First off, let’s get this straight – these ain’t your grandad’s fakes. We’re not talking about some blurry logo printed on a cheap strap. Some of these “super clones,” as they call ’em, are scarily close to the real deal. I mean, the attention to detail is frankly, kinda impressive in a twisted way.
So how do you avoid getting mugged off? Well, the devil’s in the details, innit?
One HUGE giveaway is the logo. Like, seriously, scrutinize that thing. Real APs? They’re meticulous. The lettering is crisp, even, and perfectly spaced. Fake ones? They often have wonky letters, inconsistent spacing, or even… *shudders* …slightly different fonts. Honestly, sometimes it’s so subtle, you’ll need a magnifying glass, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. And if the color looks off or changes with the light? Big red flag, mate. They skimp on materials big time.
Then there’s the movement. Now, unless you’re a watchmaker, you probably can’t just pop the back off and have a gander. (Don’t do that, by the way. You’ll probably just break it, real or fake.) But listen closely. A genuine AP has a smooth, almost silent tick. A fake? You’ll probably hear it ticking away like a cheap alarm clock. Also, the seconds hand on a real AP should sweep smoothly; a fake often has a jerky, stuttering movement. It is very annoying, trust me.
Don’t forget the weight! APs are made with some serious metal. They feel hefty in your hand. A flimsy, lightweight watch is a massive tell. It’s like picking up a chocolate coin versus a real gold sovereign. You can just *feel* the difference.
And for crying out loud, do your research on the specific model you’re interested in. Know its weight, dimensions, features, and the materials used. If something seems off – even slightly – trust your gut.
Price, obviously, is a major indicator. I mean, if you’re seeing an “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak” for £500, let’s be real, it’s probably as authentic as a unicorn riding a moped. But the fakers are getting smarter. They’re pricing their stuff high enough to *seem* legitimate, but still low enough to tempt you. So don’t just focus on the price tag.
Another thing… I’m just throwing it out there, but sometimes the sellers themselves are a bit dodgy. A brand new account selling multiple “rare” APs? Yeah, I’d be running for the hills.
Honestly, the best advice I can give you is to buy from a reputable dealer. Yeah, you might pay a bit more, but you’re getting peace of mind. And honestly, with this kind of money involved, peace of mind is priceless. And if you are buying online, check the return policy.
Oh, and one last thing – don’t be afraid to ask questions! A legitimate seller will be happy to answer your questions and provide detailed information about the watch. If they get cagey or evasive, walk away.
