As a watch enthusiast, there are a few brands that you must have in your collection. Apart from Rolex or Omega, Patek Phillipe is a watch brand that is worshiped in the world of horology. They are not only loved for their impeccable craftsmanship but are also a great investment!
One big problem in the luxury watch market is the increasing number of counterfeits. They have grown to a point where enthusiasts cannot tell the difference at first glance. If you are thinking of getting a Patek Phillipe from the pre-owned market, here are ways to authenticate it.
There are many ways you can authenticate a luxury watch. Watch brands even put in measures that ensure real buys are not scammed. So here is our step-by-step guide on how to check where the Patek you have is the real deal!
Understanding Patek Philippe Serial Numbers
Patek Philippe has been an established watch brand since way back in 1839.
Since then they have been a symbol of ultimate luxury through their various models like the Nautilus and Aquanaut line of watches.
Every Patek Philippe watch has a serial number for verification. They are a unique identifier for each timepiece. These numbers are an essential part of a watch’s identity.
With these, you can find out the year, history, and lineage of each timepiece.
Types of Numbers and Why They Matter
To identify which Patek Philippe you have to understand what each type of number represents.
- Movement Numbers: A movement number is unique to the watch's mechanical movement. With this, you can identify the exact mechanism inside the watch useful during repairs and restoration.
- Case Numbers: You can find case numbers on the inside or back of the watch's case. With this, you can identify whether the case matches the movement inside. This is especially useful for identifying vintage pieces.
- Serial Numbers: This is the main set of numbers with which you can authenticate your Patek Philippe. It helps track the year of manufacture and even ownership history.
How to Locate the Serial Number on a Patek Philippe Watch?
When looking for the serial number, you need to know the precise location of your specific model. Here’s how to accurately find these important identifiers:
Step 1: Identifying the Serial Number's Location
Case Back
You can find the serial number of a Patek Philippe engraved on the case back of the watch. Its location may vary according to the model year. For example, some may be on the outside shell whereas others may be inside. If your watch has a transparent back, you have to remove it to find out the serial number.
Movement Number
The movement number is engraved onto the watch’s movement. There is no other way to check this without removing the case. The movement number is especially useful for repairs and restorations. When undoing the case back make sure to not scratch it or damage the movement.
Tips and Precautions
- Professional Assistance: Watches are delicate and require the great precision required. If you are not capable enough to do it yourself, it is best to take it to an authorized dealer.
- Documentation Check: Compare the serial and movement numbers with documentation or certificates of authenticity you have.
- Handling Precautions: If you think you are capable, then make sure you have the right tools and work in a clean and well-lit environment.
Step 2: Tools You Might Need
You can find many different sets of tools for working on a watch. Here's what you might need:
- Magnifying Glass or Jeweler's Loupe: A magnifying glass helps to examine small serial numbers on your Patek Philippe. These numbers are finely engraved so it might be difficult to see with the naked eye, especially on vintage models. A good quality jeweler's loupe can also be an alternative to a magnifying glass.
- Case Opener: For the best water seal many Patek Philippe watches have tightly sealed case backs. Here is where a case opener comes in handy to safely open these backs without damaging the watch.
- Movement Holder: A movement holder is used to securely hold the watch’s internal mechanism during inspection. This tool prevents any accidental slips.
- Special Screwdrivers: A specialized watch screwdriver kit can be very useful if you have to take the mechanism apart.
- Tweezers: Non-magnetic tweezers can come in handy when you have to hold or remove tiny parts of the mechanism.
Step 3: Inspecting for Wear and Tear
Any watch that is worn regularly will have some wear and tear. This can creep into worn-out serial numbers. This can be problematic for verification purposes when being sold. Here’s how to effectively check for legibility and manage wear:
Check for Legibility
If the serial numbers seem worn out, use a bright light to inspect the watch. Make sure the area where the serial number is engraved is well-illuminated. At different angles, the contours of the engraving can be highlighted making it easier to read. You can also pair your handy magnifying glass for additional legibility.
Managing Wear
Sometimes gunk and debris can get lodged into the engravings and obstruct your view. To clean the surface, use a lint-free cloth paired with a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the surface. If this does not solve the problem, you can get it professionally cleaned with industrial tools to see if it helps.
Preventive Measures
When owning any luxury watch it is wise to have it serviced every 5 or 6 years to keep it running well and looking fresh. You can use a watch box to store them properly. Remember the air around you can also have a long-term effect on the watch overall.
3 Steps To Verify Patek Philippe Serial Numbers
To accurately identify the serial number of a Patek Phillipe use this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Record the Serial Number
When recording the serial number of a Patek Philippe, make sure you make a note of every detail. The serial number can be a mix of letters and numbers. Each letter or number has a purpose to make sure you accurately distinguish between similar characters, such as '0' and 'O' or '1' and 'I'.
You can use a high-resolution camera or smartphone to take a clear photo of the serial number. This can also be a part of your visual record for the future. Additionally, jot down the serial number dedicated notebook that is part of your watch collection. Be sure to include the date and any other details that can come in handy when for insurance, resale, or authentication.
Never forget to double-check your entry against the watch. This step is very important to prevent any potential errors. If needed, have it double-checked by a friend or a fresh pair of eyes.
Step 2: Cross-Reference with Patek Philippe Archives
When trying to identify a Patek Phillipe, cross reference the serial number with official records from manufacturer archives or provided documentation. The most reliable way to do this is by directly contacting Patek Philippe's customer service. They can guide you through the verification process through photographs of the serial number and other documents.
