How to identify whether a watch is fake or not

Watches have become a very important symbol of status and welfare. Many people are in the business of selling replicas, however, and if you're a quality watch lover it's important to be able to tell real from fake. When buying a watch from an unfamiliar store or person, pay attention to the steps listed below, as well as tips and warnings.

1. Familiarize yourself with the various collections of the watch brand you wish to purchase. Every nice watch has at least one signature element to it that can't be replicated; if you can identify that element, you'll always be able to tell when you're buying a knockoff watch.

2. As you're browsing, thoroughly inspect the watch you wish to buy. Pay attention to the inscriptions and engravings on the face and back of the watch. The original watch will never have a smeared inscription or an unclear engraving. Typos and letter substitutions in brand names and inscriptions (such as the ones in the above image) are also warning signs.

3. Pay attention to the functions of the watch and its chronograph. Most Rolex watches have a sweep second hand, while many fakes will have a tick style hand; however, some real Rolex watches have a tick style hand, so know your model. A replica watch that has a magnifying glass (called a cyclops) may also have a weak level of magnification in comparison to the genuine timepiece.

4. Note the precise movement of the watch. If you intend to buy a mechanical timepiece, you should try to take a look under the case back. Fake watches sometimes do have a mechanical movement, but it is typically of lower quality than the movement of a genuine watch.