Here's an example of a fake IWC that, at least to me, is scarily good. I wonder how it can be produced at its nominal price of under 200 Euros.
First, let's look at a real one....the first Portuguese skeleton in rose gold:
Now it's one thing to fake a dial, but it's totally another thing to fake a movement. And it's still more to fake a skeletonized movement.Consider the following:
There are differences, but you need to compare the real vs. the fake side-by-side, and it's only minor detail. Even the strap, the printing on the strap and the buckle have been copied.
They say imitation is the "sincerest form of flattery". I say --if they can fake an entire movement you'd best only buy from an authorized dealer, where you can be assured of originality, and value. I would think only a few experts could tell the real from the fake when the fakes get close.
82 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 27, 2011
Seeing that fake really turns my stomach.
It just reinforces my belief that the best and only practice should be going through ADs and boutiques, be it the watch itself or any accessories. If going through the secondhand market, exercising due diligence is a must and as Kevin stated earlier, "always know the seller".
140 Discussions and CommentsMember since Sept. 19, 2012Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
Thanks for the post and pictures, Micheal.
Whoever who is taking the trouble of making these fake should have channeled their effort in creating their own marque or design with the skills that they have. What a shame. They could have gone further than just making fakes.
196 Discussions and CommentsMember since Sept. 1, 2011
Australia
Thanks Michael
of course the easy way to protect yourself is to buy through a Boutique or AD but it only works if you are buying a new watch, what about those of us who prefer the older versions, how do we protect ourselves, just the old adage of "buyer beware
1,870 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 28, 2002
Thanks for posting Michael, indeed very scary. Isaw already skelontonises mariages, but this is new. Some models I knew were conterfitted ; the Portuguese chrono was one of them I saw regulary. Also the 3227 was copied in China and was very close to the real deal. I even bought a fake Aquatimer 3536, luckely the seller was trustworthy so he took it back.
That fake is quite remarkable. Because I know it's fake, I can see some differences. For example, it appears to me that the "engraving" isn't as crisp as that on the real thing -- it must be part of the casting rather than actually engraved -- but I don't know that I would have noticed such things had I not known.
As others have said, I think known forumers are the best source for pre-owned IWCs. And if the price seems too good to be true then it likely is.
First, let's look at a real one....the first Portuguese skeleton in rose gold:
Now it's one thing to fake a dial, but it's totally another thing to fake a movement. And it's still more to fake a skeletonized movement.Consider the following:
There are differences, but you need to compare the real vs. the fake side-by-side, and it's only minor detail. Even the strap, the printing on the strap and the buckle have been copied.
They say imitation is the "sincerest form of flattery". I say --if they can fake an entire movement you'd best only buy from an authorized dealer, where you can be assured of originality, and value. I would think only a few experts could tell the real from the fake when the fakes get close.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Bill
Thanks for the reminder that we should always know the seller, AD/Boutique are the safest way to protect oneself.
Kevin
It just reinforces my belief that the best and only practice should be going through ADs and boutiques, be it the watch itself or any accessories. If going through the secondhand market, exercising due diligence is a must and as Kevin stated earlier, "always know the seller".
Last edited: 7 January, 2013 - 04:48
Whoever who is taking the trouble of making these fake should have channeled their effort in creating their own marque or design with the skills that they have. What a shame. They could have gone further than just making fakes.
Vincent Fong
Last edited: 17 January, 2013 - 10:02
Thanks for highlighting this issue Michael.
of course the easy way to protect yourself is to buy through a Boutique or AD but it only works if you are buying a new watch, what about those of us who prefer the older versions, how do we protect ourselves, just the old adage of "buyer beware
tonny.berteloot@pandora.be
As others have said, I think known forumers are the best source for pre-owned IWCs. And if the price seems too good to be true then it likely is.
Best regards,
David
Last edited: 8 January, 2013 - 17:49