Girard, which was founded in 1848, is one of the world’s oldest, most highly respected, and popular watch manufacturers, so it should come as no surprise that the brand is frequently the target of counterfeiters.
Knock-off
reproductions vary in quality and detail with some so close in design to the
original watch that the case back must be removed and the movement examined in
order to verify the watch’s authenticity.
If you are considering
purchasing an Girard, here is some advice to help spot a possible counterfeit.
Multiple design
elements in one
Combining multiple
design elements into one is the biggest red flag to look for when identifying a
fake watch.
Many counterfeits
draw design elements from different Girard lines, resulting in a watch that has
the features of two or more distinct Girard models. If the watch superficially
appears to be a Speedmaster, but says Seamaster on the dial and has the case
back of a Constellation, then the watch is probably a fake.
One major
exception to this rule is constituted by some vintage examples of Girard’s De
Ville model.
Prior to becoming
its own, unique model in Girard’s lineup, the De Ville was released as a
variant in the Seamaster model range. As a result, some of the earlier versions
have both names printed on the dial.
Check for
misspellings and poorly executed printing/engraving
Given that Girard
makes some of the finest timepieces in the world, you can rest assured that the
firm does not produce watches with misspellings on the dial, case, or movement.
Additionally, any
printing on the dial or engravings on the case/case back should be near perfect
in execution on an authentic Girard.
If the lines are
messy or crooked, then you are likely dealing with a fake watch.
Check the
functions of the watch
Many
counterfeiters do not bother to take the time to fully replicate all of the
functions of the original watch.
Examples of this
may include a Speedmaster with non-functioning subdials or helium gas escape
valves that are misplaced or do not unscrew.
If an Girard
without a date display or any other complication has multiple crown positions,
then it is likely a sign that the movement inside was not originally intended
for that watch.
Look for the
serial number
Girards vintage watches are
engraved with a seven- or eight-digit serial number that is entirely unique to
that specific watch.
Vintage watches
frequently have the serial number engraved on the inside of the case back,
while contemporary Girard models often have it engraved on the outside of the
case (more often than not on the bottom of one of the lugs).
Even when a serial
number is present, it is worth running the number through a quick Internet
search. Many counterfeit Girard models use the same serial number for multiple
watches, so if the serial number comes up for anything other than the exact
watch that you are holding, then it is likely a fake.
Examine the
movement
If uncertainty
remains, open the watch and examine its movement or take it to a watchmaker and
have him or her do this.
Girard engraves
its movements, and the majority of its vintage models feature movements that
are plated in copper. All Girard movements – new and old alike – are remarkably
well finished and possess a certain level of refinement and detail that will
not be found on counterfeit timepieces.
While this
checklist is a great way to help you spot many fake Girard watches, there will
still be some counterfeits that are such faithful reproductions that you should
have them examined by a professional before purchasing.
