Authentication Help - Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar Ref: 4947/1A-001

[Holytrinity1]

Hi everyone,

I am brand new here so please go easy on my and this would be my larger set purchase online ever

I have my sight on Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar Ref: 4947/1A-001 and there is one available in the classified section at TRF from watchmeout3.

Even though they are pledge member, they only have 32 posts since 2022 and can’t find much history. The price also has been reduced quite aggressively to $29,500. How do I go about checking the authenticity? What steps can I take to make sure I don’t get spammed here.

Since I am brand new I can’t post the classified link but the user doesn’t have a lot of posts so should be quite straightforward to find the listing in classified. Thank you in advance!!

[massabee]

On something like that I wouldn't be concerned so much with authenticity but on whether you will receive anything at all after you pay. First, verify that you are dealing with the actual seller and not someone who has simply taken over that account, then go from there to check out references and make sure that the seller actually has the watch and isn't just re-posting pics he pulled from somewhere.

You may use tools like tineye and Google Image Search to see if the posted picture is unique (keeping in mind that maybe a legitimate seller is offering the same watch online for sale other than at this forum), and also ask the seller to provide you images of the watch next to something identifiable, like a piece of paper with the seller's username hand written on it, next to something printed out that establishes that the picture was taken today, and so on.

Typically, especially for a watch like that, unless the seller is a hardened scammer, if a scammer he will be looking for easy prey and will not have any watch in hand, authentic or not. Those pics he posted are pretty clear if they were of a fake by now someone would have called him out, so if he really has the watch, and really is that seller, he is probably okay.

[Holytrinity1]

Hi Massabee - Thank you. That is quite helpful!

[rootbeer7]

Arrange video call. Ask him to show watch and identification at the same time during the call. I’ve purchased after doing this before, but never for that amount.

[1William]

Not very familiar with that reference or seller. It seems that you are looking at this based on what he is asking pricewise. Nothing wrong with that but where does the watch sit in the market in comparison to a well know dealer or Trusted Seller? If the difference is significant, buyer beware. As the man use to say, "They don't give away Cadillacs or Rolexes". If it is somewhat close to watches offered from verified reputable sellers, why would you go into the unknow? Why waste time trying to verify what at best could be a difficult transaction and at worst, could end up being outright fraud. It is always about the seller first and foremost, period. Then it is the watch. Good luck and let us know what you decide.