Synonymous with contemporary elegance and style, Gucci watches are world-revered by all who appreciate a quality designer timepiece.
With their ability to elevate any look, Gucci watches are highly sought after by stylish men and women alike. However, with the quality of Gucci’s craftsmanship comes a price tag that some may find unaffordable.
There’s no denying that a Gucci watch can be viewed as a valuable watch. Determined to locate a ‘bargain’, some people will scour all manner of sources to get their hands on a Gucci watch for a price they consider affordable.
This is understandable; after all, we all love a good deal. Unfortunately, though, with Gucci being one of the most replicated watch brands in the world, the online and offline markets are awash with counterfeit fakes that are advertised as the real deal.
While you might think you’re getting a great deal, if it seems too good to be true, it nearly always is. Fake Gucci watches are poor quality replicas with very little worth; not to mention, illegal.
So, how can you spot a fake Gucci watch when they are made to look so similar to the real pieces we all adore?
We’ll outline all of the top things to check for below.
Spotting a fake Gucci watch
Replica watches can be very convincing nowadays, but you can usually spot them if you look hard enough.
Check the back of the watch case
This is the first and most obvious check you can do. Turn the watch over and take a look at the back of the casing. Here you will often find a Gucci logo, and you should also find the watch’s model number.
If there’s nothing on the back of the case but a logo or a logo and the word ‘Gucci’, you’ve got a replica on your hands.
Often the logo is larger on the back of counterfeit versions, too — probably to fill the space where the other information would usually be located.
Please be aware that not all authentic Gucci watches feature a logo on the back of the case though; the Gucci 3900 series watches, for example.
Check the quality of the watch face
If you are looking at the watch in person or online, take some time to examine the dial.
A real Gucci watch features a precise and perfectly spaced out watch face that has had to pass through many checks, so any imperfections mean you are looking at a fake.
Pay attention to the numbers, if there are any — are they uniform? A replica’s numbers might vary in size and be spaced incorrectly.
Check for the words’ Swiss-made’
Below the 6 o’clock position on the dial, a genuine Gucci watch will always feature the words ‘Swiss-made’. If these words are missing from the watch face, you’re not looking at a real Gucci timepiece.
Examine the watch hands
Take a look at both of the hands and observe the way they move. Gucci watches contain a Swiss quartz movement, which results in a smooth, gliding motion as the hands travel around the dial.
Replica Gucci watches will often have hands that tick or falter instead due to a cheaper movement.
Feel the weight of the watch
Hold the watch in your hand, if possible, and feel its weight. Real Gucci watches are made from quality materials such as gold and stainless steel; all of which are reassuringly weighty.
Replicas will be made of cheaper and therefore lighter materials. For such a simple check, this is often the one that helps people to spot a fake, so take your time when handling the watch.
Check the serial number
Every authentic Gucci watch is sold with a certificate of authenticity. The certificate features a serial number, which you can check with Gucci if you are having any doubts. This certificate comes as standard and you should never buy a brand new or second-hand Gucci wristwatch without one.
Examine the photographs
If you’re buying online, take a very close look at the supplied photos. A big warning sign to look out for here is low-resolution imagery where the details of the watch can’t be seen.
Another cause for concern when buying online is stock imagery; they may be showing you a photo of a real Gucci watch while selling you a fake.
If the photos bring any doubt to mind, get in touch with the seller and ask them for further images of the timepiece. If you’re still not convinced, it’s probably a fake.
Take the price into consideration
How cheap is the watch you’re looking at compared to the RRP? If it’s, for example, 50 per cent less than the standard asking price, then it’s a fake!
How to buy an authentic Gucci watch
For peace of mind that you are purchasing the real deal, you should buy your luxury watch from an authorised dealer like Robert Gatward Jewellers.
You can browse our range of authentic Gucci watches online or discover the collection in-store at both our Windsor and Ipswich Fine branches.
All of our Gucci watches are available to buy on 0% interest finance. This means that you can purchase a Gucci watch from us now and pay for it over 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 or 48 months — without paying a penny over the price you see today.
With any real Gucci watch being affordable through our finance deal, there’s no need to worry about the fakes.