Bonjour lecteurs! Over sixty years before brands like Rolex were established, Patek Philippe was revolutionising the world with its time-forward watches. In 1845, the brand patented its technological feats and since then, the brand has been synonyme with innovation, craftsmanship, and precision. The brand is one of the world’s premier luxury watchmakers. So bien sûr, it attracts a lot of counterfeits and fakes. So how to make sure you get the real deal? En collaboration with The Luxury Hut, here is what to look for authenticating Patek Philippe watches.
Study the Reference
Patek Philippe is renowned for using premium materials, such as 18ct gold or platinum, with some stainless steel models. Only certain collections use steel.
Letters indicate what material is used for each watch. Here’s a quick sheet:
- A – Stainless steel
- J – Yellow Gold
- G – White gold
- R – Rose gold
- P – Platinum
- AJ – Steel/Yellow Gold combination
- AR – Steel/Rose Gold combination
Check the metal quality
Every Patek Philippe watch is crafted using the highest quality material: gold, platinum or steel. So you should not find any deformities or chipped metals on a Patek watch.
Par exemple, check the case for a hallmark, as it shows the metal’s purity. 750 is marked on gold watches and 950 stands for 95% pure platinum. These numbers are badges of qualité.
Also, don’t forget to check the St. Bernard dog’s head on the watch. This tiny yet mighty symbol serves as a hallmark of Swiss authenticity, located right on the case back alongside others. Many brands like Rolex use it too.
Check the serial number
While most brands engrave the serial number on the outer side of the case back, Patek Philippe doesn’t. Therefore, if you notice an engraved serial number on that place, it’s likely to be a fake.
Patek Philippe engraves the serial number inside the case back when the case is solid. For watches with transparent case backs, the serial number and model number are engraved around the interior edges.
Examine The Dial
Look closely at the dial to distinguish between a real and fake Patek Philippe. All genuine watches feature the brand’s unique font and maintain a specific size. Plus, there shouldn’t be any display tourbillons and balance wheels on the dial unless it’s a skeletonised model.
Also look if there is a single small diamond set between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. This is present on a platinum Patek Philippe watch. If the diamond looks oversized or the diamond is missing on a platinum Patek model, you’ve found yourself a duplicate.
Weight and Feel
Authentic Patek Philippe watches have a solid weight to them. It’s because the brand uses only top-quality materials, such as steel, gold, and platinum.
So the watch should be of substantial weight, whereas fake ones are made with cheaper-quality materials and feel lighter.
When handling a Patek Philippe, you should sense quality and robustness. The watch should feel well-balanced and comfortable on the wrist.
The Crown and Screws
On a genuine Patek Philippe watch, the crown is perfectly etched with details that require a magnifying glass to see. If it appears blemished, blurry or has missing detail, it’s likely a fake. Similarly, if you see a blue screw, it’s fake.
Forgers often use a bluing effect to make watches appear top quality, but it’s an easy détail to spot.
The Bracelet
Genuine Patek Philippe watches come on gold and platinum bracelets. As for straps, they are made of either leather, stain, or a special composite material.
The bracelets are printed with a model number specific to the watch’s series. Also look for a Calatrava Cross and Patek logo printed on the inside to authenticate it.
You should also see a Patek logo on the buckle. Counterfeit Patek Philippe watches often miss it.
Price
Due to their superior craftsmanship and status, real Patek Philippe timepieces command premium prices.
Even second-hand Patek Philippe should remain quite pricey. If you find a Patek Philippe watch at a price that is too good to be true, it probably is.
Packaging
Finalement, Authentic Patek Philippe should have comprehensive documentation: manuals, certificates, warranty cards, tags, booklets or any model-specific document.
The packaging should be luxurious. The watch should be in an elegant wooden boxes adorned with the brand’s iconic logo. You should also have a compartment for all its documentation.
Fake ones come in cheaper materials with less attention to detail.
Et voilà! Here are all the best tips to spot a genuine Patek Philippe watch. Whether you’re a collector, buyer or looking to sell my Patek Philippe watch, this should help you to make the best decision regarding your purchase. Such a watch would make a brilliant present for Father’s Day, so make sure you get the real deal. Grumpy Boyfriend has a Rotary watch, but I would love to treat him one day maybe?
The best way to guarantee you get a genuine Patek Philippe is to buy from a reputable seller and not a platform like Vinted par exemple. Or like me.
Collaboration
