Do you know how can you verify the authenticity of a Patek Philippe watch? Founded in 1839 in the Canton of Geneva, Patek Philippe is among the world’s premier luxury Swiss watchmakers. The brand is revered by virtually everyone from watch naives to ardent watch enthusiasts. Patek Philippe has been continually elevating the luxury watchmaking standards over 180years of its storied legacy.
Today, for many, owning Patek Philippe watches is an achievement. While the brand puts a considerable amount of care into each watch, mass production is not possible. It is estimated that Patek Philippe has produced only about a million timepieces since its inception.
Now:
The premium quality, incredible demand, and limited production make Patek Philippe ripe for counterfeiters. Thus, the market is unfortunately inhabited by several fake Patek Philippe watches that can easily deceive any average and eager watch buyers.
However, the good news is that some tell-tale signs can help you to identify a fake Patek Philippe watch. Continue reading as we have outlined every aspect you need to verify the authenticity of a Patek Philippe watch.
Even before you head out to sell a Patek Philippe watch, take a look at these aspects to verify whether a timepiece you own is authentic or fake.
How can I tell if my Patek Philippe is real?
Each Patek Philippe collection possesses its signature features. However, we have jotted down the general features that will help you spot a fake Patek Philippe watch.
Analyse Metal’s Type and Quality
Patek Philippe has always been very particular and precise on the types of materials they use for making its watches. Most of the brand’s watches are crafted gold and platinum, although stainless steel models are also available. However, what you need to keep in mind is that –
Patek Philippe only employs the highest quality of each metal. They leave no room for deformities.
Counterfeiters typically provide more attention to the appearance than the overall watch’s quality. The quality of metals used for fake Patek watches may be good but won’t meet a genuine Patek Philippe’s quality standards.
So if the metal shows even the tiniest imperfections, the watch is probably a fake one. Patek Philippe is committed to such quality control standards that no timepiece can leave the factory with any signs of imperfections.
Also Read: How To Verify The Authenticity Of Cartier Watches?
Look at the Case and Inside the Case-back
Genuine and authenticated Patek Philippe watch cases are made of 18ct gold, platinum or stainless steel. Moreover, Patek watches generally feature solid case-backs without any engravings or adornments (some limited edition models are the exceptions).
Another minor but significant detail that is often overlooked is the serial number’s placement.
- Many watchmakers engrave the serial number on the case back’s external portion.
- While it is so common, several counterfeiters do not offer this detail a second thought.
Keep in mind that Patek Philippe does not inscribe its watches’ serial number on the case back’s outer side.
- The number is engraved inside the case-back.
- And the timepieces with transparent backs have their model and serial numbers inscribed around the interior edges.
- Moreover, the latest watches from the brand come with “PPC” engraved in the lugs and the case’s metal like Pt950 for platinum or Au750 for gold.
So turn over the Patek Philippe watch and check if it has any numbers printed on the case-back. If it has, then you know that you are dealing with a fake watch.
Check the Dial and Crown
At a glance, you may not identify a fake Patek Philippe watch looking at its dial as it appears pretty like the genuine one. But there are minor tell-tale details to spot the fake. Let’s begin with the font.
- Patek Philippe uses a unique font and also of a specific size on its watches.
- The letters will be crisp, evenly spaced and no misspellings.
On the contrary, counterfeit Patek watches will not flaunt the same font or try to use a bigger size, exhibiting the brand name more prominently.
Moreover, genuine Patek Philippe watches, besides skeletonised models, do not sport visible balance wheels or tourbillon on the dial. Now:
- Take a close look at the lugs present at the 6 o’clock mark.
- Original platinum Patek Philippe watches feature one small diamond set in the middle of the lugs.
- If the diamond appears more prominent in the Patek in your hand or is missing, it is a fake.
However, make sure to check the crown. On genuine Patek Philippe watches, the crown is etched to perfection. This detail is something you will need to check using a magnifying lens.
If you find no detail on the crown or the design looks spotty, the watch is not genuine.
The watch’s weight is another indication
Another aspect that you should consider is the heft or weight. While finding out how to verify the authenticity of a Patek Philippe watch, it is essential to consider that the brand uses only high-quality materials. And they add a solid weight to the timepieces.
If the timepiece you are considering now feels lighter or seems to weigh similar to an average watch available at discount shops, it is not an authenticate Patek Philippe.
Take a look at the bracelet
Genuine Patek Philippe bracelets are also made of platinum and 18ct gold. However, the straps are made of leather or a distinctive composite material. What is significant for you to note is that the brand inscribes the model number specific to a watch’s series on the bracelets.
- Moreover, genuine and authenticate Patek Philippe straps feature the brand’s logo and Calatrava Cross engraved on the inner side.
- Furthermore, buckles also flaunt the Patek’s logo; whereas, all deployment clasps have the Calatrava Cross.
Remember that counterfeit watches are today more precisely made, and sometimes it becomes challenging for naives to tell if a Patek Philippe watch is authentic. Thus, if you doubt a watch’s authenticity, it is better to pass on the deal.
Many professional and trusted dealers buy and sell genuine Patek Philippe watches like The Luxury Hut. Contact us at 0207 242 9160 for any queries you may have regarding buying and selling pre-owned Patek Philippe watches.
Also Read: How To Check The Authenticity of A. Lange & Sohne Watch?
