Now, I ain’t gonna lie, the older TAGs, like the 2000 series, aren’t usually the *prime* target for counterfeiters. Mostly ’cause the newer, flashier models are where the big bucks are. But that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Especially if you’re buying from someone you don’t know super well, even if they work “locally” – people can be shady, ya know?
First thing’s first: serial number. See if you can find it on the back. Apparently, older models had it *under* the TAG Heuer logo, while the newer ones put it *above*. That’s a good start. But just because it *has* a serial number doesn’t mean it’s real. Fake serial numbers exist. It’s like, step one in the fake watch business.
And this is where it gets tricky. I read somewhere, (and I’m paraphrasing here cause I can’t remember where exactly I saw it) that a model name and serial number *alone* ain’t enough to guarantee authenticity. Makes sense, right? You gotta dig deeper.
Check out the dial, man. Really *look* at it. Are the details crisp? Are the numbers and markers aligned properly? Fakes often have inconsistencies, like smudged printing or crooked indexes. It might be subtle, but that’s how they get ya! Don’t be afraid to whip out a magnifying glass – seriously!
And let’s be honest, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. I mean, come on, nobody’s gonna sell a genuine TAG Heuer for like, 50 bucks. Unless, like, they found it in a dumpster. And even then, maybe be suspicious, haha.
One thing I always do, (and this is just me, so take it with a grain of salt) is try to find pictures of the exact model online. Official ones, from TAG Heuer or reputable dealers. Then compare *every single detail*. Seriously, everything. The font used for the date, the shape of the hands, the way the bracelet links fit together. The more you compare, the better your chances of spotting something off.
Honestly, I’ve never seen a *really* good fake of the older TAGs, like someone mentioned. Most of the fakes are so bad they don’t even resemble a real model. But that was then, this is now. Fakers are getting smarter.
