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Counterfeit Watchers Discussion Forum

A forum for identifying and avoiding wholly or partially non-authentic wristwatches -- including counterfeit, replica, Frankenwatches and other fake or bastardized pieces. Our objective here is to DISCOURAGE the sales and purchase of counterfeit wristwatch and jewelry products. It is also for helping people identify watches that are mostly authentic, but have been: altered for personal customization, repaired with inappropriate parts or modified to be passed off as more valuable pieces.

Including a photo of the piece you are talking about ALWAYS helps! You can learn how to post a photo here: How To Include Photos In Your Postings. 'For sale' postings, commercial solicitation and ads are not allowed. Links to Internet auctions are acceptable only if their purpose is to question the authenticity of a product or provide new clues for identifying counterfeit products. Links that appear to be 'shills' promoting the sale of counterfeit products will be deleted. Links to websites of sellers of counterfeit items are not permitted -- we know they are out there and do not need to be encouraging them by sending traffic to their sites. Privacy, additional policies and administrivia are covered in the Terms of Use.

Did I buy a fake Ebel watch? *PIC*

I recently bought a ladies' Ebel watch on ebay from a seller with lots of positive feedback. When I got it, I noticed several things that I should have picked up on before I purchased it: unlike the other Ebel watch I have, it doesn't have a hidden folding clasp. It isn't marked Ebel on the back of the watch face (just 65 166901 SWISS). The other Ebel watch I have that is definitely authentic just looks subtly better quality - the links feel smoother and heavier, the back of the watch face looks nicer and has a lot more info on it, and the little Ebel insignia right at the clasp appears slightly smaller and better crafted.

Does anyone have any thoughts, or suggestions as to who could positively authenticate it for me? I'm in southern California, if that helps.

Thank you!

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