Guides · Common Fakes & Counterfeits
Common fakes: watches
Luxury watches are among the most copied items. Check several details, never just one.
General tips, not authentication. This is an estimate, not an appraisal. When in doubt, use a professional authentication service.
Most common fakes
Coming soon.
How to spot them
- Rolex: the cyclops over the date magnifies about 2.5x and is centered, and the engraving on the inner ring (the rehaut) should be crisp. Most Oyster models have a solid caseback. Sources: watchscanning.com · northerndialco.com · nytimes.com
- A seconds hand that ticks once per second points to a quartz fake, but a smooth sweep on its own proves nothing. Sources: watchscanning.com · northerndialco.com · nytimes.com
Tests you can do safely
- For Omega and other brands, check the caseback, the movement serial and the dial under magnification. Sources: dialist.com · northerndialco.com
When to get it authenticated
Coming soon.
These guides are general screening tips, not authentication or appraisals. Sources are independent sites we don't control and aren't affiliated with. Sources checked Nov 2, 2026.
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