How to determine whether a cartier or another luxury watch is fake

Although it is unlikely that you will hit an authentic cartier from the man who sells you on the sidewalk, there are important signs to determine whether you look at a unicorn or a DUD.

The used watch market is booming. The 2024 survey of Bank of America among 1,007 Americans with a high network value found that 65% of the respondents were interested in collectors. Millennials and gen Z collected watches as investment pieces as older generations.

The new ones in the scene need to know how to recognize counterfeits while building their collection. Some brands, including Rolex, offer their own certified used programs that offer a trustworthy way to buy an authenticated watch.

However, there are a number of smaller shops or online companies that deal with used luxury watches. Although you could find a hidden jewel, a trained eye is required to successfully shop.

“When navigation on the used luxury watch market, it is important to remember that you buy the seller and your reputation as well as the watch itself,” Eugene Tutunikov, CEO from Swiss Watch Expo, told Business Insider.

A trustworthy dealer will always be behind his pieces and have a strict process to ensure authenticity.

The private researcher Rob Holmes previously announced that from 2024 in the USA, an estimated 23.3 million fake watches circulated in the United States.

Here are some options for telling fake luxury watches, apart from the real deal, according to those who sell watches for their livelihood.

omega

For Omega watches, especially when reporting the effort, a dead giveaway is that a watch is fake. A Seamaster model can be verified, for example, by the wave pattern on the dial and the placement of other fine details, Paul Altieri, CEO from Watch Marketplace Bobs, told BI.

In addition to the aesthetics, the serial number could also be a red flag.

“Many counterfeits reused numbers from real watches. So if something breaks down, it can help to help with Omega or an authorized dealer,” he said.

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Audemars Piguet

Audemar's Piguet watches choose five characters or more depending on the model. The 41-millimeter Royal Oak Selfwinding costs $ 28,600.

“Counterfeits of the Royal Eiche often fall on the 'tapestry pattern of the dial – either it is too flat, uneven or simply wrong,” said Altieri.

Long screws, a detail for which Audemars Piguet watches are known, are “perfectly aligned” with experts and completion. The watch should feel crisp and clean and do not take abbreviations for the small details, said Altieri.

Patek Philippe

The movement of a Patek Philippe is a “huge story”, as they are known for “flawless hand finsering”, said Altieri. Patek Philippe Calatrava has a sales price of $ 33,113.

“Calctions usually have gross, non -decorated movements or generic that do not match the caliber of the brand,” Tutunikov told BI.

False fonts or distance on the dial, especially around the date window, are giveaways for fake pateks, said Altieri.

Panera

Panerai watches have different design elements, including the Signature Crown Guard with a locking mechanism on the side. Loose or uncomfortable crown guards are a problem.

“The cases are often too bulky or the characteristic crown guard does not have the right shape or the right feeling,” said Altieri.

Lume, a material that is observed on dials to shine in the dark is a function that could give away a fake. On the real thing, the lume shines a certain color that does not make itself properly.

Cartier

Cartier is known for your precision in the Watch community. Any sign of a coarse craftsmanship is a red flag that should not be ignored, said Altieri. In particular, he said, “Roman digits that are not perfectly aligned” and sloppy screws in the case of typical problems.

“Figures often have flat, blurry or inconsistent writing and false fonts,” Tutunikov told BI.

Another hint that is initially subtle but easy to discover if you know what you have to look for is the “secret signature” that is hidden on Cartier watches. It is engraved at an angle in one of the Roman digits on the dial. If that is missing, it is best to search somewhere else-unless it is a much older model that the design in advance in advance, said Altieri.

“A real luxury watch whispers in every little detail. If it has to scream, it is probably a fake,” he continued.