Fake Patek?

[vecca]

Pardon the naive question, but I'm looking to purchase my first Patek (it will be pre-owned) and wondering, how do I avoid buying a "counterfeit" watch?

[dlddrrr]

Look for the Made in China stamp on the caseback.

[TunaTuna]

Originally Posted by vecca

Pardon the naive question, but I'm looking to purchase my first Patek (it will be pre-owned) and wondering, how do I avoid buying a "counterfeit" watch?

https://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=47
Here's a good start

[sj24k]

only buy from well-vetted, trusted resellers with impeccable references. first rule of buying watches on the open market is to "buy the seller."

start with the trusted resellers who advertise/sponsor here. if you have even the slightest fear it might not be legit, walk away. but again, there are a lot of really good dealers out there, so find them first. then find the watch.

[vecca]

Super helpful. Thanks very much.

[spellmanski]

Originally Posted by sj24k

only buy from well-vetted, trusted resellers with impeccable references. first rule of buying watches on the open market is to "buy the seller."

start with the trusted resellers who advertise/sponsor here. if you have even the slightest fear it might not be legit, walk away. but again, there are a lot of really good dealers out there, so find them first. then find the watch.

100% correct

[Calatrava r]

Buy the seller first. Most firms that specialize in used Patek can spot a counterfeit watch. It is the deal to good to be true from unknown private sellers that pose a lot of risk of a fake watch or more likely, no watch.

[77T]

Some ADs have an estate watches section - those have been vetted…

Otherwise stick to trusted TRF boutique sellers.


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[Partekular]

I searched YouTube for Patek fakes copies etc and given some of the excellent scamming copies decided never to go grey.

Some of the real/fake comparisons fool even the YouTube posters and short of taking the back off and identifying the cog they can’t cheaply replicate is pretty scary stuff.

Some posters admit they can’t tell the difference in some cases unless they have an original to hand to check the colour gradient etc.

Given this situation even grey dealers can be scammed and if they suspect or discover the suspected signs but cannot be certain they might want to sell on the dodgy piece ASAP.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Partekular

Given this situation even grey dealers can be scammed and if they suspect or discover the suspected signs but cannot be certain they might want to sell on the dodgy piece ASAP.

That’s the difference between just any dealer, and a trusted seller. One questionable watch wouldn’t be worth the loss of reputation.


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[Partekular]

Originally Posted by 77T

That’s the difference between just any dealer, and a trusted seller. One questionable watch wouldn’t be worth the loss of reputation.


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Buying a modern watch without the original papers seems to me to invite reasonable suspicion let alone assuming a trusted dealer has dismantled the watch to check it out.

There are plenty of YouTube examples of brilliant fakes and Frankensteins. Besides those, there are thousands of watch robberies on the street and many of those must be sold through the grey market - eventually.

I’ll stick to buying new to be on the safe side.

[77T]

For the avoidance of doubt, “papers”. are easier to produce than the watch itself.

If one wishes to buy a pre-owned PP, the best way (as I said) is a PP AD with an estate example, or one of the TRF Boutique sellers who will stand behind the watch if it proves to be “other than genuine”.


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[Partekular]

How many PP original owners don’t keep the papers and receipts for tax, possible later resale and insurance purposes?

How many street robbers/muggers take the time to fake them up with all the detail and correct original purchase prices before selling them on the hot stolen watch as fast as possible?

I’d need a pretty convincing story before buying a relatively new PP from a grey dealer without the papers. Your money, your choice.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crim...-b1071858.html

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Partekular

I searched YouTube for Patek fakes copies etc and given some of the excellent scamming copies decided never to go grey.

Some of the real/fake comparisons fool even the YouTube posters and short of taking the back off and identifying the cog they can’t cheaply replicate is pretty scary stuff.

Some posters admit they can’t tell the difference in some cases unless they have an original to hand to check the colour gradient etc.

You seem to have lot of faith in youtubers whilst imho most of them are not hindered by knowledge and are just echoing each other.
If you get in contact with real people i.e. one of the trusted sellers to purchase a Patek I am sure they can take all your reservations away.
In my experience they have far superior knowledge even compared to your AD

[vecca]

Thanks very much for the responses; it's super helpful. When spending six figures on a watch, it's scary to think about buying something that isn't genuine.

[dauster]

Originally Posted by vecca

Thanks very much for the responses; it's super helpful. When spending six figures on a watch, it's scary to think about buying something that isn't genuine.

Just buy from European watch co they have more pateks than most ADs and an actual brick and mortar boutique in Boston


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[Moondoggy]

Just buy a good fake no one will know and you will have some coin in the kit for your/the next appearance.