Spotting the fake

Hello all,

I am new to IWC therefore please excuse my ignorance with respect to my question.

I am currently in the market for a pre owned Big Pilot 500401 steel model. Exploring the used market obviously presents with the inherent problem of counterfeit products. I am keen to hear from people as to what obvious ( and not so obvious) signs I should be aware of when examining potential pieces.

For instance, I am aware that the serial number should always match the serial number on the paper work (warranty card etc) however research suggests that counterfeiters are now inserting serial numbers on the fake watches and fake documents.

Feedback will be greatly appreciated.

With thanks in advance

Hi, welcome to the forum.

my 2 cents on determining fake vs real:

[b]Determining Real or Fake Watch

My opinion only - you should be able to get a new one from an authorized dealer fairly easily.

But if your friend / a seller is letting it go for a great price that cannot be passed up, then I think the 'genuine or not question' can be answered in the following ways:

a) Do you trust your friend, and does he have a good reason for not having box and papers, and where and when did he get the watch from ? so this here is 'buy the seller, not just the watch' - i.e. does your instinct and senses tell u the seller is trustworthy ?

I have three pre-owned pieces without box and papers, and am perfectly fine with that (but not everyone feels the same way).

b) the dial and the case back can be authenticated visually - google for images of the case back (although there are great fakes out there). So this here is the visual authentication, much dependent on one's ability to determine genuineness in the metal or in the pics.

c) size and weight - if you have access to the workbooks (older models you can find it here: www.weeber.biz/IWC/Workbook/2007/3255_s.pdf) you can use measurement tools to measure and weigh to ensure it is according to specs. perhaps a bit extreme, but I do it myself, especially on the weight - I am not beyond bringing an electronic balance to check the watch's weight. the workbook says, for example, the ref 325502 weighs 71 grams, measures 39mm and is 11.5 mm tall, and lug size is 20mm. I suppose if it is a fake, (hopefully) at least one of these details will be wrong.

d) try setting the watch - adjust the hour and minute hands; slow adjust the date; quick adjust the date; check if the hacking seconds stop when the crown is pulled to position 2. this ensures the movement & complications are as according to published specs, and also checks for the working condition of the watch.

e) if a service center is nearby, would the seller be willing to go with you and have the watch authenticated there?

I am guessing it would be through the case and movement number of the watch (and the solid caseback - or any caseback for that matter - will have to be removed by an experienced watchmaker).

f) If you pay by paypal or credit card, there is an avenue for dispute if u do not get a real watch. So here: possibility for getting your money back through a payment 'buffer' -- but you have to check with your credit provider as this is not always true.[/b]

my 2 cents.

Even the experts can be fooled. A few years ago there was a a guy on this Forum who was a big proponent of replica watches. I had an email discussion with him about this and he sent me pictures of different model IWC watches and asked me to point out the fakes. I found this to be a difficult task but complied with his request. Imagine my surprise when he indicated that all the watches were fakes.
As a result, I only buy from an AD, a boutique or someone I know or trust by reputation.

Alan, you are worrying me that fakes were that good that they fooled you. Three of my collection came from my AD and the fourth from a well known collector and has been serviced within Richemont. So I am at ease with that section of my collection. But for others it may not be so.

Greg,
I am certainly no expert. But I know what a Big Pilot looks like. And I could not tell the difference. Maybe it would be obvious on my wrist, or perhaps the weight would be wrong, or there could be a detail that was wrong. My point was this... Why take the chance?

Agree with all the above. Buy the seller, not the watch. I have seen some fakes that are extremely good fakes. I would not take the chance. Buy from an AD or someone you know and trust.

Fully agree. When in doubt, don't buy the watch. The doubt is there for a reason. Get the authenticity confirmed. Or else you will never wear the watch without thinking..... Is it real or not? That will definitely take some of the joy away. So, be sure or don't buy. An AD or someone you absolutely trust is the only way to go.

Best Regards,

Melchior

I would rather have a EUR 10.000 genuine watch than a EUR 6.000 fake. I don't even try to get that bargain. And fortunately, I can afford the real deal.

Kind regards,
Paul

Hello
Don´t buy the watch without case and papers.Everybody that buy a watch keeps it with all the original accessories.If there is only the watch is possible but demonstrate that there is something wrong.
Ragards