SEIKO: Expert Authenticity-Check Guide (2025)

Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Ch David

You’re here to learn how to spot fake SEIKO watches Alex, alongside our Seiko experts, will now teach you how to do that, for free (we’ll use the SKX007 as reference).

How to Tell if a SEIKO is REAL

Answer: Check if the bezel has the right thickness for its numbers. Fake SEIKOs sometimes don’t even use the right font for their inscriptions.

1. Crown

• Fake Seiko SKX watches have their crown not screwing at all.
• You can rotate it by simply pulling it, without having to unscrew it.

All of the authentic Seiko SKX watches will have their crown screwing.

By having a screw-in crown, the watch is also guaranteed to be waterproof.

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

2. Bezel

• The number “10” uses a different font compared to the genuine watch.
• Also, the fake “10” looks a bit too thick and too boxy.

That font has to be the same for every legitimate Seiko SKX.

3. Dial

• The “SEIKO” text is too thin on counterfeit SKX.

The real text looks thicker, bolder and more defined.

4. Click count

• The genuine Seiko SKX watches have their bezel clicking 120 times.
• Most fake watches have their bezel improperly clicking.
• Most often, fakes click just 60 clicks.

Authentic watches always click 120 times.

This doesn’t mean you should always count the 120 clicks.

However, you’re going to notice the difference if you have a real and a potential fake watch side-by-side.

A quick mention:

• The steps we’ve written so far are the BEST ways to authenticate this item
• The next few steps are still reliable methods…
• … but they apply to non-top-versions of replicas available for this item

If in doubt, we recommend double-checking the steps we’ve explained above this line.

5. Day & Date

5.1. Best-quality replica

• Usually, fake Seiko SKX watches have their patch misaligned.
• The “THU 7” text looks really thin.
• The same “THU” inscription is not placed in a straight line.

The genuine watch has its “SUN” text placed correctly: it is perfectly parallel with the top and the bottom lines of the rectangular patch in which the text sits.

5.2. Mid-range replica

• The fake “WED 29” text looks too thin.
• Note how the “29” sinks to the right. It is crooked.

A genuine watch must have thicker and perfectly aligned inscriptions.

6. Seconds hand

• The genuine Seiko has a circle that’s placed on the back of the second’s hand.
• This is also known as the “meatball”, a nickname which of course has to do with its shape.

On the fake watch:

• There is no “meatball” whatsoever.
• This detail tends to be missing on fake SKX watches.

That circle actually must be there on all of the genuine watches.

7. Case-back

• The numbers and the “JAPAN” text are too thin and too big on the replica.
• The rounded text (e.g. “STAINLESS STEEL”) is too thick on the fake watch.

Let’s look at another comparison of a different authentic vs the same fake:

• The fake watch has its text once again looking really thick for all of the inscriptions,
• The authentic watch has its text thinner.

Lastly, here’s another authentic Seiko SKX for reference:

8. Lugs

• The fake watch has its lugs drilled, as there are holes on the outer side of the lugs.
• These holes are an indicator of a 100% fake watch.

A real watch never has such holes.

Shortlist: Authenticate your Seiko

1. Crown Functionality: Ensure the crown screws in and out, rather than just pulling out.
2. Bezel’s Number Font: Observe the number “10” on the bezel; replicas often use an incorrect font.
3. SEIKO Text: Check the “SEIKO” text on the dial. Counterfeits typically have thinner lettering.
4. Bezel Clicks: Count the bezel’s clicks. Authentic watches should have 120 clicks, while fakes often click only 60 times.
5. Date and Day Alignment: Validate the alignment and thickness of the day and date text; replicas frequently misplace or alter this.
6. Seconds Hand Circle: Inspect the circle on the seconds hand; counterfeit models might lack this distinctive “meatball”.
7. Case Back Engraving: Review the case back’s engraving. Replicas usually get the text thickness wrong.
8. Lug Placement: Examine the lugs; counterfeit Seiko SKX models might have their lugs drilled on the outside.

The comprehensive 8-step guide to distinguishing between real and fake Seiko watches might not be ideal when you’re short on time or shopping online.

Use these pointers as a quick guide to verify the authenticity of a Seiko SKX watch.

FAQs about Seiko

1. Can I check Seiko serial number?

Yes, you can check the serial number of a Seiko watch. Here’s how:

1. Look on the back of the watch case or on the caseback.
2. The serial number is typically engraved or printed there.
3. If you can’t find it on the caseback, check the paperwork or warranty card that came with the watch.
4. Seiko often includes the serial number on these documents as well.

If you’re having difficulty finding the serial number, Seiko’s customer support can help you locate it.

2. How do I know if my Seiko is made in Japan?

You can usually find “Made in Japan” marked on the dial or caseback of Seiko watches produced in Japan.

Alternatively, Seiko watches with model numbers starting with “S” or “SR” are often made in Japan.

• Look for the words “Made in Japan” on the dial or caseback. Seiko typically marks watches made in Japan with this inscription.
• Check the model number. Seiko watches with model numbers starting with “S” or “SR” are usually made in Japan. However, this is not always the case, so it’s best to confirm with the “Made in Japan” marking if possible.
• Examine the packaging and documentation. Seiko watches made in Japan often come with packaging and paperwork that indicate their origin.

3. Is Seiko made in China?

Yes, some authentic Seiko watches are made in china. While Seiko produces some watches in China, the brand is primarily known for its watches made in Japan.

Expert Seiko SKX Authentication

Need assistance verifying the authenticity of your Seiko SKX? We’re here to help.

• Simply forward us clear photos of your Seiko timepiece.
• Our team will provide feedback within 48 hours.
• Alongside our verdict, we’ll proivde a detailed report explaining the reasons behind our assessment.

This concludes our guide on distinguishing genuine Seiko SKX watches from replicas.

Need our opinion in regards to the authenticity of your watch? It’s a service we provide.

Alternatively, we have free authentication resources for watches: written guides and video tutorials.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch Alex