How Do you Know It’s Real

Stamping Details
In addition to serial numbers, genuine Cartier watches display stamps indicating the movement (such as ‘automatic’) and the watch case’s material (like ‘stainless steel’).

Gold Hallmarks
Authentic Cartier watches featuring 18kt gold will have hallmarks like “18K” or “750” and other proper stampings and case markings.

Screw Authenticity
Real Cartier watches do not use ‘Phillips-head’ or ‘X-shaped’ screws. Any such screws or imitations that merely stamp to resemble screws can be a clear indicator of a counterfeit.

Overall Appearance
Counterfeit Cartier watches sometimes bear little resemblance to authentic models. A comparison with genuine Cartier watches can often reveal significant discrepancies in design and quality.

Case:

• Authentic Patek Philippe watches have a solid weight to them, while fakes feel lighter as they are often made with lesser-quality materials.
• Genuine Patek Philippe cases are made with stainless steel, platinum, or 18k gold.
• With the exception of select limited-edition watches, Patek Philippe case backs do not have engravings or decorations.
• Patek Philippe watches with solid case backs have their serial and model numbers printed inside the case, while watches with exhibition backs have their serial and model numbers printed around the interior edges.
• Newer Patek Philippe watches have “PPC” printed on the lugs as well as the case’s respective metal, such as Au750 for 18k gold and Pt950 for platinum.

Bracelet:

• Genuine Patek Philippe bracelets come in 18k gold and platinum, while straps are available in leather, stain, or special composite material (exclusively for the Aquanaut).
• Bracelets are printed with a model number specific to their watch’s series.
• Authentic Patek Philippe straps have the Calatrava Cross and Patek Philippe logo printed on the inside.
• Buckles are printed with the Patek Philippe logo and their respective metals.
• All deployment clasps feature the Calatrava Cross.

Movement:

• All movements have superb hand-finishing with crisp engravings.
• Depending on the watch’s age, the movement will be adorned with the Geneva Seal or Patek Philippe Seal. In 2009, Patek Philippe announced that their watches would exclusively feature their own branded seal.
• Where to buy real, pre-owned Patek Philippe watches

Dial Precision
On a genuine Audemars Piguet, every marking, logo, and detail is crisp, clear, and consistently measured, maintaining their integrity over time. In contrast, fakes might have uneven logos and markings that wear or fade, betraying their inferior quality.
Movement Mastery
Authentic Audemars Piguet watches feature sophisticated, finely finished in-house movements. Counterfeits typically cannot replicate these movements’ complexity and finish, revealing their true nature.
Bracelet and Clasp Integrity
Genuine AP bracelets align perfectly and are crafted from quality materials, with clasps that are firm, secure, and sometimes engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo. Counterfeit pieces often use inferior metals and have misaligned links.
Verification through Documentation
Ensure the watch’s authenticity by checking the case back for the serial number and requesting official documents. When in doubt, consult a reputable watch dealer for verification.

Identifying an Authentic Royal Oak
The Royal Oak’s distinct features include:

• Bezel: Look for well-polished steel bezels secured with evenly spaced, aligned hexagonal screws.
• Dial: Authentic Royal Oaks features a Tapisserie pattern that is evenly spaced and symmetrical, unlike the irregular patterns found on fakes.
• Case Back: Genuine models have a sapphire crystal case back showcasing sophisticated, flawless movements.
• Logo: The raised gold letters of the logo should be well-polished and clear, not faded or printed.
• Serial Number: Genuine Royal Oaks have consistently engraved serial numbers, while fakes may display them inconsistently or unclearly.
• Warranty and Certification: Genuine Royal Oaks come with a warranty and authentication certificate; the absence of these is a concern.
• Packaging: The luxury of a Royal Oak extends to its packaging, often made from high-quality materials like suede and velvet, which counterfeits may need to be improved.

When seeking an Audemars Piguet, especially a coveted model like the Royal Oak, it’s crucial to observe these details closely to ensure the authenticity and quality of your potential investment.

