Saturday 1 August 2015

How to Spot a Replica Watch

If you are one of those people who collect luxury watches, then you are indulging in an expensive hobby and there are people who will try to take advantage of your passion. As a luxury watch collector, it’s your job to ensure that your luxury watch is an authentic and original piece of craft and not a crafted replica. Some brands by the finest Swiss watchmakers cost more than several thousand dollars and even up to a million dollars. If you want to avoid being trapped by individuals who are conning you into buying a fake watch, there are lifesaving tips which can help you.

Avoid a Counterfeit

First step in buying an original watch is being careful of the replica watches offered on the counters of several vintage watch dealers. Research is crucial. When you’re buying a specific brand or model of a luxury watch, you must study the details of the product. Make sure that you know the size, weight and mechanism of the original watch. If you can avoid the tempting replica watches, you will get one step closer to buying an authentic vintage watch.

Original Watches Are Made of Better Material

The material of an original watch will be very different from that of a replica. It will not have the finesse of the genuine watch and in most cases, the finishing of the duplicate watch is slightly off the mark. The color of the replica watches might not also be the same as that of the original. Moreover, the counterfeit watch will be made up of lighter material and will weigh less than the original. The sound of an original watch is also different from replica watches. If you’re able to hear the tick tock sound from the watch, then it is advised that you don’t rush into the decision of buying it.

Check Paperwork for Vintage Watches

Replica watches are an affordable option for people who cannot afford an original watch. Replicas give the user an opportunity to become a part of the rich culture and class associated with these Swiss watchmakers. People who are conning you into buying a counterfeit watch for their personal gain are no saints. Paperwork for the watch is integral and you must know the history of ownership if the watch you like is a vintage one. All vintage watch outlets will have proper documentation of the watch and a history of its owners. If the shop owner tries to dodge your questions about the watch’s paperwork, then you must give the purchase a second thought and investigate the matter.

Red Flags to Monitor!

If the price of a vintage watch is low, ask yourself “why”. Of course, vintage watches worth $250,000 on auction being offered to you for $50,000 will have some defect. If the price appears low, then you shouldn’t be tempted. Instead, you must figure out why the price is low. If the watch seller appears to be in a hurry, then something must be wrong. Someone who owns a vintage watch collection for sale will not have any liquidity problems in keeping the watch for a few more days before selling it to you. As the buyer, you must be vigilant and cautious in your approach before you finalize any purchase of the vintage watch. Be tactful and learn to spot a replica watch being hurled your way in the name of an original one.