First off, Zodiac. Back in the day, like the 60s and 70s (think your grandpa’s watch), they were actually pretty decent. Especially that Sea Wolf. 1953? First dive watch? That’s some serious street cred. But, like, anything cool gets copied, right?
Now, finding a *genuine* vintage Zodiac from that era is one thing. Finding a *fake* vintage Zodiac? That’s a whole other ballgame. Honestly, I haven’t personally seen a ton of super convincing fakes from that period, probably because the demand wasn’t what it is now, or the technology to fake it wasn’t there yet… I mean, back then they had to use like, actual skills instead of a 3D printer, ya know?
However, *modern* Zodiacs? Fakes are definitely a thing. You see ’em popping up online, especially if you’re looking at places with prices that seem too good to be true. That’s like, your first red flag, man.
Now, how do you spot ’em? Well, it’s tricky, and honestly, I’m not a watch guru who knows everything. But here’s some stuff I’d look for:
* The Price: Seriously, if it’s half the retail price (or less!), it’s probably a fake. Nobody’s gonna sell you a legit Zodiac for pennies on the dollar…unless they like, REALLY need rent money or something…but still. Suspicious!
* Movement: This is the big one. The original Zodiacs, like the one with the A. Schild 1688 movement, they had a certain feel, a certain tick. If the movement looks cheap, feels cheap, or just doesn’t *sound* right (YouTube videos are your friend here!), then you might have a problem. The 72B, with that quickset date, is really specific, so you can check for that.
* Details, Details, Details: Look closely at the dial. Is the printing crisp? Is the lume (the glow-in-the-dark stuff) even? Are the hands aligned correctly? Cheap fakes often skimp on these small details. Like, if the “Zodiac” logo looks wonky, RUN!
* The Vibe: I know, this sounds kinda woo-woo, but hold on. A real Zodiac has a certain…presence. It feels well-made, solid, and…right. A fake often feels flimsy, cheap, and just…off. This takes some experience, but trust your gut!
Frankly, it’s a tough job to find the legit ones, and I wouldn’t even know where to look. It looks like Farer is more popular, as I haven’t seen a single Zodiac watch shop!
Honestly, my opinion? If you’re worried about getting a fake, buy from a reputable dealer. Pay a little extra for peace of mind. And if you’re buying vintage? Do your research! Ask for detailed photos, and if possible, have a watchmaker take a look at it before you drop any serious cash.
