You can find a full post and responses to it here:

http://www.replica-watches-guide.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=454

"Here's a few tips for the lucky ones out there in, or who are going to Asia where replicas are dirt cheap. You can pick up a mechanical self winding watch (japan movt.) with a steel bracelet for next to nothing (in fairness of watch dealers in this forum, I will not state the price). They're the same ones that are offered on the internet sites for US$200+. But there's a reason why they're so cheap.

Most of these watches have imperfections, sometimes so minor that they're not noticeable. But there are a few things to look out for:


* Check that the main hands are aligned.

One of the things I check first before purchasing. Move the hands at 12 o'clock and make sure they are aligned. Then check the hands on the smaller dials, are they pointing where they're supposed to?

Ie: For watches with a day dial, does the hand point to "SUN" or the dot next to it before "MON"? (You want it pointing to "SUN" or "MON")


* Make sure the numbers and indicators of the dial / dials are in order.

That means watch out for hour indicators that goes (1, 2, 4 , 5 ,6...etc) instead of (1, 2, 3, 4, 5...etc) on the dial. This may seem funny and ridiculous but it's not that funny when it happens to YOU. I've found 3 watches that are like this at a store one time. This usually occurs with cheaper Chinese made watches, but it still wouldn't hurt checking.

Also, check that the words on the face are accurate, or close to accurate with the brand and model of the watch. You wouldn't want to buy a Patek with the word "Luminor" would you? Or how about a round faced Franck Muller with the words "Master Calendar" but no calendar on the watch at all? The idea of getting a replica is you want it to look at least 90% like real thing, or at least beleiveable to the general public. Silly imperfections like these spoils it a great deal.


* Check the movt.

Some very brave dealers will say the the watch is self-winding where it clearly has a quartz movt. Make sure that the sweep of the second hand is reasonably smooth.

Also for auto-winds, check if the disc weight (rotor) moves at the back of the watch. This is easier with a see-through glass back. I usually listen and feel for the disc weight (rotor) to move if it has a steel back. I saw a beautiful IWC replica yesterday but the rotor was stuck. Pity, I would have bought it.


* Check the date

I bought a Panerai yesterday that goes up to 39 before it resets to 1. So always check before purchasing. But it was so beautiful that I bought it anyway. I can overlook that minor imperfection. I can just reset the date every month as I do with most of my genuine watches anyway.


Of course, you can over look all of these things and just check if the main hands are aligned and that's it. But y'all wouldn't do that would you? Or y'all wouldn't be in this forum."