How to verify a watch is authentic before you buy
Counterfeits have gotten good enough that "it looks right" isn't good enough. Here's what an independent check actually involves.
Start with the paper trail
A genuine watch's serial number should appear consistently across the movement, the case, and — if present — the warranty card and box. Mismatched or missing serials aren't automatically a red flag on an older piece with lost papers, but they mean you verify harder before you pay, not that you walk away from every unpapered watch on principle.
Weight, sound and finish give away more than logos do
Fakes get the printing close but rarely get the engineering right: the sweep of the seconds hand, the weight of a solid-link bracelet, the sharpness of bevel finishing on the case, and the evenness of lume application are all far harder to fake convincingly than a logo. Compare against known-genuine reference photos from the manufacturer, not just marketplace listings.
Get an independent opinion for anything material
For anything above pocket-change money, a pre-purchase inspection by someone with no stake in the sale is worth the fee every time. Be wary of any seller who won't allow an inspection period or independent authentication, and of any deal that pressures you to decide immediately.