Aquaracer research

C
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Sorry if this is the wrong place but I'm doing my research wanting to acquire a used WAY series Aquaracer on the used market. Specifically, the WAY 201 and 211 variants.

My main concern is fakes. I did a search hoping for one of those sites comparing a fake with the real thing but there doesn't seem to be any for this watch. I then tried searching for replicas, there is an abundant number of online shops selling them. I was hoping to use their images as a reference for comparison but they are all either top notch quality, or they use images of the real watches on their sites because I can't seem to detect any major differences apart from some light stuff that may be down to lighting and camera angle.

I'm hoping someone can help me out with this, any information at all would help. I know the Aquaracer isn't high end enough to warrant fake comparisons like the Seamaster or the Submariner but I know there are quite a number of Tag Heuer fakes out there, I used to have one when I was a kid over 20 years ago.
 
Jim Dollares
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The only tip I can give you is to purchase from a well known well established dealer that has been around for a long time. On Chrono24 there are dealers with tens and thousands of good reviews that probably can be trusted.

Another thing is to make sure to have trusted checkout on Chrono24, then the seller dont get the money until you confirm that you received the watch. Before you confirm you received it you can take it to a watchmaker or AD and pay them a small amount to open the watch and confirm that its legit.

Good luck in your hunt for your watch, Aquaracer is a great diver!
 
imagwai
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As Jim says, buy the seller first and foremost. And you can always post pictures here for a quick assessment.
 
dtf
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Have you thought about visiting a TAG outlet? Some big discounts available
 
Jim Dollares
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dtf dtf
Have you thought about visiting a TAG outlet? Some big discounts available

Is there a way to see where official Tag outlets are available? I dont think we have any in Scandinavia for example 👎
 
C
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Thanks guys. In my part of Asia we use a local site for trades. The guy I'm buying from seems to have a good record and the images look legit, but I just want to make sure I've done all my research. Trades are done in person, a quick check and that's it, no exchanges or returns. I've traded with a guy before who agreed to meet at a service center for the watch I was buying but not all sellers are able to accommodate that request.

I suppose it's a good thing that there aren't too many articles on fakes and there don't seem to be widespread reports of fakes for this particular model. I hope that indicates that fakes is not a big problem with this brand. Still, you can never be too cautious, which is why I'm trying to find out more since I'm also planning on making more than one purchase of the same watch by the end of January.

I've looked at quite a number of images of these watches to familiarize myself and minimze any risk of getting ripped off, but the straps are another thing. Are there any known reports of fake straps for these watches? The one I'm looking at right now comes with both a textile strap and a stainless steel one which adds to the price. I would hate to be paying extra for a fake strap.
 
Jim Dollares
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C chester1010
Thanks guys. In my part of Asia we use a local site for trades. The guy I'm buying from seems to have a good record and the images look legit, but I just want to make sure I've done all my research. Trades are done in person, a quick check and that's it, no exchanges or returns. I've traded with a guy before who agreed to meet at a service center for the watch I was buying but not all sellers are able to accommodate that request.

I suppose it's a good thing that there aren't too many articles on fakes and there don't seem to be widespread reports of fakes for this particular model. I hope that indicates that fakes is not a big problem with this brand. Still, you can never be too cautious, which is why I'm trying to find out more since I'm also planning on making more than one purchase of the same watch by the end of January.

I've looked at quite a number of images of these watches to familiarize myself and minimze any risk of getting ripped off, but the straps are another thing. Are there any known reports of fake straps for these watches? The one I'm looking at right now comes with both a textile strap and a stainless steel one which adds to the price. I would hate to be paying extra for a fake strap.

Why not post the pictures here? 😀
 
dtf
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Fakes are definitely a problem for TAG. There is a very long thread talking about some of the more special examples. I've not yet seen a fake aquaracer posted, but it's definitely something I would worry about as some fakes are very close to the real thing.

In general the things to look out for when someone is selling a fake:
- blurry photos (don't know why, but people selling fakes can't work a camera phone)
- odd details borrowed from another model
- poor finishing, bad machining, etc
- incorrect model numbers
 
Jim Dollares
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dtf dtf
Fakes are definitely a problem for TAG. There is a very long thread talking about some of the more special examples. I've not yet seen a fake aquaracer posted, but it's definitely something I would worry about as some fakes are very close to the real thing.

In general the things to look out for when someone is selling a fake:
- blurry photos (don't know why, but people selling fakes can't work a camera phone)
- odd details borrowed from another model
- poor finishing, bad machining, etc
- incorrect model numbers
Aquaracer is not a spared model. Just browsing Instagram today I came across 4 fake Aquaracers, what gave them away were the logo. New models with the old arrow logo...
 
dtf
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Did you compare them to the official photos? Tag announced the new logo and then released a bunch of watches at basel with the old logo on.
 
imagwai
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Yes, there are some reasonably good Aquaracer fakes out there (although a close look will show the quality isn't quite there). As above, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller (whether used or new).
Aquaracer-Calibre-5.jpg
 
Jim Dollares
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dtf dtf
Did you compare them to the official photos? Tag announced the new logo and then released a bunch of watches at basel with the old logo on.
Trying to find the same posts again 👎

But I am pretty sure, it was from those Arab fake watch dealers common on instagram. I often browse hashtags like #tagheueraquaracer and they often appear in recently posted photos. I always comment FAKE and report the pictures
 
dtf
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imagwai imagwai
Yes, there are some reasonably good Aquaracer fakes out there (although a close look will show the quality isn't quite there). As above, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller (whether used or new).
Aquaracer-Calibre-5.jpg

Looks good at first glance. That probably would have fooled me if I saw it on someone's wrist
 
Calibre11
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Chiro_Tag Chiro_Tag
Before you buy, use trusted.com with the watch serial number.
Yes, although trusted.com is only for TAG Heuers purchased in the USA.
 
C
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I've compared the image on the sellers page and they do look good. There is a receipt and warranty card from a local luxury department store. Although they were not included in the pics, I know what they look like as I have made purchases from them in the past. If they all match the serial, it should be all good. Still, there's a part of me that keeps wondering if I might be getting the actual product int he pictures during the trade. Also, receipts and warranty cards can be faked right? Maybe I'm being a little paranoid, everything does seem to add up. I guess it's now up to me to decide if I should go ahead with the trade knowing the risks.


imagwai imagwai
Yes, there are some reasonably good Aquaracer fakes out there (although a close look will show the quality isn't quite there). As above, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller (whether used or new).
Aquaracer-Calibre-5.jpg
Christ, is that a fake!? The pip looks a bit odd sticking out, but apart from that I can't tell any differences with the images of the original.
 
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