Founded in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has firmly established its reputation for producing high-quality watches. Their impressive craftsmanship makes Jaeger-LeCoultre watches difficult for counterfeiters to convincingly replicate. However, if you’re questioning the authenticity of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch or online listing, here are the biggest red flags to watch out for that will tip you off to a fake.

1. Low-Quality Metals

Jaeger-LeCoultre produces some of the finest luxury watches available and has rigorous standards for its production. To that end, Jaeger-LeCoultre uses only high-quality materials like 18K gold or stainless steel. So if you see any discoloration or scratches that reveal a different metal beneath the plating, this is an immediate red flag the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch in question may be fake.

2. Glue Residue
Jaeger-LeCoultre does not use any glue to assemble their fine watches. However, counterfeiters rely on inexpensive glue to quickly cobble together their imposter Jaeger-LeCoultre watches. So inspect the watch’s edges for any adhesive residue as that is a sure-fire sign of a forgery.

3. Quartz Movement
If you are able to safely open the back of the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, look at its movement. If the movement is quartz, it’s an immediate indication that it’s not a real Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. Authentic Jaeger-LeCoultre watches have a mechanical movement.

4. Jumping Seconds Hand
Finally, the seconds hand on the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch should move in a sweeping motion. If the seconds hand “jumps” or has a loud ticking sound, then the watch is most likely fake.

5. Messy Brand Markings

Read the watch’s engravings. The metal content and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s name should be legibly and cleanly stamped. If the watch’s stamps look sloppy (i.e., the letters run together or the lines are crooked), it’s a strong indicator the piece is not real.

And, this may seem like an obvious sign, but double-check the Jaeger-LeCoultre spelling. It’s surprising how overlooked this crucial red flag is by forgers and unsuspecting shoppers alike.

The face of every Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is stamped with “Swiss Made.” But if you have a watch that reads, “Japanese Movt,” it’s undoubtedly a fake.

6.  A Sketchy Online Seller

Protect yourself from online scam artists selling counterfeit Jaeger-LeCoultre watches by thoroughly researching any potential seller before shopping with them. Read their online reviews. Cross-reference the website on watch forums which frequently post scam warnings or can verify the seller’s credibility.

Comb through the seller’s website and look for a clear return policy and warranty page. Their site should also include their address, contact information and an About Us page. If the website looks incomplete (i.e., pages that say, “Coming Soon” or error pages), it’s best to move on and find a different seller.

The only way to know with absolute certainty if your watch is a fake is to bring it to a trusted jeweler who specializes in watches and ask them to authenticate your Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. For a nominal fee, they will appraise and valuate your watch so you can rest assured the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is genuine.

If you have more questions about how to spot a fake Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, feel free to e-mail us at support@truefacet.com and a concierge associate can walk you through our rigorous authentication process.

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Photo Credit: jaeger-lecoultre.com / mb.nawcc.org / professionalwatches.com / luxuo.com