In the past couple of months we’ve discussed so called ‘replica’ watches in this blog. Of course, replica means counterfeit and the market is flooded with them. Many people are opting to buy replica watches as a cheaper alternative to the real thing, but of course the fakes, although some of them may look genuine, are nothing but cheap imitations.
Some 'replicas' are a little more convincing than others...
The fact that some counterfeit watches are so close to the real thing unless you subject them to very close scrutiny is causing problems for buyers. An increasing number of unscrupulous dealers are attempting to pass off the copies as genuine, so it’s important for the discerning watch buyer to keep an eye out for fakes and know what to do should some attempt to dupe them into buying a fake.
Gucci watches are some of the most frequently counterfeited watches on the market, and there’s some fairly convincing fakes circulating. However, you should be able to distinguish the fake from the genuine article if you take the following tips into careful consideration. First off, the biggest giveaway is the price. If you’re being offered what is usually a £4,000 watch for £400 then that should set alarm bells ringing.
Ask to see the documentation. Most brand name products will have documents proving their authenticity. Even the fakes have them, but read the fine print carefully. If the small print says something along the lines of ‘Inspired by Gucci’, then you’ve definitely got a fake on your hands.
If you have any suspicions that a watch you’re considering purchasing is a counterfeit then the best course of action you can take is to not buy it! Never buy a watch unless you’re one hundred percent certain that it is genuine no matter how good the price is.