Wristwatch FAQ’s

fake-breitling.jpg With my inaugural issue of FAQ on Watches at Lussori.com I would like to address what I believe to be the most frequent of the FAQ’s: “How can I tell if my watch is real or fake?” The easiest answer to this question is in fact another question; “Where did you get it?” The answer to this is varied. I usually hear such things as “It was a gift” or “I bought it used” or “I bought it on an online auction”. If you purchase your timepiece through a reputable, authorized retailer, this is a question you never have to ask, but with most people asking this question this is not the case (with the exception of gifts received). When clients either email or call us with the question, it is difficult at best to determine whether the timepiece they are holding is genuine. Here are a few key points you can use in making the determination:
• Price ~ the old cliché “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” holds true.
• Serial Numbers ~ if there is no serial number I consider the watch to be of questionable origin.
• Boxes & Papers ~ again if these are not available for a “new” watch I would again question the origin.
• Buttons without functions ~ if your timepiece has buttons that are just for looks, chances are it is not authentic.

If at all possible, take the timepiece in question to the nearest authorized retailer for that brand. A good salesperson should be able to tell if your timepiece is authentic.
There are many replicas (fakes) all over the internet today for just about every brand. For Lussori.com the most asked about timepieces are Breitlings. It seems that many are coming to the US via our troops in the Middle East and via the online auction companies. Some key points you can look for with regards to Breitling are:
• Model Number/Serial number combinations ~ many of the replicas contain a “model number” that begins with a letter followed by 5 or 6 numbers and the serial number 1111. (i.e. A26032/ No1111)
• Model Numbers ~ Breitling has a specific code they follow for their watches. It follows this format and has for some time; A= All Steel, B= Two-Tone (gold rider tabs & crown), D=Steel & 18kt, E= All Titanium, F= Two-tone Titanium, H= 18k Rose Gold, J= 18k White Gold, K= 18k Yellow gold and L= Platinum. For example if you have an all steel watch and the “model” number begins with a B, it is probably not authentic.

Remember, the best way to be sure a new timepiece you are buying is authentic is to purchase through an authorized retailer. If you are buying pre-owned, there are many reputable dealers for pre-owned timepieces. Be very cautious when purchasing through online auctions. We have had more than a few customers tell us they had spent in excess of $3,000.00 only to find out it what they purchased was not authentic.
I hope this information is helpful to you in making a determination about your timepiece. To locate an authorized dealer nearest you to take your timepiece in for evaluation, look under retailers on the brand website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at sandy@lussori.com.

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3 Comments so far
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The thing that confuses me is how to figure out wheter you’re paying for interior or exterior.

I’m a simple guy, and I don’t especially like a flashy watch (or, necessarily, a metal bracelet). But I DO really enjoy, and appreciate, the idea of an extraordinarily detailed/accurate movement.

When I’m looking at watch brands, how am I to tell? Surely a baume and mercier can’t be the same as a brietling can’t be the same as an omega can’t be the same as a rolex inside.

The manufcturers themselves aren’t a reliable source for quality (they never are).

How can we tell which movements are best?

Comment by Erik H 05.11.06 @ 9:32 am

Hi Erik,

The answer to your question is not a simple one. As you stated there are many factors that go into the value of a watch such as the case metal, the movement, dials, straps versus bracelets and the complication of the movement. Value to an individual is as varied as the factors that I just mentioned. What is important to you may not be important to someone else.

So let’s take what you have given me for criteria:

-Not Flashy
-strap
-fine movement

Several watches come to mind immediately:

-Omega DeVille Co-Axial
-TAG Heuer Carrera
-Baume & Mercier Classima Executive
-IWC Portofino Auto

These are all very classic timepieces. Some have more unique movements. Like the Omega DeVille Co-Axial. This is a movement Omega makes in house. In some instances, the movements can be somewhat the same. The reason being is the majority of the Swiss Watch manufacturers do not make all their movements. They buy base movements from one of several movement manufacturers and modify them once they receive them. So if you think about it. The heart of the watch would be the same if say Omega, Breitling or TAG Heuer bought the same base movement.

I think if you are looking for a way to gauge overall quality and value it will take some education on your part. Otherwise develop a relationship with a fine timepiece retailer. Once you have a relationship with someone you can trust, it will take some of the guess work out of it for you.

If you are looking for some opinions from outside of the industry, the best place for answers is one the watch forums such as www.watchuseek.com or www.thepurists.com and www.timezone.com. The people on these forums are usually just regular guys (and gals) like you with a real passion for watches.

Regards,
Sandy Novack
Lussori, Inc.
sandy@lussori.com

Comment by Administrator 05.12.06 @ 5:16 am

I just bought a tag heuer on an online auction on ebay. There were several pictures of the watch face, back, band, and even the inner workings. The watch reads Tag Heuer, 1500, professional, 200 meters. The face is black. the serial number is 88666. It reads swiss made water resistant quartz stainless steal back. Some Tag watches say since 1980 on them, mine does not. This is an older watch, I would say ten years or so. can anyone help me find out if it is real or fake. Thank you.

Comment by Ryan Theilman 03.18.08 @ 9:20 pm



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