Watches have become a very important symbol of status and welfare. Many people are in the business of selling replicas, however, and if you're a quality watch lover it's important to be able to tell real from fake. When buying a watch from an unfamiliar store or person, pay attention to the steps listed below, as well as tips and warnings.
1
Familiarize yourself with the various collections of the watch brand you wish to purchase. Every nice watch has at least one signature element to it that can't be replicated; if you can identify that element, you'll always be able to tell when you're buying a knockoff watch.
2
As you're browsing, thoroughly inspect the watch you wish to buy. Pay attention to the inscriptions and engravings on the face and back of the watch. The original watch will never have a smeared inscription or an unclear engraving. Typos and letter substitutions in brand names and inscriptions (such as the ones in the above image) are also warning signs.
3
Pay attention to the functions of the watch and its chronograph. Most Rolex watches have a sweep second hand, while many fakes will have a tick style hand; however, some real Rolex watches have a tick style hand, so know your model. A replica watch that has a magnifying glass (called a cyclops) may also have a weak level of magnification in comparison to the genuine timepiece.
4
Note the precise movement of the watch. If you intend to buy a mechanical timepiece, you should try to take a look under the case back. Fake watches sometimes do have a mechanical movement, but it is typically of lower quality than the movement of a genuine watch.
