Authenticating AP offshore through exhibition caseback

[diegohwang]

Hey guys,

After having met an “expert” watch trader, I asked to have his watch authenticated at a local jeweler or repair shop. The AP was a newer themed AP so it featured the open caseback.
Upon hearing my request, the man replied, “don’t you know anything about AP? Why bother authenticating a see-through caseback on an AP when you can see literally see the movement ?”
To my surprise, I did not know how to respond and now I’m conflicted to know whether there is a way to know if an offshore is fake or not simply by observing the caseback.
From the experts in here, what are some key pointers or indicators of authenticity when relying exclusively on the caseback inspection?



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[mickyd329]

All the fake AP's I have seen have the bridge located on the top half of the case. The real ones have the bridge on the lower right hand side like yours.

[AK797]

I remember the fake coat of arms rotor always looked off but maybe the latest are better, best way to check is just to compare carefully with Google pics of the real thing as fakes are always getting better.

[Tomas Eriksson]

The ruby jewel bearings is for me first instant giveaway. If you recognise the color of a high quality ruby you will be fine even with movements that are 1:1 replica construction wise.

[karasus]

Originally Posted by diegohwang

Hey guys,

After having met an “expert” watch trader, I asked to have his watch authenticated at a local jeweler or repair shop. The AP was a newer themed AP so it featured the open caseback.
Upon hearing my request, the man replied, “don’t you know anything about AP? Why bother authenticating a see-through caseback on an AP when you can see literally see the movement ?”
To my surprise, I did not know how to respond and now I’m conflicted to know whether there is a way to know if an offshore is fake or not simply by observing the caseback.
From the experts in here, what are some key pointers or indicators of authenticity when relying exclusively on the caseback inspection?



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Your guy is being a bit of a douche TBH... A watch is only a real authentic AP if the movement AND case match serials in AP's archives. If the case and movement don't match then AP will not service your watch or recognize it as a watch they made.

So yes, having a real movement could mean that its authentic, getting extracts shows that its most likely and a certificate of origin from AP with original warranty, box, serials that match warranty is almost 99.99% sure. But you can never know...

[79280_116520]

Any self-proclaimed expert is an "expert" that is "not an expert".

Sounds like you need another guy to verify your watch.

[watchbowl]

Buy the seller


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[alonso 1984]

A close friend was cheated with a fake AP, he was taken because the price was low

[Burlington]

From that photo the movement looks good but as others have stated the fakes are getting better all the time.

The response from the seller would make me walk away regardless.