How to spot a fake watch

1. How to spot a fake watch: look at the dial printing

Genuine dials have crisp, even printing with correct fonts and spacing. Blurry letters, uneven spacing, misaligned indexes or a logo that looks slightly off are warning signs. Compare with photos of the same reference from the brand or an auction archive.

2. Check the date magnifier

On a Rolex, the cyclops lens over the date magnifies it about 2.5 times, so the date fills the window. Many fakes magnify much less.

3. Watch the seconds hand

A mechanical watch moves its seconds hand in many small steps per second. A seconds hand that jumps once per second points to a quartz movement, which is wrong for a model that should be automatic.

4. Turn the watch over

A glass caseback on a model that the brand only made with a solid back is a strong warning sign. Engravings should be sharp, not etched or shallow.

5. Feel the weight and the details

Genuine steel and gold watches feel solid. Light cases, rattling bracelets, sharp edges on the clasp and bezels that turn loosely or click unevenly are suspicious.

6. Check the numbers

Reference and serial numbers should match the papers and the model. Serial numbers that appear on many watches online are a warning sign.

7. Look out for "Frankenwatches"

Some watches are genuine but put together from parts of different watches, or fitted with aftermarket dials, bezels or diamonds. They are worth much less than an original piece, and many buyers avoid them.

8. Be suspicious of bargains

Sought-after models far below the market price, sellers who avoid an inspection and "papers to follow" are classic warning signs.

Still unsure? Upload photos of the dial, caseback and clasp for a free estimate. It flags typical signs of fakes, but it does not replace an authentication.