[javadog]

Since there are quite a few ways to counterfeit a watch, from cheap, nasty knockoffs to incorrect movements assembled into correct cases, I'll offer a suggestion that will give you a little peace of mind.

Don't try and save too much on the purchase price.

In general, a watch will cost a dealer about 65% of the retail price, or so. Some margins will be a little higher, others a little lower. There are dealers out there that will sell a watch for a few hundred bucks above their cost (we're talking about watches under $5k here). Most of them will advertise on the internet and in the larger watch publications. In some cases, you will not get the original papers at this price, for a variety of reasons. I'd suggest buying from one of these dealers. You won't get the absolute lowest price, but you can be assured of getting a real watch. Note that I am talking about dealers that are based in the US and have actual, physical stores that you can walk in and touch. I am not talking about internet-only stores, or those based in the Far East. If you buy from a dealer that is in another state, you can usually aslo save the amount of sales tax.

I'd also suggest that you buy new, as opposed to pre-owned. Used watches are a risk, no matter what the seller says. They may need a service, which may be hard to determine unless you have real knowledge of movements and a fair bit of sophisticated test gear. The fact that a watch keeps good time is not enough to determine the condition of a movement. Likewise, a watch that has been serviced by a dealer's staff, or an independent service facility, may not be properly done. I have had poor experiences with some of the biggest names in independent servicing operations in this country. I now will only send a watch to a manufacturer for service.

Every once in a great while, a dealer will sell off some watches at a really attractive price, when dropping a line of watches from their store. I have been able to buy a Patek Phillipe, a Vacheron & Constantin, a Concord and others for 30 to 40 cents on the dollar, in this fashion. You have to keep your eyes open and be in the right place and time to take advantage of deals like these.

Happy shopping,
JR