First off, lemme just say, vintage Piaget? That’s classy. Real classy. We’re talking serious craftsmanship here. So, if it feels like a cheap tin can, that’s your first red flag flapping in the breeze. I mean, come on.
Now, I’ve seen a few things floating around the internet, and the first thing everyone says is “check the markings.” Duh. Obviously. But what *specific* markings? Well, look for the Piaget logo, naturally. Make sure it’s crisp, not blurry or smudged. And the model name and serial number? Gotta be there. And they gotta be legit-looking. I’ve seen some fakes where the font looks totally off, like Comic Sans on a Rolex…just wrong.
But here’s where things get a bit tricky, especially with vintage pieces. Sometimes, wear and tear can make things less obvious. So, don’t just rely on the *presence* of markings, but the *quality* of them. Get a magnifying glass! Seriously.
Another thing – the movement. This is where the rubber meets the road, folks. Wind that baby up. Does the crown feel smooth, or gritty? Do the hands glide along like a swan on a lake, or do they stutter and jerk like a hyperactive kid after too much sugar? A genuine Piaget’s movement is a work of art. It should feel like it. Now, I’m no watchmaker, but I know a smooth action when I feel it.
I read one guy saying the date on his Piaget (suspected fake) sat too low in the window. That’s a great eye! Little details like that can be HUGE telltale signs. Pay attention to the alignment of everything. Is the date centered? Are the hour markers straight? Are there any weird gaps or inconsistencies? Fakes often cut corners, and those shortcuts show.
Also, and this is just my two cents, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. I mean, I once bought a “vintage” leather jacket that smelled suspiciously of plastic. Needless to say, it wasn’t exactly the real deal. Same principle applies here.
And listen, if you’re really unsure, and you’re dealing with something potentially valuable, don’t be a cheapskate. Take it to a reputable watchmaker. Like the guy in that one forum post wanted to do. Let them crack it open, poke around, and give you a professional opinion. It’s worth the investment for the peace of mind, trust me.
Oh, and one last thing – if you can’t even find a crystal on the watch, or any numbers, like that other forum poster mentioned? Yeah… probably fake. Just sayin’.
