As the global economy recovers from the effects of the Pandemic, many consumers have made more practical purchases than they did before. Some of them think faking a fake entry-level watch makes more sense than buying an actual one. The resemblance between authentic and fake watches is very close. The question is, is a fake Patek Philippe watch worth it?
The price of a fake watch is very attractive. You get to wear a watch that is less expensive than an original. It is illegal and the watch is not likely to last for many years, meaning it is not affordable.
How to Spot a Fake Patek Philippe
Being one of the most coveted Swiss luxury watches, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Patek Philippe watches are some of the most replicated in the market. Some imitations look so good that buyers are often deceived into paying good money for them. If you don’t have any plans to buy a fake Patek Philippe, these are some of the telltale signs to help you avoid it.
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Determine the type and quality of the material used.
One of the solid ways to determine a fake Patek Phillippe is by simply holding the watch and feeling it. A real Patek Philippe only uses the finest materials such as gold, platinum, or some special kind of stainless steel. The same goes for Patek Philippe watch bands that are usually leather or rubber. It should be quite heavy in contrast to the fake ones that are much lighter to carry.
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The case should be looked at back.
You can check the authenticity of a watch by looking at the case back. The serial number of the watch is not visible. The serial number is written inside the case. The watches of the brand are free from inscriptions. The watch is most likely a fake if you have seen any number on the case before.
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Look for the crown and letters.
Patek Philippe does an amazing job in creating high-quality watches that are unparalleled in terms of accuracy, precision, and design, and that should make it difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate its watches accurately down to the last detail. The brand uses a single style and size and uniform across all of its watches. It puts a diamond on each timepiece to separate them from the fake ones.
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The screws should be examined.
The screws may seem insignificant, but they could be a sign that your Patek Philippe is not the real deal. The process of heating the screws first before attaching them to the watch makes them more resistant, but you may not know it. The only thing unique to Patek is that it does not use this process. The best screws there are gathered and used in its watches.
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The price should be weighed in.
“The price might be too good to be true. The lower end of the spectrum will cost you at least $12,000. It should be enough to question its authenticity if it’s any cheaper than that. With the materials being used to create one, you are assured of high-end quality that will last for generations, even though it will cost you a lot of money. It’s important to compare prices of different boutiques before buying one.”
Why It Matters to Invest in an Authentic Watch
- It retains its value.When properly taken care of, an authentic watch can retain its value even after several years. Depending on market demand, you can even sell it for a higher value, giving you an impressive ROI.
- It would last for a very long time. Because of the high-quality materials used and the special features, a luxury watch is outfitted with, you afford yourself a luxury watch that will not only support your lifestyle but one that will last for several years as well.
- It makes for a great investment.In relation to the first point, an authentic watch has a high possibility of being valued higher than its retail price in the long run. This is particularly true with limited-edition watches and vintage pieces.
- It’s the right thing to do. This is no-nonsense. Purchasing counterfeit goods may result in civil or criminal penalties—and it’s understandable why. It means you’re patronizing counterfeiters who are stealing someone else’s efforts. In the case of Patek Philippe, they’re stealing more than 180 year’s worth of research and development to deliver high-quality watches in the market.
Takeaway
If you are considering buying a fake watch, consider buying a second hand watch. It will cost you a few thousand dollars more than a fake one. For a fraction of the cost of a new one, you can get an original Patek.
May this article serve as a reminder that purchasing fake watches may seem promising at first. But, it will not take you long to realize that its affordability is far outweighed by its many downsides. Like with anything, it’s better to do your research first before buying the item you have your eyes on. Think of buying an authentic watch as supporting the industry and businesses that have started from scratch and undergone hardships to perfect their processes.
Buying a second-hand watch is always a good option. A wide range of pre-owned watches can be found on many websites. Some unused watches can be found with their original packaging. It is a matter of being smart with your purchase.
Do you think buying a fake watch is a good idea? Leave a comment to let us know about it.
