What is IWC' strategy against high quality fakes ?

Hi !

At this time I am looking for a limited edition Panerai watch which presumably is not available at ADs anymore i.e PAM000249. Whilst searching over the internet I was quite slowed down in my search as I bumped into many sites advertising replicas some of which claiming to incorporate decorated genuine Swiss ETA, ETA Unitas movements, etc..., using 904L stainless steel, genuine gold and diamonds, etc... Crazy high quality but scary stuff for buyers of genuine items which I am part of.

Although IWC is progressively getting their own manufacture movements developped through the Richemond's Val Fleurier Manufacture which may discourage high quality counterfeiters, most IWC watches are still relying on reliable Swiss ETA movements. In such case, has IWC any intentions to make their ETA equipped models fakeproof through the adjunction of some technology ?

A company is using card and a web site, some others are using holograms, etc... What are IWC's or Richemond's global intentions for fighting high quality replicas which seem to be penetrating the market more and more.

Thanks & Best Regards,

Patrick, today wearing my Spitfire Doppel.

This topic was discussed several times...

a few months ago. Do a search of the archives. The bottom line is that we have no idea what IWC is doing behind the scenes with respect to fakes.
The general consensus was to buy through an AD or, in the case of an older model, through someone you know and trust.
The quality of fakes varies widely but for about $300 someone could buy a pretty good replica and then try to resell it as real for thousands. So buyer beware.

Buy only from authorized distribution

Any links regarding this subject ? nt