As the core of a watch, even if the appearance of a replica watch is imitated realistically, the movement is difficult to match the genuine one in terms of identification, polishing process, structural performance, etc. The specific identification method is as follows:
Check the movement identification and code
The key positions such as the clamp plate and balance wheel of the genuine movement will be clearly engraved with the brand logo and movement model, with fine fonts and uniform engraving depth. At the same time, the code on the movement will match the serial number and warranty information on the inside of the case. For example, the code of the Rolex 3135 movement can correspond to other codes on the watch body. The movements of replica watches either have rough and uneven markings, or are simply engraved with the wrong model, such as when using Seagull movements to imitate ETA movements with random markings; More importantly, its coding is often arbitrarily engraved and cannot correspond to the information on the case and warranty card. Even some low-end replica watches may omit the identification and coding directly.
Check the polishing and material of the movement
The genuine movement’s clamping plates, gears, screws and other components are polished with exquisite craftsmanship, commonly featuring regular and glossy patterns such as Geneva stripes and fish scale patterns. The parts are chamfered smoothly, and the gemstone bearings are brightly colored and securely embedded. For example, the clamp pattern of Patek Philippe Caliber 324 SC movement is coherent and delicate. To control costs, most replica watch movements simplify the polishing process, either by simple sandblasting or drawing, with messy and intermittent patterns, or by not polishing directly; The parts have rough chamfers and even burrs; Gemstone bearings may be a cheap material with dull colors, and some low-end replica watches may also use red plastic instead of gemstone bearings, resulting in a significant difference in texture and authenticity.
Observe the structure and key components of the movement
Authentic movements from different brands have exclusive iconic structures, and the layout of parts is compact and reasonable. The Omega 8800 movement has specific double T-shaped shock absorbers, while the Rolex 3135 movement uses a patented Parachrom hairspring system with a balance plate paired with KIF shock absorbers. It is difficult to replicate these exclusive structures in replica watches, for example, when replicating the Omega 8800 movement, gourd shaped shock absorbers may be used instead of double T-shaped shock absorbers; Some replica watches will imitate the appearance of genuine products by adding decorative clamps, but the deviation of the main clamp holes inside is obvious, and the screw installation is not precise enough. In addition, the position of the genuine balance wheel is fixed and meets the specifications of the movement model, while many ordinary replica watches have significant differences in the position of the balance wheel from the genuine. For example, when imitating the Patek Philippe 5227G, the balance wheel often appears in the 11 o’clock direction, which does not match the 7 o’clock direction of the genuine.
Test the performance and functionality of the movement
The genuine movement has been developed and calibrated for a long time, with high accuracy in timekeeping, a daily average error usually within a small range, and stable power reserve. The Rolex 3135 movement has sufficient power reserve and a swing frequency of 28800 times per hour. The movements of replica watches are mostly universal or modified movements, with large timekeeping errors, with a daily average error generally above ± 25 seconds, and a short power reserve, generally less than 40 hours. Moreover, the complex functions of genuine products such as timing, calendar fast jump, and second stop can run smoothly and accurately. For example, the genuine Omega Seamaster 300 will stop when the second hand is pulled out of the crown, and the calendar can achieve fast jump. The complex functions of replica watches are often decorative, such as the inability to reset the timing second hand to zero, the false tourbillon being only a decorative dead wheel, and some replica watches even if they can achieve basic functions, may experience lag during operation, such as the inability to smoothly jump the calendar and the inability to achieve the second stop function.
Check the automatic tourbillon status
The automatic tourbillon of genuine watches is mostly made of metal material, and the brand logo is clearly engraved on it. The edges and corners are finely polished, and the rotation is smooth and almost without noise. However, the automatic tourbillon markings on replica watches have rough carving, no chamfers or rough chamfers on the edges, and may produce obvious friction sounds and even a sense of looseness when rotating. For example, some low-end replica watches may have slight collisions with other parts of the movement when the automatic tourbillon rotates, resulting in abnormal noise.
