How to Tell if a Seiko Watch Is Fake: 9 Signs to Look For

PDF download Download Article
Learn what to do if you bought a fake with this guide
PDF download Download Article

Grabbing a fake Seiko can feel like the end of the world, so it’s important to authenticate it before making the return and trying to get a refund. There are plenty of ways to check whether your Seiko watch is real or fake, like checking the crown and testing the luminescence. In this article, we explain all of the ways you can authenticate your Seiko watch , what to do if you buy a fake Seiko watch , and more.

5 Signs Your Seiko is Fake

  1. Crown: Crown uses a pull mechanism to change the date rather than a screw mechanism.
  2. Bezel: Bezel rotates for 60 clicks instead of #
  3. Dial: Features thin, open-spaced, miscolored lettering.
  4. Luminescence: Has a weak, inconsistent brightness that quickly fades.
  5. Day & Date: Large font, dim color, and misaligned with one another.
Section 1 of 6:

How to Check if a Seiko Watch is Fake or Real

PDF download Download Article
  1. On authentic Seiko watches, the crown is a screwing crown, which means it needs to be screwed in to change the date and time. However, fake Seiko watches use quartz movement crowns instead of screwing crowns. Quartz crowns change the date, time, and day by pulling in different positions, so if that’s how you’re adjusting things on your Seiko, it may be fake. [1]
    • Signs It’s Real: Screwing crown that changes the date and time by screwing the knob.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Quartz crown that changes the date and time by pulling the knob.
  2. 2
    Bezel The bezel on a real Seiko watch rotates for 120 clicks. However, the bezel on a fake Seiko watch rotates for 60 clicks. Fake models also have a shiny finish on the bezel, while real models have a matte finish. Check the bezel’s pearl, as well. Located towards the top of the watch, pearls are fit into the bezel on real models and drawn on fake models. [2]
    • Signs It’s Real: Bezel rotates for 120 clicks, has a matte finish, and has a pearl fit into it.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Bezel rotates for 60 clicks, has a shiny finish, and has a pearl drawn into it.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Dial On fake Seiko models, the lettering near the dial is thin and leaves a bit more spacing than on real models. On real Seiko models, the lettering is thicker and evenly spaced. Below the 6:00 marker, there is orange text that reads “DIVER’S 200.” Below that, there is text that reads “21 Jewels.” On replica watches, this orange is often replaced with red, the font is noticeably thinner, and the “21 Jewels” text is gone entirely. [3]
    • Signs It’s Real: Even lettered spacing, “21 Jewels” text, orange “DIVER’S 200” text.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Open spacing, noticeably thinner font, and red “DIVER’S 200” text.
    • Look for “Made In Japan” and the watch caliber around the 6:00 marker, too. On authentic models, the text is bold and easy to read. On fake models, the lettering is smudged and the watch may be missing “Made In Japan.”
  4. 4
    Luminescence Many Seiko watches have luminescent features that make it easier to tell time when you’re in the dark. Authentic models like the Seiko LumiBrite pull this off smoothly, but fakes typically produce a weaker, more inconsistent light. To see if your watch is real or fake, expose it to bright light for a few minutes, then go into a dark room. Real Seikos provide consistent and long-lasting luminescence, while fakes provide a brightness that’s weak and fades quickly.
    • Signs It’s Real: Consistent, long-lasting brightness.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Weak, inconsistent brightness that fades quickly.
  5. 5
    Day & Date The day & date window is typically sleek and evenly aligned on real Seiko watches. On fake Seiko watches, the fonts are bigger than they would be on real models, the colors are less bright, and in some cases, the day and date may not be properly aligned with one another. If your Seiko watch has large, dim lettering that looks poorly constructed, it may be fake. [4]
    • Signs It’s Real: Sleek, bright, evenly aligned day & date.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Dull day & date that’s misaligned and/or has a large font.
  6. 6
    Case Back The Seiko case back has the logo and serial number engraved into the back, along with other text. On real Seikos, “JAPAN,” “STAINLESS STEEL,” “SEIKO,” and the serial number are engraved into the case back. On fake Seikos, the quality difference is noticeable, with “JAPAN” featuring a thick or thin font depending on the fake, “STAINLESS STEEL” being far bigger than it should be, and weak engravings. Sometimes, text is missing from the fake watch entirely. [5]
    • Signs It’s Real: Rounded text with quality engravings.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Weak engravings, missing text, and fonts that are either too large or too small.
  7. 7
    Second Hand Depending on your Seiko model, the watch may have an automatic second hand or a ticking second hand. Models like the SKX007 feature an automatic second hand that smoothly glides around the watch instead of ticking once per second. If your model is said to be automatic but you hear ticking, you likely have a fake on your hands. [6]
    • Signs It’s Real: Smooth-gliding second hand on automatic models.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Ticking second hand on an automatic model.
    • The second hand on authentic models ticks six times every two seconds.
  8. 8
    Lugs Authentic Seiko watches have unnoticeable lugs that smoothly attach the band, while fake Seiko watches have drilled lugs on the sides. If you look at your watch and notice that the lugs are drilled, that’s a definitive sign that your Seiko watch is fake and that you may want to look into the seller’s return process .
    • Signs It’s Real: Unnoticeable lugs that are inside the watch.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Drilled lugs.
  9. 9
    Packaging Real Seiko watches come in a branded box that holds the watch, an instruction manual, a warranty manual, and a certificate of warranty. Fake Seiko watches often come in a plain, unbranded black box that lacks any of the proper manuals and certificates. If you got your Seiko in a plain black box with nothing but the watch, you may have a fake on your hands. [7]
    • Signs It’s Real: Comes in a branded box with the watch, an instruction manual, a warranty manual, and a certificate of warranty.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Comes in a plain, unbranded black box.
    10. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

