10 reasons not to buy a counterfeit watch

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.

  1. Fake Watches Can Fund Organized Crime and Terrorism

    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.


  2. Counterfeit Watches Do Not Come with Warranty or Protection

    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.


  3. Fake Watches Can Be Hazardous

    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.


  4. Counterfeiters Exploit Child Labor

    Fake watches are often produced in third-world sweatshops where child labor is exploited, contributing to human rights violations.


  5. Fake Products Hurt the Job Market

    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.


  6. Consumers May Not Know They’re Buying a Fake Watch

    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.


  7. Fake Watches Can Be Dangerous to the Wearer

    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.


  8. Intellectual Property Theft Is a Serious Crime

    Counterfeiting not only breaks the law but also damages luxury watchmakers’ investments in trademarks, research and development, marketing, and employment.


  9. Fake Watches Harm Retailers

    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.


  10. Counterfeiting Damages the Economy

    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.

Spotting a fake Rolex can be tricky, especially with the rise of "superfakes." Look for inconsistencies in weight, craftsmanship, engraving quality, and movement. If you're unsure, always have the watch authenticated by an expert.

Buying a fake watch carries several risks, including unknowingly supporting criminal organizations, lacking warranty or protection, and being exposed to hazardous materials. Counterfeit watches are also often unreliable and can fail unexpectedly.

Yes, BQ Watches only sells authentic, thoroughly examined, and certified luxury watches. Every piece is authenticated by our expert team and typically comes with original papers and a box.

Counterfeit watches are often made with substandard materials and lack the precision of real luxury watches. They can fail in situations where accurate timekeeping is critical, such as diving or taking medications on time.

Counterfeit goods, including watches, contribute to a global trade estimated to be worth $1 trillion. This affects the economy, damages brands, and leads to job losses in the legitimate retail market.