Let’s cut to the chase – figuring out if your Citizen watch is legit isn’t always a walk in the park. It’s not like, “Oh, look, a shiny sticker that says ‘Authentic!'” No, it’s a bit more like detective work, but hey, that’s why you got me, right?
First things first, the logo. This is like, the number one place to start. Every Citizen watch *should* have the Citizen logo on the face. But here’s the kicker: you gotta *really* look at it. Is the font consistent? Does it look crisp and clean, or kinda… smudgy and off? Apparently, on some fakes, the logo is *applied*, like a sticker almost, whereas on the real deal it’s printed on. (I mean, come on, who applies a sticker to a watch at that price point?!)
Then, find that model number. Almost all Citizen watches have one chilling on the caseback. Now, I’m not saying all of us are watch-number-database-savant, but a quick Google search of that number can tell you a LOT. If it comes back with a picture of a completely different watch, or worse, *nothing at all*, well, Houston, we have a problem.
Okay, so here’s where it gets a little more nuanced, and frankly, a little more annoying. The date window! Seriously, who knew a tiny window could cause so much grief? One person even pointed out that on a fake, the date window was WHITE, but on the authentic watch, it was BLACK. Like… seriously? That’s what we’re dealing with here? Minor details that could make or break your bank account.
And then there’s the overall feel. This is where your gut instinct comes in. Does it feel cheap? Does the metal feel flimsy? Are the pushers and crown (those little buttons and knobs) looking a little sus? Remember, Citizen isn’t exactly Rolex money, but they’re not Dollar Store cheap either.
Okay, now let’s talk about where you got it. Let’s be honest, if you bought it from some dude in a trench coat in a dark alley for $20, you pretty much *know* it’s a fake. But even buying online from places like Amazon can be risky. If the price is suspiciously low – like, more than 50% off – that’s a HUGE red flag. Authorized retailers rarely give discounts that steep.
Look I’m not saying that Amazon is a house of scams, but just be careful, ok? Read the reviews, check the seller’s rating, and if something feels off, trust your gut. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and end up with a shiny, fake, paperweight.
Honestly, even with all this, it can still be tricky. Some of these fakes are getting *really* good. If you’re still unsure, consider taking it to a jeweler who knows their stuff. They can take a closer look and give you a professional opinion.
