Watch Experts? Spot a Fake?

[Porsche_monkey]

I lost my Tag watch, which I really liked. The model I had is out of production now, but I don't think I would drop $1,000+ on a new one anyways.

There are a few used watches just like mine on Craigslist. So I'm thinking for $250 it would be worth just buying a used watch. There are also eBay jewelers listing the same watch.

My question: How can I be 100% sure I am not buying a knock-off? The cheap copies used to be just that, cheap copies, they were only $20 on the street. Pick one up and you know it is crap. They don't feel right, they are rough, and it is obvious what they are.

Now when I look around some of the copies are $300. They must be better quality, at least externally.

I don't want to pay for a copy, I want the real thing. Do I need to take it to a jeweler for verification? Can I open it up and look inside? Can I trust the 'Tag' verification paperwork if the seller has it?

[MRM]

When you buy a used watch you're buying the seller as much as the watch. Any watch can be copied if the guy puts enough time and effort into it. But for a used Tag, I don't see much chance that there are Chinese factories pumping out high quality fake Tags on the off chance that some American is going buy one used and not realize it. Look at the watch, the papers, and the story the guy is telling you about the watch. If it looks and feels real and the story makes sense, don't worry too much about it. Don't buy on Craigslist, though. Go to the Timezone.com sales page: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=threadt&frm_id=32

It is the Pelican Parts of the watch world. If you can't find it there from a guy with a long history of buying and selling watches, then it can't be had.

[Jess]

PHB

What TAG are you looking for?

I've got a few older ones that I haven't worn since I got a Rolex about ten years ago.

I promise mine are real.

Jess

[Porsche_monkey]

WE-1110. I think it is called the 2000 series, black, white, sometimes blue face. (The watch on my wrist, not the piece of crap on the table)

[Jess]

That's an interesting photo of watches and meat!

I don't have one like that but here's a terrible picture of the nicest one I've got:

Jess

[Porsche_monkey]

That was a steak-house in some crappy little town in Mexico. And the steak was excellent.

I'm sorry but I really want exactly the same watch. Thanks anyway.

Waht do you think your watch is worth?

[Jess]

I understand.

I have no idea on value, probably not much as it's quartz. Once you go automatic it's pretty impossible to go back. Kind of like Porsche vs. Honda.

I'm actually glad you don't like it. As soon as I posted it I realized that that particular watch was the first expensive gift my wife gave me. Even though I know I'll never wear it again I should probably have some sentimentality towards it. (I really don't but I should).

Good luck in the search,

Jess

[LeRoux Strydom]

The copies are getting better by the day.

Check out www.ireplicastore.com and be prepared for a surprise. Very difficult to tell the fakes from the real thing.

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by Jess

I realized that that particular watch was the first expensive gift my wife gave me.

Jess

Mine too. That's why I returned it to her and I'm buying my own.

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by LeRoux Strydom

The copies are getting better by the day.

Check out www.ireplicastore.com and be prepared for a surprise. Very difficult to tell the fakes from the real thing.

My concern precisely. Someone buys a fake, finds out it keeps crap time, or gets sick of it, and flips on eBay or Craigslist.

[on2wheels52]

I've had a Tag I ended up with eight years ago I've wondered if it's genuine or not. I'd have been wearing it but it needs a bigger wrist than I have. The thing weighs 155 grams and self-winds. No one who has looked at it has been able to tell one way or the other.
Jim

[Noah930]

Obviously, the fakes have gotten better, as TAG Heuers have gotten more popular. I don't think there weren't even fakes of them 20 years ago when I first noticed them. But things I've noticed (in the past) about the knock-off TAG Heuers:

The bracelet is not as nice. The factory parts are machined to pretty close tolerances. Oftentimes, the fakes use stamped steel pieces. This leads to lower tolerances, and wider gaps between the individual metal links of the bracelet. Gaps between the metal are tighter in the real deal.

TAG Heuer shield should be stamped on the crown (where you adjust the time/date) and on the clasp.

Bezel only rotates one way (counterclockwise).

There should also be a serial number on the back of the case. Don't know if you can ask TAG Heuer if that serial number actually matches that of something in their inventory.

Weight/heft. Often the fakes are considerably lighter, when held side-by-side with a real one.

Don't know if any of this helps you with your $300 (not $20) question, though.

[on2wheels52]

Taken again, no shield on the crown. An Ayrton Senna one to boot.
Jim

[BeyGon]

Like MRM pointed out, Timezone.com is the place to look. Everyone can be fooled, I bought a used 2007 Rolex GMT from a store and still took it to another store to have it checked. I bought one on TZ from a guy in Texas that had some good references. I would buy from him again. There are some good deals on TZ.

[Porsche_monkey]

But I can't find the watch I want there.

[BeyGon]

That list updates every second, or use their search system, if that fails put a WTB listing up, someone has what you want. I have two TAGS, one that I might sell, a Monaco Chrono 10 months old but it isn't what you are looking for.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Jess

I have no idea on value, probably not much as it's quartz. Once you go automatic it's pretty impossible to go back. Kind of like Porsche vs. Honda.

True. Real watches don't use batteries...well...err...except my Omega Marine Chrono...

[Porsche_monkey]

The Tag was a tough watch. I wore it all day every day for years on end. No scratches on the face and it kept perfect time. And I'm not gentle on my watches.

[BeyGon]

I just did a search for Tag Heuer on TZ and there were a lot for sale, I don't know which one you are looking for but it is worth checking.
I have had my Tiger Woods Link for at least three years and love it, but I still got a Rolex GMT II.

[Porsche_monkey]

I posted a Want-to-buy there. Four responses this AM. One or two look promising.

I was looking at spending $250, but I guess I should be more discriminating and move up to $400 to be sure of what I'm getting. After all I'm rolling in cash.

Thanks for your help.