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Watches have been a fashion statement from the moment they were invented, with expert watchmakers putting their own unique spin on each timepiece. Some of these designs became so popular over the years that people decided to start making fakes. Unfortunately, some people are so good at making fakes that it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s not without the help of a good watch repair shop. If you’re planning on buying a watch from a small shop or private seller in Castle Rock, CO, here’s what you should know about fake watches before you buy.
Watch Certification
When you’re buying a watch from a private seller, it’s hard to buy with the same confidence you have when you go to a watch repair shop. Many people sell watches without their original packaging, which makes it even tougher to tell what’s real and what isn’t. One of the best things you can do is request certification before you buy a watch.
The two most popular watch certification services are the COSC and CSA. COSC certification is particularly useful because some watchmakers, such as Breitling, certify all their watches through the COSC. If somebody tries to sell you a Breitling watch that was made after 2000 and it isn’t COSC certified, you know it’s a fake.
The CSA handles general watch certification services in America. They utilize all the necessary tools and techniques to figure out whether a watch is really what the seller is claiming it is. When watch repair shops buy watches from an individual, the CSA can help them determine whether or not they’re authentic. If you can find a watch seller who has CSA certification for their watch, you can count on its authenticity.
Ticking
One of the easiest ways to spot a fake watch without the help of a watch repair shop is to put it up to your ear and listen for a ticking sound. The ticking sound you hear from cheap watches is a result of a simpler movement made of fewer parts. Luxury watches are made with high-quality movements that don’t make the same ticking sound as a cheap watch does.
Keep in mind that you may hear some noise coming from the watch, and that’s fine. What you really need to look out for is a watch that ticks loudly like a wall clock or a cheap plastic watch would. While movement quality varies from watch to watch when it comes to designer timepieces, there should never be a very loud tick coming from a designer watch.
Small Details
Another great way to figure out whether or not you’re getting an authentic watch is to compare the watch with a picture of the real thing. Counterfeit watchmakers are smart enough to know how to make fake watches look real, but they often miss some small details that you won’t notice unless you have a watch repair shop take a look at it. Make sure you’re looking at things like how well the markings are centered and spaced out on the watch and whether there are any spelling mistakes or sloppily painted lines.
If taking a watch to a watch repair shop to have it examined for authenticity isn’t an option, looking at these small details is one of the best things you can do. Depending on the watch you’re buying, you can even find guides online for how to spot fakes. Many popular watches have a detail or two that can’t be replicated well, and taking a close look at that detail makes spotting a fake easy.
Price
The truth of the matter is, you have to spend a lot of money if you want to get your hands on an authentic luxury watch. Even if you’re buying a used watch from a Castle Rock, CO, watch repair shop, you’re still going to have to shell out thousands for a Rolex or TAG Heuer watch.
If you’re buying a watch from a private seller and the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. As tempting as it might be to save hundreds or even thousands on a watch by buying from a private seller, chances are you’re getting a counterfeit watch that won’t give you the same satisfaction anyway.
Counterfeit vs. Replica
Watch repair shops deal with plenty of counterfeit watches, but that’s not the most common type of “fake” watch we see. When somebody comes to a shop with a Rolex that isn’t actually a Rolex, they usually have what’s called a replica watch. These watches are made to look just like an expensive luxury watch, but they aren’t advertised as authentic Rolex watches to sellers.
Counterfeit watches are generally sold at a high price, but replica watches can be purchased for a lot less than their authentic counterparts. If you want the look of an expensive luxury watch without spending a fortune, you may be interested in a replica watch. Another benefit is that watch repair costs are a lot more affordable when you’ve got a replica watch. However, the truth is that you can never truly match the look or feel of a luxury watch that was expertly crafted by a designer brand.
The Smart Way
Buying from a private seller can be tempting, especially if you’re saving a lot compared to what you’d spend at a watch shop. However, those savings come at the expense of quality and security. The best way to make sure you’re getting an authentic watch you’ll love is to buy it from a local shop.
If you’re looking for the best place to buy a watch in Castle Rock, CO, Matheu’s Fine Watches has you covered. Not only do we have a great selection of watches for you to choose between, we also provide watch repair services. Whether you need help finding the perfect watch or fixing yours up, call Matheu’s Fine Watches at (303) 471-8463.
