How to Spot a Patek Phillipe Replica and Are They Worth It?

If you are a fan of Patek Phillipe timepieces and want to own one of their genuine watches, then you need to know the signs to look for that determine whether it is real or a replica. Alternatively, if you do not have the money to buy a real Patek Phillipe watch, then you might consider purchasing a replica and wonder whether this purchase is worth it or if the product you are buying is significantly inferior. Here are some of the differences between a genuine and a replica Patek Phillipe watch.

The first thing to look out for is the proportions. Patek Phillipe watches have very specific proportions depending on the case size, the movement, and the complications. This is something that many fake watch manufacturers do not take into account. As a result, they have negative space on the dial and they usually fill this with exaggerated print.

Patek Phillipe also has a repertoire of signature features depending on the collection and the specific model. One example of this is the platinum watches made by this watchmaker as these all feature a single diamond that is located between the lugs at 6 o’clock. With the exception of skeleton watches, this brand never exposes the even balance wheels or the Tourbillon complication. Similarly, they do not use eponymous case backs, except in some limited-edition models.

Another thing to watch out for is the screws. Many Swiss watchmakers use a technique that involves applying a thermal treatment to the screws as this will protect these parts. This is something that Patek Phillipe does not do with the screws in their watches. However, it is a technique that is often used in counterfeits as a way of trying to make their watches look more luxurious.

Precision and quality are key to achieving the highest standard of finish on Patek Phillipe timepieces, so there are things that you should look for when determining if a watch is the real thing. The dial for each watch takes up to six months to complete and there are as many as 200 different operations involved in this process. Between each stage, the dial is thoroughly cleaned in an ultrasound bath. The result is a certain crispness to the features of the dial and a high-quality finish.

If you are buying a modern day Patek Phillipe watch, then you should expect to see sapphire crystals. This is something that is included in the designs of all their modern collections. A further indicator of a genuine watch is if the bezels and the dials are not stamped. Patek Phillipe creates the texture of these components by hand with a technique called guilloche. It is one of the requirements of the Geneva Seal which is a mark of excellence.

A tell-tale sign of a fake is if the serial number is visible on the case back as this is something that Patek Phillipe do not do. Instead, the serial number is added inside the watch on the interior part of the case back. In most cases, a Patek Phillipe watch will have the Geneva Seal or their own logo stamped on the case back. However, this depends on the age of the timepiece. When looking for a genuine Patek Phillipe watch, you should closely look for these signs to see if you are buying the real thing or if it is a counterfeit.

A final point is to consider the price. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is and you should consider whether you are willing to take the risk of it being a fake. Prices for watches by this watchmaker vary greatly. However, they cater to the higher end of the market and the cost of purchasing one of their timepieces will put a significant dent in your pocket. While a counterfeit will usually cost you significantly less, the quality of the product will be inferior and you could, therefore, be wasting your money on a watch that is not worth what you will pay.

These are just some of the signs you should look for when determining if a timepiece is a genuine Patek Phillipe watch or a fake. It makes sense to do your homework on the individual model before making the purchase.