Back Of The watch
Inspect the back of the watch very closely. A valuable attribute of every genuine Breitling watch is a very clear model and serial number printed onto the back of the watch.
Model Number:

• This model number defines the basic look and function of the watch and should always be a sequence that begins with a letter followed by five numbers
• The letter indicates the material of the watch: the letter “A” for example, denotes the most common material used by Breitling, stainless steel.
• This letter and number combination can now become a useful key with which to search and compare the watch with others online.

Serial Number:

• Watch-specific serial number: it is smaller and much harder to see but should be there at the outer edge beneath the model number
• The serial number is typically seven digits long.
• This number, like the model number, should match exactly with the paperwork if you have it.

Other Official Stamping On The Back That You Should Expect To See:

• The official “Chronometre” stamping, the water-resistant depth rating in meters, and a variation of the official Breitling logo
• The logo most often appears as the letter “B” in a distinct script integrated with an anchor and a set of wings

The Front Of The Watch
When you look at the front of the watch, at the dial, know that all numbers, hands, and smaller dials have a purpose, whether it is to show time or calculate something.

The smaller dials are called recorders. They record the elapsed time of an event. The hands-on these dials can be started, stopped, and reset with the conspicuous buttons on the right side of the case. When used, these recorders can time an event, showing its seconds, minutes, and hours, typically ending at a maximum of 12 hours.

It is common for bad fakes to get this all wrong, which is a clear red flag:

• Some of these bad ones confusingly mix in days of the week or, months or years.
• Some really bad imposters even have 7-hour days or 90-second minutes. These are easy to spot.

One way to weed out a good fake is to test the watch. Give it power and push the buttons to make sure the function here is as it should be. The chronograph is a useful tool and not just for show. Observe how it works.

Box And Papers

• All of the items that come with a Breitling, from box to warranty, should match the model name and numbers. The model number and serial number that is printed on the back of the watch should be the same as the numbers found on the warranty.
• Like most brands, Breitling warranties have been paper documents through the years, but they started using a distinct digital device in 2013.
• All Breitling watches produced since 2000 are “Chronometer” rated. That means that they have passed extra tests for accuracy and endurance and have the extra documents to prove so. This chronometer certificate should match the serial number of the watch exactly.

Signature Blue Cabochon and Subdial Inspection
Authentic Panerai watches are distinguished by their blue hands and the signature blue ‘cabochon,’ a polished gemstone capping the winding mechanism. Additionally, on genuine Panerai models with subdials, like the Radiomir, look for indicators like the 3, 6, 9, and 12 markers, which are not merely painted but cut out to reveal a luminescent layer beneath. Counterfeits often miss these intricate details, lack proper luminescence, or incorrectly place the subdials.
Case Shape and Crown Analysis
Genuine Panerai watches boast a distinct ‘cushion-like’ case shape with slightly curved edges. The dimensions, typically ranging from 40mm to 47mm, often need to be more accurately replicated in fakes. Additionally, authentic Panerai timepieces with locking crown guards should allow easy winding without unlocking, unlike counterfeits where the proportions usually need to be corrected.
Bezel and Water Resistance Verification
The Submersible, a Panerai dive watch variant, features a unidirectional 60-minute timer dive bezel. Verify the clarity of numbers, the even spacing of the markings between 12 and 3, and the bezel’s functionality. While genuine Panerai watches are water-resistant to varying degrees, they are generally not advised for wear in water, except for the Submersible model, which meets modern dive watch standards.
Serial Number Authentication on the Caseback
Genuine Panerai watches have detailed engravings on the case back, including the serial number, case number, and a unique alphanumeric combination indicating the production year and series number. The engravings should be crisp and precise, unlike the often lower quality found on counterfeits. Note that Panerai reference numbers (PAM) are never found on the back of authentic watches.
By paying close attention to these key details and enlisting the expertise of professionals when in doubt, enthusiasts and potential buyers can confidently identify an authentic Panerai watch, ensuring the quality and craftsmanship they seek.