practical purchases than luxury items. Some of them think that buying a fake entry-level watch makes sense. The resemblance between authentic and fake watches is close. The question is: is a fake watch worth it?
“The affordability of a fake watch is very attractive. You can wear a watch that is seemingly expensive but at a fraction of its price. It’s illegal and the watch is not likely to last for years, so it’s 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.
Determine 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.
Take a 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 isn’t put in any visible part of the watch. The serial number is written inside the case. The watches are designed in a way that they are free from inscriptions. If you have seen the number on the case back, the watch is most likely a fake.”
You can check the crown and letters.
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 it is uniform across its watches. It puts a diamond on each timepiece to separate it from the fake ones.
The screws must be examined.
“The screws may seem small, but they could be a sign of something. The process of heating the screws first before attaching them to the watch is what each company has. Patek doesn’t use this process, that’s unique to it. It gathers the best screws and uses them directly in its watches.”
Take the price into account.
“If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. A watch on 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 to own a Patek, but with the materials being used to create one, 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 year’s worth of research and development to deliver high-quality watches in the market.
Takeaway
If you are thinking of buying a fake watch, consider buying a second hand one. It will cost you a few thousand dollars more than a fake one. For a fraction of the price 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 online sites that offer a wide range of pre-owned watches. Some unused watches can still be found with their original packaging. It is all about being wise with your purchase.
What do you think of buying a fake watch? Leave a comment and let us know.
