Beware of Watch Scams: My Experience with Fake Seiko Prospex Sumo Hulk

Hey, welcome back! Today, I'm sharing my experience with the Seiko Prospex Sumo Hulk SPB103 J1, a third-generation model featuring upgrades like sapphire crystal and the 6R35 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. However, my story has a twist—I got scammed.

I bought this watch from an online platform known for selling legitimate catalog products. The dealers weren't properly verified, and I was a relatively inexperienced watch enthusiast. I found a listing with what appeared to be legitimate photos and decided to purchase it. Little did I know, I was making a big mistake.

When I first received the watch, I was thrilled. It looked great at first glance and seemed like a genuine Sumo. However, as I started to closely examine it and compare it with other references, I began to notice discrepancies.

The first red flag was the "camel toe" at the 12 o'clock position—it was too short. The hour markers were also off, and the crown was polished when it should have had a different finish. These subtle differences started to add up, revealing that the watch was not authentic.

 Comparing to Legitimate Models

I compared the fake Sumo with my genuine models, including a Taiwan Hulk limited edition and a second-generation Sumo. The differences became even more apparent:

- The 12 o'clock marker and hour markers were different.

- The bezel ring had an edge that didn't fit properly.

- The quality of materials and finishing were noticeably inferior.

 Lessons Learned

This experience taught me several important lessons:

1. No Watch is Too Cheap to Fake: Even watches with a price point around $500 can be counterfeited.

2. Buy from Authorized Dealers: It's always best to purchase from authorized dealers to ensure authenticity.

3. Be Skeptical of Deals That Seem Too Good: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the only time I was deceived. I also bought a supposed "Blue Coral" and a "Samurai Party" model, both of which turned out to be fakes. These experiences reiterated the importance of vigilance when purchasing watches online.

In summary, always verify the authenticity of a watch before purchasing, especially when buying online. Stick to authorized dealers to avoid scams. I hope my experience helps you avoid the same pitfalls.