How to Spot a Fake Grand Seiko

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Logo Genuine Grand Seikos have sharp, clean logos with no imperfections, while fake Grand Seiko watches tend to have sloppy engravings, smudges, and poorly crafted logos. If you spot any imperfections, like smudges, improper spacing, or improper placement, you may have a fake Grand Seiko on your hands. [8]
    • Signs It’s Real: Clean logo with sharp, crisp engravings.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Improper spacing, smudges, or sloppy engravings.
  2. 2
    Movement Thanks to the spring drive in authentic Seiko watches, their second hands move smoothly, while fake Grand Seiko watches have second hands that tick. If you see a tick-tick movement or hear a tick-tock sound, your Grand Seiko likely isn’t authentic. [9]
    • Signs It’s Real: A smooth-moving second hand.
    • Signs It’s Real: A ticking second hand.
  3. 3
    Case back The Grand Seiko watch has sharp engravings of the serial number on the case back. The serial number should match the number on the documentation provided with your watch. If they don’t, or even worse, you never got any documentation to go along with your watch, you might be carrying a fake. [10]
    • Signs It’s Real: Correct serial number that matches the documentation provided.
    • Signs It’s Fake: Incorrect serial number or no provided documentation.
  4. 4
    Finishing Grand Seiko is known for its Zaratsu polishing, which is used to create a sharp ridge at the border between the mirror and hairline surface of the watch. This polishing also gives the Grand Seiko a shiny finish, so if you find that your Grand Seiko is looking a little dull and lacks a shiny, dancing finish, you might have a fake on your hands. [11]
    • Signs It’s Real: A shiny, mirror-like finish.
    • Signs It’s Fake: A dull, weak finish.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 6:

How to Check a Seiko Serial Number

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check the back for a 6-7 character serial number. The serial number is on the back of Seiko watches. To verify the serial number and make sure your product is legit, either use an automatic serial number checker, like EmmyWatch , or manually date it. The first number in the serial number is the year and the second is the month. 1-9 covers January-September, while O, N, and D are used to represent October, November, and December. [12]
    • A serial number that reads 456789 could mean May 1974, May 1984, May 1994, May 2004, May 2014, or May 2024.
    • Seiko watches made before 1968 have 7-digit serial numbers, while watches made after 1968 have 6-digit serial numbers.
    • Seiko watches that are made in Japan are marked with an SR or S near the serial number.
Section 4 of 6:

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Seiko Watch

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Do your research before you buy. Before pulling the trigger and buying a watch that may be fake, do your research on Seiko watches so you know what signs of authenticity to look for. Compare images of authentic Seiko watches to the one you’re currently looking at and look for any major differences, like drilled lugs or weak luminescence. By doing your research beforehand, you can avoid a costly mistake. [13]
  2. 2
    Buy from Seiko or a reputable retailer. It’s always best to buy directly from Seiko when purchasing their watches. If you’d prefer to buy somewhere else, though, go with a reputable retailer. Buying Seiko watches from reputable retailers, like Macy’s or Kohl’s, can prevent you from getting scammed and buying a fake, as reputable brands take extensive measures to ensure the authenticity of their products. [14]
  3. 3
    Check the seller’s reviews to see if they’re reliable. If you find a seller who’s got a Seiko watch for a suspiciously great price, make sure to check their reviews to see if they’re reliable or not. Plenty of four and five-star ratings with detailed reviews are typically a good sign, but if you see plenty of one-star ratings or poorly written reviews, the seller may be trying to get a fake Seiko off their hands.
    4. Advertisement
Section 5 of 6:

