Let's get straight to the point: one of these two watches is a €60,000 Patek Philippe Nautilus, while the other is a €500 high-end replica. Today, I'll show you the most crucial tips to spot a fake right away. So, let's get started.
As replicas improve, distinguishing an authentic watch from a fake has become increasingly challenging. This is not only a problem for those who work with watches daily but also for newcomers to the hobby. It can be extremely difficult to spot a fake without knowing what to look for, especially if you don't have a reference watch for comparison. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 replica I'm showing you today is one of the best replicas I've ever seen, even surpassing the Rolex replica I reviewed earlier on this channel. Before we dive in, comment below which watch you think is authentic and which one is fake. To help you avoid a €60,000 mistake, I'll show you the seven most significant characteristics of a high-end replica.
1. Dial Color
The first distinctive mark is the dial color. Both watches feature a sunburst dial and a well-known gradient from light to dark. However, the shade of the typical Patek blue differs. The authentic Nautilus has a blue dial with a light green tint, while the fake one appears purely blue. Although the sunburst effect on the replica is surprisingly good, the gradient is less pronounced compared to the authentic watch, making the effect less visible. Spotting this difference is challenging without a reference watch.
2. Case Shape and Size
The case proportions vary slightly. Look at these three features:
- Brushed Surface of the Bezel: The bezel on the replica is slightly wider.
- Edge Quality: The edge on the replica is rougher, while the authentic watch has a smoother, higher-quality edge.
- Crown and Thickness: The crown on the replica sticks out more, and the replica is thicker due to the different movement inside.
3. Case Finish
The €500 Nautilus replica is well-finished, but differences are noticeable upon closer inspection:
- Flattened Polished Edge: More pronounced on the authentic watch, giving it an elegant look. The replica's edge is less pronounced.
- Brushing of Stainless Steel: The authentic watch has smooth, subtle brushing, while the replica’s brushing is rougher and more noticeable.
4. Hands
The hands are a critical detail:
- Authentic Nautilus: Perfect polish with no specs of dust or finishing irregularities.
- Replica: More bumps and residue, with finishing irregularities visible even without magnification. Always use a magnifying glass to spot these differences.
5. Hour Markers
Differences in hour markers are subtle:
- Authentic: Evenly rounded corners, creating a three-dimensional look.
- Replica: Sharper edges, with the double sticks at 12:00 appearing almost merged due to the lack of rounded corners.
6. Dial Lettering and Structure
The lettering and dial structure on replicas usually look poor compared to authentic watches:
- Authentic: Crisp and sharp lettering.
- Replica: Surprisingly good, but the white background of the date disc shows a linen-like structure under magnification. The replica dial has a slightly rougher finish with added irregularities.
7. Movement
The most noticeable difference is in the movement, visible through the see-through case back:
- Replica: Uses a mass-produced Miyota movement, attempting to copy the Patek Philippe movement but with significantly worse finishing.
- Authentic: Uses violet-colored rubies as bearing jewels, while the replica uses cheaper materials, possibly plastic, resulting in red-looking jewels.
Replicas have improved over time, but certain characteristics remain telling. If you can only remember one tip, use a magnifying glass to inspect the hands. They are often the least well-finished part of a replica. Additionally, always buy from authorized or trusted pre-owned dealers, and trust your instincts. If you have doubts about a watch’s authenticity, don’t buy it.
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