Amidst an era where counterfeiting becomes increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing genuine luxury watches from imitations has become a crucial skill for enthusiasts and buyers. Ng Yong Shen, a seasoned expert in the realm of luxury goods authentication, offers valuable insights into detecting fake watches.
Ng Yong Shen’s journey into watch authentication began during the pandemic while working for Valuence, a company specializing in secondhand luxury goods. Over the years, he honed his skills in various roles, including a position at Carousell Group and as a commercial manager at Luxehouze, further exposing him to immense volumes of luxury items daily. Now, as vice president of Re-Loved Luxury, Shen shares his deep insights into identifying counterfeit watches.
One of the primary indicators of a fake luxury watch is the date window. Authentic models like the Rolex Datejust display impeccable detailing in the fonts and spacing of the date. In contrast, counterfeit versions often show discrepancies like ‘bleeding’ in the numerical lines, setting them apart from their genuine counterparts with crisp edges. Even subtle imperfections in the date window can signify a lack of authenticity.
The cut and paintwork of the hands offer another critical clue. In authentic watches, the hands exhibit a polished finish without visible signs of cost-cutting measures like laser cutting, snapping, and reattaching. Authentic models from brands such as Audemars Piguet display even paintwork stretching across without any ‘teardrop’ effects or dips, while fakes may reveal unevenly applied paint that bleeds. Utilizing a magnifying tool, like a loupe, assists in observing these minute details.
Additionally, the construction quality serves as a significant marker of authenticity. Renowned watchmakers invest significant effort and precision into crafting components such as the clasp, where the embossed crown logo should appear crisp, with no elevated areas surrounding it. Any deviations from this standard are suggestive of subpar construction, typically seen in counterfeits.
Ng Yong Shen emphasizes the growing prowess of counterfeiters, who sometimes create ‘Frankenstein’ watches composed of real and fake parts. This makes it imperative for potential buyers to seek verification from experienced authenticators. A market exists where misleading combinations occur with, for instance, genuine watch movements paired with fake dials or bracelets. Therefore, purchasing directly from legitimate sellers or professional authentication remains paramount.
The surge in counterfeit luxury watches demands vigilance from buyers. As counterfeiters enhance their methods, distinguishing genuine pieces requires careful observation and expert verification. Relying on reputable sources and authenticators is essential to safeguard purchases.
Source: Businessinsider
