In the market of second-hand luxury watches, distinguishing counterfeits from originals is becoming increasingly difficult. The reason for this is that counterfeiters are now perfectly imitating some prestigious models such as Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, just to name a few. That's why you should always look for a certificate of authenticity when buying a second hand watch or right after if you have any doubts.
The importance of the certificate of authenticity
The certificate of authenticity of a watch is the act that attests its originality and authenticity. It provides proof that the brand to which it is associated actually designed it. The manufacturer or a trusted third party (expert or master watchmaker) are the only ones authorized to establish and deliver this authentication report.
Obtaining a certificate of authenticity for a vintage watch guarantees its legitimacy and excludes the spectre of forgery and counterfeiting. As the owner, you can then easily resell it on the second-hand market. The document reassures a potential buyer. With the certainty that the timepiece really comes from its alleged creator, he is more open to negotiation and ready to pay for it in his collection.
Having a luxury watch authenticated allows you to assess its current value when resold and helps you to assert your rights with your insurer in case of theft, loss or damage. The authentication act is the proof that you were really in possession of the watch.
Although the presence of the box, the purchase invoice and other original papers can inspire confidence, they are absolutely no guarantee of the authenticity of the watch, even worse if they do not exist at all. In this case, you should seek a certificate of authenticity.
Steps to authenticate a watch
Simply examining the case or the dial is not always enough to determine the authenticity of a second-hand timepiece supposedly made by a major brand such as Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-Lecoultre, Rolex, Breguet or Audemars Piguet. Before issuing a Rolex certificate of authenticity or a Patek Philippe certificate of authenticity, for example, a very thorough expertise is required to screen all the major components of the watch.
When you entrust a watch to a watchmaker or an expert in order to obtain a certificate of authenticity, he follows a well-defined protocol divided into several steps with checkpoints.
1. General inspection of the watch
An examination of the appearance is carried out to detect possible defects (rust, oxidation, scratches...) and inconsistencies with the announced model. Each component is analyzed in great detail: case, dial, bracelet, hands, buckles, crown, etc. The expert also verifies the materials used, the engravings, the stamps, the characters, the adjustments and the specificities of manufacturing specific to each brand or model. The weight and water-resistance of the watch are also evaluated.
2. Opening and analysis of the inside of the watch
To establish a true certificate of authenticity for a watch, the expertise is always completed by its opening. The general condition of the movement as well as its consistency with the age of the timepiece and the model reference are carefully examined. The watchmaker performs several other secret tests to determine whether or not all the internal parts are original. The case back is also analyzed for authentication.
3. Analysis of the coherence between the different elements of the watch
The serial number is a key control point for authenticating a watch. It tells us where and when the watch was made. With this information, the expert will know if the case is authentic and matches the model. In order for the applicant to obtain a certificate of authenticity, the conformity/consistency of the identification numbers on the case, bracelet, movement and watch papers must be absolute.
4. Conclusion and expert report
At this stage, the expert puts together a file containing all the information (references, photos of the watch, photos of the papers, the expertise report...). He is able to certify whether or not the watch comes from its presumed brand. He will also be able to certify that all the parts are in conformity or not with what they should be. Finally, he establishes the certificate of authenticity or the certificate of counterfeit.
Obtain a certificate of authenticity with Watch Certificate™
You want to have a watch authenticated that you doubt is original. Whether it's a Rolex or a model of another brand, you can have it appraised by our team to obtain a Watch Certificate™.
The Watch Certificate™ materializes in the form of a metal card on which are centralized all the information related to the watch: Serial number, history, general condition of the various components, HD Photos of the case, movement, dial, parts and accessories...
A true digital double of your timepiece, Watch Certificate™ objectively and transparently certifies its authenticity and market rating. It also guarantees the traceability of the watch throughout its life. It is an unfalsifiable digital document that can be consulted indefinitely, since it is recorded in the blockchain.
This certificate of authenticity for watches will be useful in case of resale or transfer of the timepiece. It will also help you to assert your rights in case of loss of the papers or in case of theft of the timepiece itself.
To obtain a certificate of authenticity with Watch Certificate™, simply visit one of our partner watchmakers in store or place the order on our watchcertificate.com website. Following a two-step authentication process: expertise by a watchmaker based on more than 45 control points and certification by an approved independent expert, it will be validated and activated within 72 hours.
