[Van Cleef & Arpels Archives —-With such a global recognition, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Van Cleef & Arpels has become a target for counterfeiters. Imagine spending a fortune on your favourite Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Vintage Bracelet, only to realise that…] you just bought a total knockoff? Yikes. And that feeling is probably even WORSE when it’s a watch, ya know? Because watches are *complicated*. A fake Alhambra necklace might just have slightly wonky clover shapes, but a fake VCA watch? It could be ticking like a dying walrus, made of, like, pot metal, and generally just be a total embarrassment.
Honestly, I saw this girl at a party once, rocking what she *thought* was a Charms watch. It was supposed to have, like, a little charm that spins around the dial, right? Hers was just… stuck. And looked glued on. I felt so bad for her! I didn’t say anything, of course, because, hello, who am I to rain on her parade (even if it *was* a fake parade), but internally, I was cringing.
Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve done my research (mostly because I, too, am a sucker for sparkly things and terrified of getting scammed, lol). The thing about fake VCA watches is that they’re getting REALLY good. Like, scary good. The devil’s in the details, they say. But like, WHAT details?
One thing I’ve noticed (and this is just my opinion, so don’t @ me) is that the movement on the fakes is almost always a dead giveaway. Real VCA watches use really high-end movements, often from Swiss manufacturers. The fakes? Probably something you’d find in a dollar store toy. Listen closely, and if it sounds like a lawnmower is trapped inside, run. Just run.
Another thing? The weight. Real gold is heavy. Real diamonds have a certain sparkle. Fake gold is…well, fake. And fake diamonds are often CZs (cubic zirconia), which, while pretty, don’t have that same inner fire. So, hold the watch. Does it feel substantial? Does it sparkle like a thousand tiny suns, or does it look kinda… dull?
And then there’s the price. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. A VCA watch isn’t going to be on sale for 90% off. Use your head, people! It’s basic common sense.
