There has been a sharp rise in the amount of "superfakes" in the luxury watch market in the last few years. Gone are the days where you could spot a fake watch with ease, as these typically Chinese-produced "superfakes" can fool even the brands themselves after several viewings, with only minute details being the difference. These very convincing counterfeits are proving to be a problem for the vast majority of Swiss luxury watchmakers too, including Rolex and Breitling, and this is because they can command prices close to the real RRP because of their extremely authentic appearance.
Although these counterfeit watches are hard to detect, it can also be tempting to knowingly purchase a fake to perhaps complete a collection or own a limited-edition timepiece that has always managed to evade you. However, in this blog, we will be listing 10 reasons as to why you should NEVER purchase a counterfeit watch, and why you should do your utmost to make sure that the watch that you purchase is authentic.
You will never purchase a counterfeit second-hand watch from BQ Watches, as the watches that we sell are thoroughly examined and authenticated by our experienced team of watch experts, and usually come with the original papers and box.
According to U.S. Customs statistics, counterfeit product sales funnel billions of dollars into organized crime groups. Evidence increasingly suggests that terrorist organizations, both in the Middle East and worldwide, rely on counterfeit sales to fund illicit activities.
If you’re unfortunate enough to purchase a fake watch, you won’t be able to have it serviced through an authorized watch repairer, drastically reducing its lifespan and functionality.
Respected manufacturers such as Rolex, Breitling, and Cartier adhere to strict laws governing materials used in luxury timepieces. These laws regulate toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Counterfeit producers do not follow such regulations, meaning your fake watch could contain harmful materials.
Fake watches are often produced in third-world sweatshops where child labor is exploited, contributing to human rights violations.
According to the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), U.S. businesses lose $200 to $250 billion annually due to counterfeit goods, leading to the loss of more than 750,000 jobs in the United States.
As mentioned earlier, today’s counterfeit watches are so convincing that some consumers pay thousands of pounds believing they are buying the real thing. Unfortunately, they may only realize it’s a fake when the watch needs servicing.
Some consumers, such as scuba divers or mountaineers, rely on precise timekeeping for safety reasons. Likewise, individuals with medical conditions may depend on accurate watches for medication schedules. Counterfeit watches are unreliable and could put their wearers in dangerous situations.
Counterfeiting not only breaks the law but also damages luxury watchmakers’ investments in trademarks, research and development, marketing, and employment.
Fake watches are often purchased online from foreign websites, contributing to local retailers’ financial struggles. As a result, many stores have had to lay off staff or, in some cases, close down entirely.
The IACC reports that the global trade in counterfeit goods has risen from $5.5 billion in 1982 to an estimated $1 trillion today. This money often flows to foreign entities, rather than being retained in the national economy, leading to a broader economic impact.
In conclusion, while the allure of counterfeit watches may seem tempting due to their lower price and convincing appearance, the risks far outweigh the rewards. Purchasing a fake watch not only supports illegal activities, exploitation, and intellectual property theft, but it can also put your health, safety, and financial investment at risk. By choosing to invest in authentic luxury timepieces, you are not only ensuring quality and craftsmanship but also supporting the economy, protecting jobs, and upholding ethical practices. At BQ Watches, we are committed to providing you with only the finest, genuine timepieces, backed by expert authentication and service. Choose authenticity - choose integrity - choose BQ Watches.
