How to Check the Authentication of a Luxury Watch: A Comprehensive Guide by Zimson

Check for a branded, sturdy box, warranty card, and certificate of authenticity. 

Review the dealer’s name, stamp, purchase date, and matching serial numbers. 

Look for brand-specific features (holograms, barcodes) on paperwork; many luxury brands add these security elements. 

Poorly printed cards, generic documents, spelling errors, or unmatched serial numbers often indicate a fake. 

Locate the engraved serial and model numbers, usually on the case back, between the lugs, or inside the bracelet. 

Ensure engravings are deep, crisp, and perfectly aligned. 

Cross-check numbers with the official brand database or through Zimson’s experts. 

Lack of serial numbers, shallow or uneven engravings, or discrepancies between paperwork and watch markings. 

Hold the watch to check its weight. Genuine watches feel solid due to premium materials like stainless steel, gold, titanium, or ceramic. 

Examine the finish: authentic watches exhibit flawless polishing, smooth edges, tight, well-assembled bracelet links, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. 

Inspect the strap: true leather (often alligator, calfskin, or quality rubber) while fakes usually use synthetic, cheap-feeling materials. 

Watch feels light, rattles, shows uneven polish, or the crystal feels plasticky or too thin. 

Check the dial for sharp, consistent fonts, perfectly centered and aligned logos, and clean printing. 

Compare sub-dials and hands with photos of the exact model; chronograph sub-dials on fakes may not function or align correctly. 

Examine luminous elements and markers: they should glow evenly in the dark for most luxury brands. 

Blurry, uneven, or off-center text, misaligned hands, nonfunctioning chronographs, or logos differing from official brand details. 

If possible, view the movement through a transparent case back. Luxury watches often showcase intricate, beautifully finished calibers, visible jewels, and branded engravings. 

Use a loupe or magnifying glass to check for messy or inaccurate engravings. 

Watch the second hand: authentic mechanical watches usually have a fluid “sweep,” not the ticking motion common in quartz or fake movements. 

Ticking second hand (for brands known for sweeping), plain or unfinished movements, noisy operation, or visible dust inside the movement window. 

Wind the crown: authentic crowns rotate smoothly without play or resistance. 

Hold the watch to your ear: a true mechanical luxury watch operates quietly or with a very refined ticking; loud, rough, or cheap-sounding ticks indicate a forgery. 

For example, for Breitling, examine the "winged anchor" or stylized 'B' logo on the dial. Authentic Breitling watches have impeccably sharp, three-dimensional logos, often with finely detailed wings and a precise anchor. The logo should never look stamped, blurred, or poorly aligned. The "B" has a unique curve that interacts with light. On fakes, it usually appears flat or poorly printed.  

Look for unique design elements such as model-and-serial numbers deeply engraved on the case back or lugs. Each Breitling has distinct references that can be cross-checked with the official database or an expert. Many modern Breitling watches also come with a digital passport secured by blockchain, access to which can confirm authenticity and watch history. 

For some models, including the Navitimer and Chronomat, examine elements like the “rider tabs” on the bezel or the iconic “Rouleaux” bracelet; these should have flawless finishing, substantial weight, and solid feel. 

If in doubt, bring your watch to Zimson or an authorised service center. 

Experts can open the case to inspect the movement, cross-reference numbers, and confirm all interior and exterior elements match the brand’s records. 

Zimson guarantees every watch sold (in-store or online) is 100% authentic, comes with an active brand warranty, and includes full documentation. 

As an authorised dealer for over 70 years, Zimson’s in-house experts deliver advanced diagnostics, authentication, and aftersales support, making them the safe choice for both buyers and owners. 

Buy from trusted retailers like Zimson to avoid counterfeits. 

Never rely solely on outward appearance: high-quality fakes often look convincing. 

Keep all original packaging and paperwork to help with future resale or service.