What to Do If Your Seiko Watch Is Fake

PDF download Download Article
  1. Depending on where you got the Seiko watch from, the seller may be willing to refund you as long as you follow their refund policy. Check the policy for any return deadlines, customer service numbers, or other important information, reach out to them and present the evidence of your watch being fake so they can start the authentication and return process. [15]
    • In the UK, you have a legal right to a refund if your product turns out to be fake or counterfeit. [16]
    • If you bought your watch from an online marketplace like StockX , check their refund & return policies to see if you can get your money back.
Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Can I check the serial number? Yes. To check the serial number, look for the model number on the back of the watch. Once you’ve located the model number, check the documentation that came with your watch to make sure the numbers there match those on your watch. [17]
    • Models made in Japan are typically marked with SR or S.
  2. 2
    Is Seiko made in China? Yes. Although a majority of Seiko watches are made in Japan, they do make some of their watches in China. They are primarily known for their Japanese model of watches.
  3. 3
    What’s the difference between Seiko and Seiko 5? The Seiko 5 is a sub-brand of Seiko that’s aimed at beginners and those just getting into watches. Their watches are more entry-level, but each of them has the following features: [18]
    • Automatic winding
    • Water resistance
    • Shock resistance (known as Diashock)
    • A day/date function
    • An unbreakable mainspring (known as Diaflex)
  4. 4
    How long do Seiko 5 watches last? Seiko 5s can last from 5-25+ years depending on how well you take care of them, along with other factors. For example, a Seiko 5 that’s been worn daily and during intense gym or sporting events will typically last less than a Seiko 5 that’s only worn during casual events, like work or during walks. [19]
    • Over time, dust build-up can interfere with a Seiko 5’s movement.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Seiko switched from using “waterproof” to using “water resist” in 1968. So, if your watch is said to be “waterproof,” it may have been made before 1968. [20]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell if Gold Is Real
      How to
      Identify a Black Diamond: Tests, Characteristics & More
      How to
      Tell if a Diamond is Real
      How to
      Test Gold at Home
      How to
      Tell if a Ruby is Real
      How to
      Tell if a Cameo Is Authentic
      How to
      Tell If an Item Is Fake or Real Sterling Silver
      How to
      Tell if an Amethyst Is Real
      How to
      Tell if an Emerald Is Real
      How to
      Determine if a Sapphire is Real
      How to
      Tell Cubic Zirconia from a Diamond
      How to
      Identify Platinum and Silver Jewelry
      Find Out How Old Your Vintage Mickey Mouse Watch Is—and How Much It Might Be Worth
      Waist Beads Meanings by Color (And Why Women Wear Them)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=vE34ZMPXuk114N2s&t=220
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=Lg_O0GcD3IQkyROT&t=362
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=1vdRmPaywc3BS3tC&t=274
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=ka6HyqNpV9m1Xq6i&t=333
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=aGRQmLZjdRiVgOOU&t=412
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=LE2C2NYS3n-S3197&t=174
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/jJw2o96SfYM?si=GWhVn6vf6iOXZBAe&t=543
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Vm1x-k-B8wI?si=bq1HgRVwkLdDoLVY&t=12
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/Vm1x-k-B8wI?si=Eb7j3psFf3SYkdcK&t=25
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Vm1x-k-B8wI?si=nsEzUrmyaGW010D-&t=38
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Vm1x-k-B8wI?si=HZKq5ADemAgVkxQ9&t=49
      3. ↑ https://retroseiko.com/date-a-seiko-watch.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2021/12/shop-smart-and-stay-safe-season
      5. ↑ https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2021/12/shop-smart-and-stay-safe-season
      6. ↑ https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/solving-problems-business-returns-refunds-and-other-resolutions
      7. ↑ https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/report-fake-or-counterfeit-goods/
      8. ↑ https://retroseiko.com/seiko-serial.htm
      9. ↑ https://effortlessgent.com/seiko-5/
      10. ↑ https://effortlessgent.com/seiko-5/
      11. ↑ https://retroseiko.com/date-a-seiko-watch.htm

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 163 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement