5 tips for recognising a fake Apple Watch

Believe it or not, smartwatches are almost as widely replicated as classic wristwatches. And this particularly applies to the Apple Watch. Fake Apple Watches are made by many different manufacturers whose aim is to create a convincing copy that looks like the original for as little money as possible. In most cases, Apple Watch clones are usually produced before an official release based on rumours or after the official release. The last thing you want to do is buy a knock-off Apple Watch, right? The good news is that there are several major tell-tale signs to look out for to avoid this. So if you're worried about buying a fake Apple Watch, this comprehensive step-by-step guide is for you.

Height and weight

The size of the Apple Watch can be telling when it comes to spotting if it's a counterfeit. This is because fake Apple Watches are usually bulkier, heavier and bigger than the original item, as it's quite difficult for fake Apple Watch manufacturers to match Apple's engineering capabilities.

To check this, you can use the official dimensions of a real Apple Watch, according to Apple, which are as follows:

• For the smaller 38 mm model: 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm
• For the 42 mm model: 42.0 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm

If you have a scale to weigh the watch, make sure you also check the weight. Different Apple Watches weigh differently:

• For the 38 mm stainless steel model with classic buckle (watch plus bracelet): 56 g
• For the 42 mm stainless steel model with stainless steel connecting strap: 125 g

On the left is a fake Apple Watch Series 4 slightly larger than the real Apple Watch Series 4 on the right.

The back of the watch

Each Apple Watch model has an intricate pattern of heart rate sensors and specification text on the back of the watch, which sits right on your wrist. Apple Watches have four circular sensors on the back in a diamond pattern: the left and right sensors are white and the top and bottom sensors are slightly darker. To spot a fake Apple Watch, turn it over and check carefully that all these details are present. If you see a different arrangement of the sensors or a missing sensor on the back of the watch, you can be sure it's a fake. Copies often have a completely different design or none of these features at all.

It's also worth checking the text around the sensors against the image above or against the Apple photograph. You may find spelling mistakes or errors in the text, so make sure you look very closely. Also make sure it says 'Apple Watch' (with logo)> [XX case] mm> 7000 series aluminium> Ion-X Glass (if Sport, or Sapphire if not)> Composite back> [serial number].

There should also be a diamond-shaped strap release button at the top and bottom of the back of the watch. Check that they are present and working. And a small microphone opening, opposite the side button, and two speaker slots, opposite the digital crown.

On the left is a fake Apple Watch with no sensors or circular text, and on the right is a real Apple Watch.

The digital crown

Depending on how you hold the Apple Watch (it can be used on the left or right, depending on your choice), there will either be a Digital Crown dial on top of the right edge and a longer, flatter side button underneath, or a side button on top of the left edge and the Digital Crown underneath. These two controls should both be present, and on the same side of the watch, with nothing else on that side: the microphone and speaker openings will be on the other side.

It is very important to check the digital crown because it is a distinctive design element. It is used to navigate the menu. On a fake Apple Watch, it can have different locations and different designs.

On the left a fake Apple Watch, on the right a real Apple Watch

The interface

Just take a look at some images on Apple's website with the original device and you'll see that the user interface is one of the brand's key elements. Switch on the watch you're about to buy and see if it looks like the image on the right below. If it has a ridiculously low pixel density and looks more like the one on the left, it's definitely a fake Apple Watch. However, if you're going to buy online, especially second-hand, simply ask the seller to send you a few photos of the watch interface turned on. This will ensure that the seller is legitimate.

Going back to the original Apple Watch interface, it should have the native Apple apps built in such as phone, calendar, settings, messages, breathe, activities, photos and so on. If you miss any of these apps, the watch could be fake. What's more, most fake manufacturers are unable to mimic the interface and user experience of an original Apple Watch.

On the left is a fake Apple Watch with an interface that leaves something to be desired, and on the right is a real Apple Watch with the interface you'd expect to find on your watch.

Bonus tips

If you can, take it to the Apple Retail Store. Ask Apple Genius to inspect your Apple Watch. They can run a diagnostic test to check whether your Apple Watch is fake or real. This is the most reliable and guaranteed way to check if you have a fake Apple Watch, but it will usually be the most difficult to carry out.

In most cases, the employee may not allow you to bring the product to an Apple Retail Store for inspection. In addition, the Apple employee is likely to refuse to offer any assistance. Because in all cases, you're buying a second-hand device and Apple gets nothing in return. If you're lucky, you may get some help, but be aware that there are no guarantees.

You can also visit Apple's official website and take a look at the photos to see if you spot any irregularities. Apple is remarkably meticulous about the consistency and detail of its products. What's more, the objects it releases are stable in terms of look, feel and build quality.

Ask about the warranty: fake Apple Watch sellers won't give you a warranty with a certified Apple Watch service centre.

Secure the purchase of your second-hand Apple Watch with Obvy

Many counterfeiters and brands are trying to reproduce Apple's connected watch as closely as possible. Fortunately, these copies leave a lot to be desired in terms of detail, allowing us to tell a real Apple Watch from a fake. However, this doesn't change the price of the Apple Watch, which represents a certain cost, even for a Christmas or birthday present.

So buying a second-hand Apple Watch could be a good alternative. And we're not the first to come up with the idea, since you can find them for sale on a number of second-hand sites such as Leboncoin and ParuVendu. All you need to do is follow our guide to check the authenticity of the Apple Watch, and use a secure payment method to ensure that the seller doesn't try to rip you off throughout the transaction.

We also recommend that you use Obvy to buy your second-hand Apple Watch with complete peace of mind. Thanks to our secure payment solution between private individuals, you'll have all the information you need about the seller in the event of a scam. You can also turn around and get your money back free of charge if the seller tries to be dishonest. Enjoy your shopping!