As a premier luxury watchmaker, Patek Philippe is celebrated by everyone from watch novices to the most astute of watch enthusiasts. With over 180 years of masterful watchmaking experience, Patek Philippe has been constantly raising the bar of luxury watchmaking standards.
Due to their extremely limited production, coupled with the high demand and high value of their watches, there are unfortunately many fake Patek Philippe watches on that market that can deceive the average buyer.
Keep reading as our luxury watch experts outline everything you need to know to spot a fake Patek Philippe from a real one.
How To Spot A Fake Patek Philippe Watch?
While each collection has their own signature features, below are general characteristics that will help you distinguish and spot a fake Patek Philippe watch over a real one across all collections.
Dial
- It is not an exaggeration to say that everything printed on a genuine Patek Philippe dial should be perfect, even under extreme magnification. Patek Philippe watches are renowned for their absolute perfection in all aspects of the watch, making it easier to spot a fake Patek Phillippe.
- Authentic Patek Philippe watches will be have crisp and evenly spaced printing, free from misspellings.
- Apart from skeletonized models, real Patek Philippe watches do not have a visible tourbillon or balance wheels on the dial.
- All modern Patek Philippe watches use sapphire crystals.
- Models with luminescent coating, such as the Aquanaut and Nautilus, should have even luminescent consistency when viewed in the dark.
Case
- Authentic Patek Philippe watches have a solid weight to them while fakes feel lighter as they are often made with lesser quality materials.
- Genuine Patek Philippe cases are made with stainless steel, platinum or 18k gold.
- With the exception of select limited-edition watches, Patek Philippe case backs do not have engravings or decorations.
- Patek Philippe watches with solid case backs have their serial and model numbers printed inside the case, while watches with exhibition backs have their serial and model numbers printed around the interior edges.
- Newer Patek Philippe watches have 'PPC' printed on the lugs as well as the case’s respective metal such as Au750 for 18k gold and Pt950 for platinum.
Bracelet
- Genuine Patek Philippe bracelets come in 18k gold and platinum while straps are available in leather, stain or a special composite material (exclusively for the Aquanaut).
- Bracelets are printed with a model number specific to their watch’s series.
- Authentic Patek Philippe straps have the Calatrava Cross and Patek Philippe logo printed on the inside.
- Buckles are printed with the Patek Philippe logo and their respective metals.
- All deployment clasps feature the Calatrava Cross.
Movement
- All movements have superb hand-finishing with crisp engravings.
- Depending on the watch’s age, the movement will be adorned with the Geneva Seal or Patek Philippe Seal. As of 2009, Patek Philippe announced that their watches would exclusively feature their own branded seal.
Serial Numbers & Documentation
Patek Philippe serial numbers and model numbers are found with official paperwork and permanently printed inside the watch. There are no numbers printed or stamped on the outside of Patek Philppe watches. While serial numbers are unique to every individual watch the model number defines the look and the design of the watch.
Model numbers are typically four digits followed by a letter. The letters indicate the material of the case:
- 'A' stands for Acier which is stainless steel
- 'J' stands for Jaune which is yellow gold
- 'R' for rose gold. 'G' is for Gris which is French for grey and denotes white gold
- 'P' is for platinum
These are the base materials used by Patek and if you see a brand watch constructed of any materials that are inferior to these it is a sign that something is not the real deal.
All supporting documentation that comes with a Patek Philippe watch is invaluable. Numbers and descriptions should match the watch and dates should correspond with the age of the watch.
In A Nutshell
1. Look for perfection in every small detail.
2. Check the serial numbers and the Patek Philippe Seal.
3. Documentation.
Where To Buy An Authentic Patek Philippe Watch?
When it comes to purchasing a luxury watch, you want to make sure you are buying the real deal. At myGemma, each and every watch on our website has been expertly authenticated by a veteran in the industry.
With a wide range of watch brands, from IWC to Rolex to Patek Philippe, there is a watch for everyone. Whether you are on the lookout for a neo-vintage style, an entry-level design, or a rare watch you might not be able to source anywhere else, make myGemma your go-to for luxury watches.
How To Sell A Patek Philippe Watch Online?
myGemma offers the full resale journey, from buying to selling. If you are looking to sell your Patek Philippe watch, myGemma is here to assist.
The entire selling process is easy and quick. The timeframe for price quote to payment can be as little as 24 hours. All you need to do is fill out the online form to get started and a member of our team will be in touch.
