If I buy an AP from a grey dealer, how do I ensure that the watch is 100% real

[maruchan22]

May sound like a silly question but I am looking to give up a huge amount of cash for a first AP watch, and I cannot get it from BT so have to go to a grey dealer.

I am a first time buyer dealing with a grey dealer but what are the ways to ensure that the watch is real and not get scammed? I know the idea of doing the research about their reputation and make sure they have positive reviews from other buyers, etc. but I guess it is a mental thing of mine, that I want to 100% comfortable that I did not get scammed.

I was suggested that I can send the watch to AP for maintenance (just made up something such as the watch is slow or not accurate), and if they check it and return it without any problem identified, that I can be assure that it is 100% real.

Any tips? Thanks.