BVLGARI (or Bulgari) is an Italian company primarily known for its jewelry, but it has a Swiss subsidiary responsible for its line of luxury watches. The creative Italian design and traditional Swiss high quality attract counterfeiters, however, so be on the lookout when browsing for your own Bvlgari timepiece.

How to spot a fake Bvlgari watch

Spotting a replica of a designer brand watch is sometimes just a matter of common sense. A very cheaply made replica will probably have many warning signs of low-quality workmanship and materials, such as the Bvlgari logo glued simply onto the crown. Edges might appear uneven or inappropriately asymmetrical. Because the counterfeit manufacturers don’t have the quality control of the real thing, you should also be on the lookout for any hairs, dust, or fingerprints which can sometimes end up caught between the dial and the crystal of the fakes.

The most important thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the model of timepiece you wish to purchase by reading the description and technical details available on the Bvlgari website and by examining clear and detailed pictures of the genuine article. Pay special attention to the face, case back, wristband, and clasp when conducting a comparison. Any writing on the watch should be checked for spelling or grammatical errors — anything from “Eighteem Jewels” to “Made in Swiss” — and for any differences in font style, size, or placement.

Many authentic Bvlgari watches have a luminous coating of a substance called LumiNova on the hands and parts of the dial to make the timepiece easier to read in dim lighting. Replicas don’t always have similar glow in the dark capabilities, and when they do it’s usually poorer quality material that won’t glow as brightly or for as long. You can test this by shining a flashlight on the watch to “charge” the luminous material.

If you have a chance to physically inspect the watch, make sure to check that when you wind it everything works smoothly, without the feel of the movement shifting in the case.

Where to buy an authentic Bvlgari watch

Buying a genuine Bvlgari timepiece is a pricey endeavor, so be aware of the official retail price. Don’t be taken in by drastic discounts; authentic designer timepieces will show some price variation across a selection of different retailers, but not too much. To be sure of the reliability of the seller you can you can search for on the Bvlgari website for authortized points of sale. You can also make your purchase through a reputable online retailer.