Is my TAG Heuer Authentic? All questions here please

Aquagraph

Oh really, you surprise me.

dtf

A quick image search shows some waj photos on sites that sell fake watches, but the serial checker site alone is not a reason to worry. If it was a fake, I would have expected the watchmaker to laugh when it was taken for service.

S Stol71

I bought a 2nd hand Tag Heuer Aquaracer WAJ2110 a few years back. The shop (UK based) gave me an authenticity paper with a serial number.

After wearing it a few years, I had the watch serviced at a TAG specialist watch repair place in London (different to where I bought it). They identified the watch with a serial number (same number as on authenticity paper). All good, paid £336, have 2 years warranty.

I now typed the serial number into the TAG Heuer warranty website to check. Nothing coming up. Is that possibly a fake watch? I would’ve thought the shop servicing it would’ve told me if it was fake.

Any thoughts?

jamesbizs

What does authenticity paper mean.

Aquagraph

Oh really, you surprise me.

dtf

yeh I was surprised too. I only did an image search to see what the waj series looked like (very similar to the AR on my left wrist, it turns out). Admittedly the replica site ones looked very much like real watches, I’ve definitely never come across a non-obvious fake, that seemed to kick off with the WAY series.

jamesbizs

I mean, they make and sell fakes of every model. Doesn't mean you're going to run into one. I have never seen a fake one either. There is a reason it's always the same models being sold as fakes... This one would be very hard to fake properly. It will look like ass.

K KevinTK81

Hi All,

I’m fairly new to the forum and I’m in the process of doing a research paper on the combating the counterfeit TAG Heuer market and how authentic watches differ from counterfeits.

Does anyone know of any websites, books, or information where I get obtain images of TAG Heuer watches? I essentially want to build a database of what genuine TAG Heuer watch engraving s and “hallmarks” look like compared to counterfeits.

I am currently using WatchBase and Caliber Corner to obtain movement information, but any other links or assistance would be hugely appreciated.

Also, happy to share my document once completed if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Kevin

K KevinTK81

Hi All,

I’m fairly new to the forum and I’m in the process of doing a research paper on the combating the counterfeit TAG Heuer market and how authentic watches differ from counterfeits.

Does anyone know of any websites, books, or information where I get obtain images of TAG Heuer watches? I essentially want to build a database of what genuine TAG Heuer watch engraving s and “hallmarks” look like compared to counterfeits.

I am currently using WatchBase and Caliber Corner to obtain movement information, but any other links or assistance would be hugely appreciated.

Also, happy to share my document once completed if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Kevin

dtf

yeh I was surprised too. I only did an image search to see what the waj series looked like (very similar to the AR on my left wrist, it turns out). Admittedly the replica site ones looked very much like real watches, I’ve definitely never come across a non-obvious fake, that seemed to kick off with the WAY series.

jamesbizs

This really wouldn't work. There are too many photos out there. Even pics from tag heuer won't work, because their pics are digitally edited. I have spent YEARS at this, and even I'd have trouble doing what you want to do right now. You'd have to have a lot of first hand experience with the watches too, or know the differences between what you're looking at. I'm having a headache just thinking about this lol. I guess if this was for a huge college credit or something, I could probably justify doing it.... But I've spent more hours than I can even remember, figuring all of this out, and even I ended up giving up really trying. I've spent more hours, than you're probably even planning on spending, and I'm not sure I could do a thorough research paper on the subject. lol.

can you tell us more about exactly why you're doing this? Why tag heuer specifically? Why a database? Is that going to be part of your research paper, or are you doing it so that you CAN write a research paper.

Also, please understand, that many people WILL think you're from China lol. So don't feel bad.

K KevinTK81

Hi James,

Really appreciate the response and completely understand that some might think I’m from China and just looking to get info.

The research paper is industry lead, and I am working with Watch Certification Services of America (Watch CSA) and Watch Certificate. It’s my opinion that firstly there needs to be a drastic shift in the watch industry to incorporate serial number / warranty number tracking at point of supply whether this is through blockchain identification or other means and secondly, through months of testing and research I don’t believe you can 100% authenticate a watch through an online platform via sending in images.

The research paper will be presented to an industry body and incorporate how fake watches can be limited by incorporating point of sale tracking (blockchain) and how watch platforms should incorporate physical inspections. I know eBay does it above £1,500 and Chrono24 gives you 14 days, but no TAG Heuer store is going to authenticate your watch, and many have limited available to trusted authenticator.

The reason I have chose TAG as my example for the research paper is it was the first Swiss watch my Dad ever bought, and I know run a small, but successful WATCH business dealing In a few brands, but I have a personal connection to TAG.

Also, I want to point out the research paper in not for commercial gain and I will share it on this forum for those interested in viewing it and welcome any comments, as I know it’s impossible to be 100% accurate in this subject.

Thanks,
Kevin

Jim Dollares

Hi Kevin, this sounds very interesting and I love your thoughts about blockchain and finding future ways of securing authentic goods and means of authenticating.

My recommendation would be to dm James and tell him you will buy him a beer or two if he allows you to interview him and collect some of his life experience on this topic. I have never encountered anyone as knowledgeable as James when it comes to this.

Lastly, I hope your paper won't end up published publicly on the forum. We know that both TAG employees and scammers keep an eye on this place. But, making it available through a private channel to long term members and genuine experts and enthusiasts here would be much appreciated. I am sure some of us wouldn't mind giving input through the process as well.