Whether it’s an early Heuer Autavia or a classic Rolex, we’ve all desired that incredible vintage watch.
The attention to detail, the gorgeous and powerful steel, and a smooth, precise sweep is what makes an exceptional chronograph.
But as the saying goes, “Where there’s money to be made, there’s scams.”
In recent years, cheap imitations have started popping up on e-stores like eBay and Wish. It’s difficult not to fall prey for such gimmicks when they’re cleverly designed to resemble the real thing.
(Must-Read: How To Tell if a Rolex is Genuine or Counterfeit – Part II | Watch Repair in CastleRock, CO)
But don’t be fooled. Nothing can compare to the original. You deserve your money’s worth and not some low-priced imitation. With that in mind, here are a couple of ways to avoid purchasing a fake vintage watch:
Don’t Trust the Box and Papers
Everything and anything that comes with a fancy, gold-wrapped box and a certificate is the real deal, right? Wrong.
If you’re purchasing a classic Rolex, know that not all vintage Rolexes were certified when they built. If they were chronometer-certified, they came witha perforated paper confirming their genuineness. And if they weren’t certified, they came with a handwritten letter from the manufacturer.
(Must-Read: How to Take Care of your Luxury Timepiece – Part 2 | Watch Repair in Castle Rock, CO)
Analyze the Watch
Not all that glitters is gold. Analyze the watch and make sure to keep up with the market. If there’s a new watch from a popular brand, there’s bound to be a knock-off lurking around somewhere.
Since knock-offs are cheap imitations, they come with minor but noticeable changes. Whether the steel is slightly rusted or a feature is missing, there’s always something there that can give it away.
Make sure you know everything there is about the watch you’re purchasing. This is because scammers keep themselves updated all the time.
(Must-Read: The Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition | Castle Rock, CO)
Make Sure Everything Matches
Just because it’s vintage, doesn’t mean it has to be worn-out! The allure of vintage watches is that they are in mint condition. If the hands struggle reaching the minute tracks, you need to pause and question everything.
If there’s no oxidation and the clock looks worn-out, but the dial looks great, you know there’s something odd going on.
(Must-Read: Authorized Service Center for Victorinox Swiss Army | Watch Repair in Castle Rock, CO)
Use a Magnifying Glass, Sherlock!
Scammers are getting smarter by the day. So you need to be just as smart.Use a magnifying glass to look into the small, intricate details of the watch. From the minute track to the hands, make sure everything is authentic.
You can also use a Geiger counter to inspect the watch.
(Must-Read: Watch Repair in Castle Rock, CO– Collectible Oris Watches)
Don’t Judge a Crook By His Cover
Don’t just walk into any shop or click on the first result the search engine displays. Always make sure the dealer is licensed and certified. There should be guarantee offered and warranty given with the purchase.
Otherwise, you’re begging for trouble later on.
Check the Movement/Sweep
And last but not least, make sure you know your “movement/sweep” before you invest. Checking the movement can quickly tell you whether the watch is fake or not.
If you can’t check it out in person, make sure you analyze photographs thoroughly.
Make sure to check the case-back. If there are screw-heads and the watchmaker’s tool marks, there are major problems with the watch.
(Must-Read: Watch Repair in Castle Rock, CO– Futuristic Watches)
These are just a couple of things to watch out (see what we did there?) for!
About the Company
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry has been providing quality products and professional services as a Family Owned and Operated business to the metropolitan Denver, CO area since 1951. Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry was the very first watch repair and service facility ever opened in Colorado. Dan Matheu, a Certified Master Watchmaker, pioneered the watch repair and services business in Colorado. Today, Scott Matheu, his son, now operates Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. Scott Matheu had a vision to open a watch store in Castle Rock, CO fifteen years ago. His vision has led Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry to not only be the largest watch repair and service facility in the Denver Metropolitan area but also the entire state of Colorado!
Whether you are in need of watch repair in Castle Rock, CO, watch engraving, or even if you have an antique watch that you would like appraised, you can count on Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry to provide you with superior service each and every time. All of our watchmakers are factory trained and CW21 Certified by the American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI). This certification has the most stringent standards for watchmakers performing repair, restoration, and service work on watches. With the largest service centers in the metropolitan Denver, CO area we are not only able to provide watch repair in Castle Rock, CO but to the entire 50 states as well.
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry is also a factory authorized service center for Hamilton, Tag Heuer, Breitling, Tissot, Oris and many more brands. When you use Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry for your watch repair in Castle Rock, CO, you can rest assured knowing that we have the latest authorized equipment and technology to service your timepiece and you will also receive our (3) three-year warranty on major watch repairs that we provide.
If you are considering getting your valuable timepiece repaired or restored, because of our CW21 Certification, you can be confident that Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry will provide you with the highest quality level of watch repair and service in Castle Rock, CO. Our CW21 Certification ensures that we possess the superior skills and knowledge for servicing quality watches.
