First things first, where did you even *get* this thing? If you stumbled upon it at a suspiciously cheap price on some website you’ve never heard of… red flags should be waving like crazy. Stick to authorized dealers, folks! They usually have a brick-and-mortar location too, which gives you that extra bit of assurance. I always kinda feel better knowing I can actually *go* to a place if something goes wrong.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Check out the back of the watch. A genuine Citizen will have a unique serial number engraved right there. If it’s missing, or looks kinda…off, like it was etched in with a butter knife (okay, maybe not *that* bad, but you get the idea), then yeah, Houston, we have a problem. No serial number? Big, HUGE indicator it’s a fakey-fake.
And listen, I’ve seen some pretty convincing fakes out there. One thing that always bugs me is when they try to pass off these “mint new-old-stock” divers on auction sites. Usually a blue or black dial, and… I swear, they sometimes look like they’re trying to rip off Rolex designs! Don’t fall for that jazz.
Speaking of the dial, take a *real* close look. Does the Citizen logo look crisp and clean, or kinda fuzzy and poorly printed? Are the hands smoothly moving, or do they tick like a cheap novelty clock? The details matter! A real Citizen is gonna have quality finishing, no question.
Also… price. I’m not gonna lie, if you find a “Citizen” watch for like, ten bucks, it’s probably as real as a unicorn riding a skateboard. Just sayin’. Price can be a big giveaway. And definitely, *definitely* vet any third-party website you’re buying from. Trustpilot is your friend here. Read those reviews! Don’t just blindly click “add to cart.”
Honestly, sometimes it’s a gut feeling. If something just feels “off” about the watch, trust your instincts. And always demand clear photos of the front and back before you buy ANYTHING online. I mean, come on, how else are you supposed to inspect the darn thing?
