In the second-hand luxury goods market, Tag Heuer has always been a hard-hit area for counterfeiting. The latest data shows that the number of fake Tag Heuer watches seized in 2021 increased by 37% year-on-year, and the degree of simulation reached a record high. This article will reveal the latest counterfeiting technology and provide practical identification methods.
Important Tips:The fake Tag Heuer mentioned in this article refers to high-end imitation watches that deliberately imitate the originals, which are fundamentally different from the officially authorized “non-Swiss entry-level models”.
1. The current status of the fake Tag Heuer market in 2021
The counterfeits currently circulating in the market are mainly divided into three levels:
- Low-level counterfeits:Price: $50-$150, using cheap quartz movement, rough logo printing
- Intermediate-level counterfeits:Price: $200-$500, some use automatic mechanical movement, and the appearance similarity is 80%
- High-level counterfeits:Price: $800-$1500, using Swiss ETA movement, professional appraisers may make mistakes
Authentic Carrera features
- Dial printing is sharp and has no burrs
- Second hand runs absolutely smoothly
- Sapphire mirror anti-glare coating
- Crown thread is fine and screws in smoothly
- Strap connection is not loose
fake Tag Heuer flaws
- Uneven luminous coating on time scales
- Chronograph buttons feel rough
- Inconsistent depth of engraving on the back
- Noisy movement of the movement rotor
- Burrs on the edge of the buckle logo
Second, 7 key details to identify fake Tag Heuer
1. Macro detection of dial
Observe with a 20x magnifying glass:
- The stroke width of the genuine SWISS MADE words is consistent
- The CD pattern of the sub-dial should present perfect concentric circles
- No cutting marks on the edge of the calendar window
2. Movement verification (key differences)
The latest discovery in 2021: Some fake Tag Heuer began to use modified SW200 movements, but there are still flaws:
- The swing frequency of the genuine Calibre 5 movement is 28,800 times/hour
- The shape of the shock absorber of the replica movement is different
- The direction of the grinding pattern of the automatic rotor is inconsistent
3. Weight test
Take the popular Formula 1 as an example:
- Authentic weight: 147g±2g
- Imitations are usually 10-15g lighter
3. Risk rating of purchase channels
| Channel | Risk level | Average price | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand store | ★☆☆☆☆ | $2,800-$18,000 | Absolutely reliable, with global warranty |
| Authorized dealers | ★★☆☆☆ | $2,500-$16,000 | Authorization certificate required |
| Second-hand luxury goods platform | ★★★☆☆ | $1,800-$12,000 | Inspection report required |
| Overseas purchasing | ★★★★☆ | $1,200-$8,000 | Pay special attention to the “customs seized goods” scam |
| Offline sales through social media | ★★★★★ | $300-$3,000 | 90% are fake Tag Heuer |
IV. Rights Protection Guide (New Rules in 2021)
If you unknowingly purchase a fake Tag Heuer, it is recommended to:
- Save all transaction records and communication evidence
- Complain to the platform and apply for “three times compensation for fakes”
- Report to the local market supervision department (new regulations: criminal cases involving more than $5,000 can be filed)
- Submit an appraisal application through the official website
V. Recommended alternatives
If you are cash-strapped and do not want to spend on a replica Tag Heuer, you can have the following:
- Tag Heuer full warranty second-hand watch (2-year warranty)
- Smartwatch integrated entry-level (from $1,800)
- Other models within the same price category: Longines, Oris, etc.
Last tip: Howbeit 90% of those that are said to be “new” mechanical Tag Heuer watches under $2000 are probably fake Tag Heuer, especially luxury items such as Monaco, Aquaracer, etc.
