How can you spot a fake Tag Heuer watch?
Tag Heuer is a Swiss manufacturer of sports watches, luxury watches and precision chronographs. Since 1860, Tag Heuer has been creating one luxury collector's watch after another thanks to its unparalleled expertise. Tag Heuer represents avant-gardism, precision and bold style.
To be sure you're buying a genuine Tag Heuer watch, it's best to approach official sellers or authorised Tag Heuer retailers, a list of whom is available on the Swiss manufacturer's website. Alternatively, if you wish to buy a second-hand Tag Heuer watch from a private individual, here are the 6 steps to follow to check whether your second-hand Tag Heuer watch is genuine or not.
1 - Check the dial
You need to make sure that every element of the dial on your luxury watch is correct. On counterfeit Tag Heuer watches, some details are not perfectly positioned. Often the markers below the hours are crooked on fake Tag Heuer watches.
On the left, a fake Tag Heuer watch, on the right a real Tag Heuer watch.
Also, be sure to check that the sub-dials on your watch are working. If they don't, it's definitely a Tag Heuer counterfeit.
2 - Examine the counter
The guichet in a watch refers to the small window that shows the current date (with numbers from 1 to 31). On a real Tag Heuer watch we should be able to read the date without difficulty, unlike replica Tag Heuer watches on which the day's date in this window is illegible. Also, on fake Tag Heuer watches, the numbers and letters in this window are often thicker than the space dedicated to them and are poorly centred.
On the left, a replica Tag Heuer, on the right an authentic Tag Heuer
3 - Test LumiNova technology
Authentic luxury watches from Swiss manufacturer Tag Heuer feature innovative technologies. In particular, they use LumiNova technology to improve the readability of your watch when you are in the dark. In effect, the watch absorbs light and diffuses it in the dark so that it is sharp and bright. If your watch doesn't glow in the dark, it's a fake Tag Heuer. Also analyse the colour of the effect if, on the contrary, your watch does glow in the dark. Counterfeits don't always use the right colour.
On the left, a real Tag Heuer watch, on the right a fake Tag Heuer watch.
4 - Inspect the case back of your watch
The case backs of authentic Tag Heuer watches are not uniform. They differ depending on the model. However, there is a list of elements that must always be present: the model number of the watch, its unique serial number and its water-resistance. All these elements should be accompanied by the engraved and perfectly legible TAG HEUER. If any of these elements are missing, you are in possession of a fake Tag Heuer.
In order to check that your serial number or model number is correct, you can call your local Tag Heuer retailer to ask for verification.
5 - The Tag Heuer logo
On a luxury watch of this standing, everything is perfectly executed; the slightest flaw indicates that it is a counterfeit. On your dial, the TAG HEUER logo should be engraved into the watch, not glued on. If it is stuck on, it is undoubtedly a replica Tag Heuer watch. Also, check that the logo is perfectly reproduced and aligned.
On the left, a fake Tag Heuer logo, on the right a real Tag Heuer logo.
6 - Buy your second-hand Tag Heuer watch with Obvy
Opting for the second-hand market is a very good option until you come across counterfeit goods. To avoid counterfeit scams between private individuals, shop with Obvy.
Obvy is the reference payment method for all your transactions of goods and services between private individuals. Thanks to Obvy and its innovative features, you can avoid all kinds of scams between private individuals.
Obvy is also the first payment method to make it possible to pay in instalments for transactions between private individuals. A simple and economical way to buy second-hand luxury watches.
Finally, for collectors' watch enthusiasts, we've written an article that will help you spot Hublot counterfeits and check the authenticity of Rolex watches.