How to avoid watch cheat?

[Broker]

Dear Seniors

Believe many forumers here traded or purchased their watches using the few available platforms online. Can somebody share/update the "patterns" cheaters adopted in a transaction so that we can avoid or the least take cautions.

Brgds

[satch]

Face to face meet up, cash on delivery, research & research, verify if unsure. Lastly walk away if things dun look right.

[triton]

watch cheat sounds serious. can you define what you mean by watch cheat?

if a deal is too good to be true, it usually is.

if a watch is selling like 5k by most sellers and there is one similar piece selling for like 4k and below, alarm bells should ring

if price is not a tell tale sign, watch pictures can be used as well. however, this is only for external.

for internal, verification is the key. that is why i say go authenticate the watch in concern @ respective service centre when possible. if not 3rd party watch technicians that buyer trust.

Dear Seniors

Believe many forumers here traded or purchased their watches using the few available platforms online. Can somebody share/update the "patterns" cheaters adopted in a transaction so that we can avoid or the least take cautions.

Brgds

[Ringo]

Always do your research, Bring someone who have knowledge about watches. Trust your instinct.

[RandomCollector]

Totally agree with Ringo

[oasis]

Don't buy pre-owned lo

[breitling77]

Perhaps don't buy is the best solution as I did see some extremely good fake models, almost as real. If deal is too good to resist, then verification is a must.

[taxico]

modern rolex movements (31xx) have their time adjusted forwards by moving the crown clockwise.

most common ETA/clone movements (used in fakes) do not have this ability - time goes forward by moving the crown anti-clockwise.

additionally, gmt2/exp2 have the ability to hack in single hour jumps. no way a non-rolex movement with this ability can be stuffed in a fake oyster case

most rolex watches in singapore are usually in good condition - this also means the date snaps over very very smartly around midnight. again, ETAs do not have this ability as they have to creep a little bit before snapping over.

many other tells (by sight and sound) exist, but i second what triton recommends. if you don't know what you're supposed to be looking for, go have it opened up and looked at by a watchmaker - it doesn't have to be at RSC.

[Matty]

Perhaps don't buy is the best solution as I did see some extremely good fake models, almost as real. If deal is too good to resist, then verification is a must.

Agree wif taxico, breitling77 & triton here. If u dun feel comfortable/rite wif seller, best is dun buy or if u muz really buy, then get from AD which is more ex. Alternatively, buy from paid advertisers/forumers here in SG-ROC & get the watch verified on the spot@RSC?

[dronell]

1. Face-to-Face
2. If not Face-to-Face, at least the seller have some some ratings / online credibility e.g. feedback post, etc
3. If not face-to-face, try to google seller ID / email / contact number / etc... e.g. "dronell@gmail.com scam"
4. Don't rush, u hv ur own time... it's a lot of money, just take it easy
5. Research: to avoid fake, u can research on google! lots of fake watches out there, and yes it's very good quality one... try to spend time to read FAKE / Replica Forum to get a better understanding (also a lot of replica forum).
6. Hommage / Replica / Franken are different terminology... just google more to get a better understanding
7. Try go get a full set watch, easier to sell also
8. Try to go for authentication if you are not sure, even if ur sure also better to go for authentication
9. Oh... better if u transfer money via online banking at least u got proof mah.. rather than giving away cash... because private buyer / seller they don't issue receipt
10. Follow your heart, and take your own time when ur checking out the watch! don't rush!

That's all from me.... there are 1001 ways to cheat... and remember the cheater always smarter than you
so u hv to get prepared! always have risk

[alvinlim87]

Avoid Preowned

[ivanwzm]

or carry around a watch loupe with 15x magnification. And a back case opener to check the movements

[Adam]

Any sale without it's original certification to match the watch doubles your risk. So spend some coins to have it verified before parting with your cash...just my 2 cents worth

[lhjake]

yeah ... verification is a must for me as small cost to bear if I will to buy preowned or even new from secondary market as good fake at times can even fool the seasoned watch collector...

[skydweller_sg]

one way to reduce risk is to buy from sellers who are active members in established watch forums such as sgroc
lookout for feedback score, join date and no of posts

for added assurance, buyer can bring watch to verify at service centers or reliable third party watch shops but that comes at a price and the risk of scratches on the watch during disassemble/assemble, which is not uncommon even with service centers