So, how do you not get totally bamboozled? Well, first things first, the logo. This might sound obvious, but seriously, *look* at it. Is the font right? Is it aligned properly? Counterfeiters often screw this up, like, majorly. Think blurry lines, uneven spacing – just generally janky. If the logo looks even a *little* off, that’s a huge red flag waving right in your face.
Then there’s the whole serial number thing. Seiko *always* carves a 6-digit serial number into the back of the dial. If it’s missing, or worse, *printed* on, that’s a dead giveaway. Also, don’t just assume because there’s a number it’s legit. Check the clarity. Is it crisp and clean or kinda smudged and vague? A real Seiko will have a well-defined serial number.
And speaking of the back, peek at the movement calibre and dial code near the 6 o’clock position on the dial itself. It should be there. Always.
Now, about the quality. Feel the watch. Does it feel cheap and flimsy? Seiko, even the more affordable models, have a certain heft and solidity to them. The finishing should be clean. Look for any obvious imperfections, like misaligned hands or a poorly finished case. Trust your gut. If it feels like a toy, it probably is.
I saw this one Alpinist fake once, and honestly, from a distance, it looked pretty good. But Ripley Sellers (love that guy’s deep dives) pointed out the tiny details that gave it away. It’s all about the details, people!
Packaging can also be a clue. Although, this one’s tricky because a lot of times, you’re buying vintage watches without the original box and papers anyway. But if you *are* getting the box, make sure it looks authentic. The box should reflect the quality of the watch itself. A cheap, flimsy box is a bad sign.
Also, and this is huge, check the movement if you can! This is where things get technical, but if you’re serious about buying a Seiko, it’s worth learning a little about the movements they use. I remember one time I was looking at a 7002 diver and a 7009 Seiko Five. They looked perfect on the outside, but the savvy seller let me have a peek at the movements, and… let’s just say they weren’t what they should have been. Bummer.