If you need more hands-on assistance, head on over to a service center. These service centers are also a great place to look through their archives. A Patek Philippe service center has a specialized service known as "Extract from the Archives." From this service, you can get detailed information about your watch, including its production date and original specifications. Remember this is not free though!
Step 3: Consult an Expert
Finally, if you cannot go through with the verification process yourself, it is best to contact a professional from Patek Phillipe to verify it for you. They have the expertise to pinpoint every question you may have regarding your watch. They have specialized tools that can speed up this process significantly for you.
2 Common Issues and How to Overcome Them
1. Faded or Worn Serial Numbers
If the serial number has faded significantly you have to take your watch to a certified specialist in luxury timepieces. They have access to advanced equipment like digital microscopy to better reveal the details. In case it is still unreadable, you can also option to restore, clean, and oxidize the watch to reveal the numbers.
These experts can also re-engrave the serial numbers for the future. Make sure you know who you are taking the watch to as you have a chance of affecting the watch's value and originality. This can hurt your resale value if anything goes wrong.
2. Fake or Altered Serial Numbers
If, unfortunately, you have a watch that is fake or has an altered serial number, you are in trouble. Look for inconsistencies like uneven engravings or incorrect fonts if you are planning to buy one. Mismatches between the serial number and the numbers on the document must have a good enough explanation. Remember in some parts of the USA, owning or selling a fake can lead to imprisonment. If you think you have a chance of being scammed, inform the local authorities immediately.
Importance of Authenticity Verification
It is important to verify a watch’s authenticity, especially that of a Patek Philippe because of:
- Resale Value: An authentic Patek Philippe has the potential to be a great watch for investment. They are known to go up in value regularly.
- Market Trust: You can build trust in the market if you are known to hold genuine watches with proper documentation. More trust means you can even sell a watch above market value simply due to having buyers’ trust.
- Warranty and Services: Only an authentic watch will qualify for maintenance and repair services from Patek Philippe or authorized dealers.
- Heritage and Collectibility: Knowing the correct serial number can help identify which part of Patek Philippe's history you own.
Additional Tips for Patek Philippe Owners
Owning a Patek Philippe watch involves not just enjoying a luxury timepiece but also taking proactive steps to ensure its value and functionality over time.
Here are some essential tips for maintaining and protecting your investment:
Maintain Records
When you first identify the serial number of a Patek Phillipe, make sure to keep:
- Detailed Documentation: Physically make a detailed document of your watch and all the documents it came with. Keep the purchase receipt, warranty cards, service records, and a log of communications with sellers or service centers.
- Digital and Physical Copies: Make a copy of these records both digitally and physically and store them on the cloud and in a safe.
- Update Records: Regularly update your documentation with any new services or changes to ensure that you hold the watch’s resale value.
Regular Maintenance
When you own a luxury watch, regular maintenance can add a lot to a watch’s resale value. Do this through:
- Professional Servicing: Get your watch serviced by authorized Patek Philippe service centers for everything from cleaning to parts checks.
- Preserve Serial Numbers: Ensure the serial number is not showing wear and take precautions to prevent it.
Insurance Considerations
In terms of insurance claims, the serial number can come in handy because:
- Comprehensive Coverage: If you lose your watch due to natural reasons, you can get a full insurance claim if the current value of your watch can be determined.
- Proof of Authenticity: When you have proper documentation it is easier to make claims without any problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Check the Serial Number Online?
There are many reputable sources that you can use to check the serial number of a watch. For a Patek Phillipe, you have a paid service you can get called "Extract from the Archives." With this, you get access to information on all kinds of information in your watch. Additionally, you can also check out trusted platforms like Great Lakes Watch Company and Chrono24 where you have tools to decipher your serial number.
What If My Serial Number Is Not Found?
There can be many different reasons why your serial number is not on a database. Depending on how old your watch is, there may be older paper databases that still have not been digitized. The worst case is that your watch is a fake.
How Often Should I Verify the Serial Number?
Unless you buy a watch from an independent seller, you do not have to regularly verify a serial number. However, for high-end watches like a Patek Phillipe, regular inspection is necessary as many counterfeits are swarming the market. It is a best practice to follow when buying any luxury watch.
Is It Safe to Share My Serial Number Publicly?
We do not recommend sharing a serial number publicly as it exposes you to counterfeiters. If you have to share, make sure you do it through secure, private channels.
Is Your Patek Phillipe The Real Deal?
There is a lot of effort put into verifying watches before they are brought to the market. When you verify your Patek Phillipe you have a high chance of reaching big resale values depending on the model you have. It is not just a measure of authenticity but a way for potential buyers to understand the true value of a watch.
Always remember that if you have a bad feeling about a watch, do not hesitate to contact a professional. Experts from Patek Phillipe are the best way to go for this but you can find many other third-party consultants who can do it for cheaper.
Additional Resources
For Patek Philippe owners and enthusiasts here are some valuable resources to know of:
- Patek Philippe Official Website: The best place for information on services such as the "Extract from the Archives,"
- WatchBase: The place for a comprehensive database of Patek Philippe watches.
- The Watch Register: This is a global database for lost and stolen watches.
- WatchFacts: Great platform for pre-owned watch certification where you get a detailed report on a watch’s history.
- Great Lakes Watch Company: Great place to get Pre-Owned luxury watches.