Being one of the most revered brands that craft some of the highest quality watches in Europe, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the reputable Audemars Piguet is a favorite choice of counterfeiters and scammers alike. Spotting the copies from the originals can prove to be quite the challenge, but if you take note of the following tips and tricks, you may just save yourself a big headache and a few thousand bucks. Keep reading to find out how to tell if an Audemars Piguet watch is real.

Inspect the Quality

Inspecting the quality of your Audemars Piguet watch is one of the surest ways to spot a fake. Take note of noticeable details such as the stamp on the back of the watch. Fake watches usually have unclear or imperfect stamps. The weight of the watch is another indication for real vs fake. A real Audemars Piguet watch will weigh heavier than an average watch with the same features, as its parts use denser metals. Other areas to inspect are:

• Spelling and text: Incorrect spelling and unclear text is a dead giveaway for a fake.
• Check screws: They should be evenly colored and screwed in deeply into the watch’s metal, not embossed.
• Listen for a ticking sound: AP watches are very quiet so a loud ticking sound could mean the watch is fake.
• Look at the pattern: AP watches sport a design called a Tapisserie pattern. This pattern is extremely difficult to replicate, so familiarizing yourself with this will definitely pay off.

Look for a Box and Certificate

Legitimate AP watches come with a serial number on their box as well as a certificate. If your watch came with a box and certificate that can be a good sign your watch is real. However, this should not be the only determination of authenticity because some pre-owned watches may not come with a box or certificate.

Consider the Price

How much did you pay for the watch? If the watch was considerably lower than market value, you may unfortunately have bought a fake watch. Real luxury items typically resale very well and hold their value, so if the price was too good to be true, it probably was.

Ask a Trusted Watch Buyer

If you’re still unsure whether your Audemars Piguet watch is real it’s best to take it to a trusted watch expert to authenticate and ensure all watch parts are real. At Diamond Buyers, we have over 40 years experience with authenticating luxury watches. Our staff is expertly trained in inspecting all parts and components of Audemars Piguet watches and can quickly determine whether your watch is real or fake.