The Truth: How To Spot A FAKE Watch (Oct. 2024)

Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Ch David

• You have a luxury watch
• But you’re not sure if it’s authentic

Join our expert watch authenticators, and let’s help you legit check it.

How to Check if a Watch is Original

The professional answer: Check if a watch is original by checking the logos and inscriptions on the dial.

Fakes never have the right thickness for each element.

1. Price Check

• Authentic: Regular price for an authentic GMT-Master II (with its specs).
• Fake: Very low price + a 75% discount — looks suspicious.

Don’t get me wrong, people catch steal prices all the time.

Main point here: Beware of bait-and-switch and other fraud methods for ads where the price is lower than normal.

In this situation, the seller actually stated in the ad’s description that the watch is indeed fake — but most others don’t → hence why you need to be very careful.

Want the expert's opinion? Let our authenticators check your watch:

2. Dial Engravings

• Authentic: In tune with any other authentic Omega Speedmaster.
• Fake: Uses the wrong font + has the wrong thickness.

Always compare your watch with its model — make sure every detail is on point!

Common flaw: Lower-quality reps pretty much always use the wrong font for the dial’s text.

People would overlook this when legit checking their watch because it’s a small detail… But it’s more than just important!

3. Serial Number

3.1. Where to find it

“How do you check the serial number on a watch?” → Check the case back or between the lugs by removing the bracelet. If not visible, consult the paperwork or manufacturer’s website.

3.2. How to check it

1. Find the serial number: Look at the back of the watch case. Many watches have the serial number engraved there.
2. Remove the Bracelet: If the serial number isn’t on the case back, remove the bracelet. Some watches, especially high-end brands, have the serial number between the lugs (the part of the case where the bracelet attaches).
3. Check the Movement: For some watches, the serial number is engraved on the movement (the internal mechanism). This requires opening the watch case, which is best done by a professional.
4. Consult the Paperwork: Look at the original paperwork, warranty card, or certificate that came with the watch. The serial number is often recorded there.
5. Manufacturer’s Website: Some manufacturers allow you to check the serial number on their website to verify authenticity.

Note that most Rolex watches have their serial number on the side of the case, right below the 6 o’clock part.

3.3. Test it

We’ve added the most popular brands here:

This tables provides you with the official and unofficial websites where you can check your watch’s serial number.

4. Date Window

Most watches have one of these — not all, though.

• Authentic: Same font-weight and placement for “2” and “8”.
• Fake: Numbers are too big and not aligned properly.

All numbers have to have the same placement, font, and thickness — no exception.

5. Caseback

• Authentic: Perfectly legible text.
• Fake: Text is so thick that it’s almost impossible to read.

6. Bracelet

• Authentic: Present inscription, just like any other watch of this model.
• Fake: Missing inscription.

Again — not every watch has this sort of inscription. Make sure to check if authentic models like yours are supposed to have it.

Then check if it needs to be there or not, as there are some watches that have extra inscriptions when they don’t have to be there.

6. Links

• Authentic: Has the same amount of space between each link.
• Fake: Almost no gap in-between the links on the bracelet.

This may be hard to spot — hence why our image is so zoomed-in.

You may be better off taking a picture of your watch and zooming in to see the tiny details like this.

7. Logo

• Authentic: Properly sized logo — all parts are perfectly visible.
• Fake: The anchor’s too big. It shouldn’t make contact with the wings.

8. Crown

• Authentic: Smoother surface for the flower.
• Fake: Very sharp and overly-detailed symbol.

9. Lume (Glow)

• Authentic: Shine very bright in the dark + has the right color.
• Fake: Shines less brighter compared to the authentic.

10. Packaging

Make sure your watch comes with all the necessary equipment.

Even if’s not all there: Research online the pieces that came in the box → make sure they look the way they have to look in the authentic packaging.

Shortlist: Validate your Watch

The #1 way to spot a fake watch is to check if the price is too low and the dealer seems suspicious. Use this list to quickly tell if your watch is fake:

1. Price Check: Be wary of extremely low prices with huge discounts.
2. Dial Engravings: Check for incorrect font and thickness.
3. Serial Number:
   • Where to Find: Look at the case back, between lugs, or on the movement.
   • How to Check: Verify with paperwork or on the manufacturer’s website.
4. Date Window: Look for misaligned and incorrectly sized numbers.
5. Caseback: Ensure the text is readable and not too thick.
6. Bracelet: Check for missing inscriptions.
7. Links: Look for inconsistent spacing between links.
8. Logo: Check if the logo parts are incorrectly sized or touching.
9. Crown: Look for overly detailed and sharp symbols.
10. Lume (Glow): Check if the glow is dimmer and the wrong color.
11. Packaging: Ensure all components are present and correct.

If you’re in a rush, this checklist may come in handy.

FAQ: Authenticating Watches

1. Can people tell a fake watch?

The answer is: Yes, everyone can tell a fake watch if they look for the right details — text, logos, quality of materials.

Follow our checklist above to learn how to spot ANY FAKE watch.

2. What is the difference between a fake and real watch?

Answer: The difference between a fake and a real watch comes down to how smooth the time’s shown, build quality, and price. Fake watches cost a fraction of the authentic counterpart’s price — hence why the lower quality.

Check out how we’ve destroyed a fake Rolex Submariner Hulk:

Sure, not even an authentic watch would’ve survived being flattened by a train — however, the fake one turned into… Nothing at all!

3. What is the most faked watch?

Answer: The most faked watch is the Rolex Submariner (and also the most stolen worldwide).

This iconic model is highly sought after, making it a prime target for counterfeiters. Its popularity, classic design, and high price point contribute to its frequent replication in the counterfeit market.

Above’s a picture of a classic Submariner colorway.

We Authenticate Watches

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Alternatively, use our free resources: written guides and video tutorials.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch Daniel and Ch David