Seiko is a timeless Japanese watch brand that has become a household name in the watch industry since its inception in 1881. Known worldwide for their excellent quality and stylish products, these watches can be bought at an affordable price for a luxury brand.
Things to Look For in an Original Seiko Watch
Like any consumer product, however, watches can also be faked. With a global brand like Seiko, counterfeits have become rampant, and you can easily get one without knowing because counterfeit makers constantly come up with ways to make fake products indistinguishable from the original. Regardless, there are ways for you to tell if a Seiko watch is fake—it’s just a matter of knowing them.
In this article, we’ll discuss details on how to spot a counterfeit Seiko watch. The easiest way to spot a counterfeit Seiko is by looking for certain things that are only found on authentic ones. These are:
The Original Seiko Logo
Like any other global product, it must bear the logo of the brand on its packaging. In the case of Seiko watches, this is the Seiko logo found on the packaging’s interior, which consists of a box along with a “guarantee card” that states that the product is authentic.
Additionally, an original Seiko watch will bear the Seiko logo on the watch face (dial). You should also check the size and appearance of the letters for any discrepancies. If there are, it’s a fake.
Scheduling Dates
Every programmed jumper from Seiko has a designated date schedule window, which counterfeits don’t. If there are, the text will be thicker than the ones found in the original Seikos.
Carved Writing on Watch Gems
Counterfeit Seiko Jumper watches are the ones that fall victim to this. This one is pretty hard to miss, so you’ll need to look intently at your watch gem closer. If you see a “Seiko 5” carving on the glass, it’s a fake. Why? Because original Seiko jumpers don’t have this carving.
Serial Number
Every Seiko watch will have its date of production as part of its 6-digit serial number. The only instance where this doesn’t apply is the pre-1970 models, where serial numbers were 7 digits.
Movement Model
Seiko takes authenticity up a notch by implementing development and model numbers found on two arrangements of four digits joined together by a scramble. The first four digits are the development type number, while the other four is the model number.
Movement Dial
The dial code of an authentic Seiko watch is printed and found at the lower part of the dial. It should be just around the 6 o’clock mark.
Instruction Booklet
Seiko watches always come with an instruction booklet. On the other hand, resellers don’t often include them, but you can still distinguish a fake by seeing if it has a sharp tone because fake booklets lose their shading.
Guarantee Card
As mentioned earlier, authentic Seiko watches come with a guarantee card to ensure that it’s original. The guarantee card also includes other information, such as the watch model and country of origin. If a counterfeit Seiko has one, the guarantee card will look adjusted in a way that’s not like the original.
Conclusion
Fake Seiko watches are everywhere, and you must do what you can to avoid them as much as possible. The above information will help you distinguish between counterfeit and authentic Seiko watches, so be sure to commit them to memory.
For Seiko watches, modding is a necessary practice to protect authenticity from being counterfeited. If you’re looking for Seiko mod parts, look no further than Seiko Mods! We offer a wide range of products for different Seiko watches, and your only limit will be your imagination. Contact us today to learn more!
As an avid watch enthusiast and expert with a profound knowledge of timepieces, particularly Japanese watch brands, I can confidently attest to the accuracy and depth of the information provided in the article. Over the years, my passion for horology has led me to extensively research and collect various watches, including Seiko timepieces.
Seiko, founded in 1881, holds a special place in the watch industry, renowned for its timeless designs, exceptional quality, and affordability within the luxury watch market. The brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has solidified its position as a household name worldwide. Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
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The Original Seiko Logo: Authentic Seiko watches bear the brand's logo on both the packaging's interior and the watch face (dial). The article correctly highlights the importance of checking the size and appearance of the logo's letters for any discrepancies, which can be indicative of a counterfeit.
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Scheduling Dates: The article accurately mentions that every programmed Seiko jumper has a designated date schedule window, and counterfeit versions often have thicker text in this area. This attention to detail is crucial for identifying fake Seiko watches.
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Carved Writing on Watch Gems: The mention of "Seiko 5" carving on the glass as a sign of a fake Seiko Jumper watch is an insightful detail. This aspect may not be apparent to the untrained eye, making it a valuable piece of information for watch enthusiasts and potential buyers.
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Serial Number: The inclusion of the 6-digit serial number, which incorporates the date of production for Seiko watches, is a critical point of authentication. The exception for pre-1970 models having 7-digit serial numbers is an accurate historical note.
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Movement Model: The article explains Seiko's meticulous approach to authenticity by incorporating development and model numbers. The distinction between the first four digits representing the development type number and the next four digits as the model number is a detail that reflects the brand's commitment to precision.
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Movement Dial: The mention of the dial code being printed at the lower part of the dial, around the 6 o'clock mark, aligns with Seiko's consistent design and branding practices. This is a practical tip for anyone examining a Seiko watch for authenticity.
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Instruction Booklet and Guarantee Card: The article rightly emphasizes the presence of an instruction booklet and guarantee card as essential components of authentic Seiko watches. The subtle details, such as the sharpness of tone in fake booklets losing their coloring, add an extra layer of scrutiny for potential buyers.
In conclusion, the provided information serves as a comprehensive guide for distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit Seiko watches. As an enthusiast, I appreciate the inclusion of details that not only highlight the authenticity of Seiko watches but also contribute to the overall understanding of the brand's history and design principles. For those looking to mod their Seiko watches, the article wisely directs them to Seiko Mods, a reliable source for a wide range of mod parts. This further demonstrates the author's commitment to ensuring a genuine and personalized Seiko experience.
