[Manga] Episode 6: What is authenticity determination?

監修者 Commit Ginza
Episode 6 Thumbnail
Kenji
Shopkeeper...can I ask you something?
How do you tell the real thing from the fake ?
Shop owner
First of all, let me say this.
The phrase "If you look at this, you'll be impressed" can instantly lose credibility . We carefully examine multiple points that differ for each watch.
Kenji
It suddenly feels heavy...
Shop owner
Authenticity is a comprehensive judgment .
Intuition and knowledge that makes you feel uncomfortable are important, and often accurate, but ultimately it is necessary to organize the information comprehensively and make a judgment.
Shop owner
(Watches that are difficult to judge are the ones that I find most appealing.)

① Authenticity is not a one-off: It is based on the accumulation of evidence

Landscape 16:9. A store counter. The store owner stacks the building blocks of "check items" (exterior, movement, engraving, weight, documents, history) and finally stamps the "overall judgment" (no text). Kenji looks a little relieved, saying, "It wasn't a one-shot..." Crisp lines, soft colors, and a refined comedy.
Kenji
But I see posts on social media that say, "If you look at this, you're out!"
Like with a magnifying glass...
Shop owner
That may be true sometimes, but
What scares professionals is a well-crafted miss that looks like a hit . The opposite is also true (for example, someone who looks like a hit but is actually a different person inside).

② The devastating power of "I bought it online...": A three-piece set that will make your stomach churn.

Landscape 16:9. Kenji holds out his smartphone, and the screen displays an abstract icon (without text) that resembles a purchase history UI. Behind the store owner is a stomach-churning spiral. A classy comedy.
Shop owner
There's a set of common things that make your stomach hurt.
1) It's cheaper than the market price. 2) The explanation is vague ("I think it's genuine").
3) They are reluctant to accept returns (to prevent substitutions, etc.)
Kenji
② "I think it's real"...scary...
Shop owner
While you may be able to find rare models or the model you're looking for through online person-to-person transactions, there are also risks involved. Even though you're doing so at your own risk, it's important to think carefully before making any purchases.

③ Enter the magnifying glass! Is the phrase "Just look here and you'll see it right away" really a question?

Landscape 16:9. The shop owner is holding a magnifying glass, and Kenji has an expectant look on his face. An abstract meter resembling a "special move gauge" appears in the background, but it's stopped halfway (no text).
Kenji
So what do you look at with a magnifying glass?
Dial? Stamp? needle? ...All?
Shop owner
The correct answer is "all of them."
However, it is easier to understand if you break it down into parts.
(A) Exterior that is likely to look strange
(B) Consistency that may lead to problems if not met
(C) Provenance that ultimately leads to a sense of security .

④ Something strange about the exterior: too clean, too uniform, too lively (on the contrary)

Landscape 16:9. The store owner points to the "too lively parts," and Kenji looks like he's saying, "What do you mean, too lively...?" In the background is an abstract silhouette (no text) of what looks like "everyone in brand new uniforms."
Shop owner
Recently, there are many elaborately made ones. They come together beautifully .
So on the other hand, it might be too shiny for its age ,
There may be some discomfort with the color of the luminous material .
Kenji
Are the colors and brightness of the luminous material different?
Shop owner
The old model is easy to understand.
However, some of the current models are quite sophisticated.

⑤ Consistency check: Don’t trust things that seem like they belong together (look at them as a set)

Landscape 16:9. The shop owner puts together the puzzle pieces (exterior, movement, buckle, documents) to see if they "fit perfectly." One piece is slightly different in shape, making it appear to float (no text). Kenji is sweating.
Kenji
But if the numbers and engravings match...wouldn't that give you peace of mind?
Shop owner
The number and markings are important.
However, there are some pieces now where only the numbers match . Some pieces have had their engravings re-stamped.
So it's something like "number + exterior features + movement features + documents",
We work on consistency .
Shop owner
For example, the license number is correct,
It would be scary if the photo was of someone else looking "miraculously good."
Kenji
She looks so different...scary...

⑥ The "three-pronged attack" that wears down the owner's mental health

Landscape 16:9. Behind the shopkeeper, an abstract bar resembling an "HP gauge" decreases three times (no text). Kenji has a "I'm sorry..." expression on his face.
Shop owner
Here comes a triple attack that will reduce my HP.
① " Watch only "
② " I thought I bought it legitimately, but the source is unknown."
3. " Is the appraisal free? Just the price ."
If you add "I'm in a hurry" here, you become more cautious.
Kenji
Isn't it common to lose accessories or have a vague memory of where you bought them?
Also, there are cases where I have plans and am in a hurry...!
Shop owner
However, when it comes to authenticity, the faster you go, the more careful you have to be.
The secret to authenticity checking: these three levels are what professionals look at
  • Visual incongruity (finishing, font style, matching of hands and luminous material, case/bracelet construction)
  • Structure and details (texture of engraving, fit of parts, whether it is within the range of individual differences)
  • Consistency and history (warranty, details, purchase route, exchange history, overall consistency)

* "Multiple points agree" is a stronger judgment than "deciding on one point." Conversely, even if one point seems to be extremely "correct," be careful if the others don't fit.

7. Actions that will get you in trouble if you do them: Self-cleaning/disassembly/"mysterious polishing" (different person from episode 4)

Landscape 16:9. Kenji tries to "scrub with a cloth" but the shop owner stops him. In the background are three "red STOP sign-like abstract icons" (no text). Comedy.
Kenji
So, before the appraisal, let's make it shiny... (with good intentions)
Shop owner
Yes, when it comes to authenticity, scratches and stains can be information .
If you touch it in the wrong way, the information may disappear, making it difficult to make a judgment.

8. Safety moves you can take today: Gather information

Landscape 16:9. The store owner points to a checklist with "photo, accessories, details, and purchase route notes." Kenji "takes a photo" with his smartphone and makes notes. The background is a tranquil store. No text.
Shop owner
If you're unsure, here's what to do first.
① Overall photo (watch and accessories)
② Storage of accessories (warranty, box, links, details)
③ Purchase route (receipt, invoice, etc.)
This alone will improve the accuracy of the consultation. If you should ever lose your watch, having this information will also be helpful.
Kenji
I see... so you have to "get it all together" so you don't have to worry.
I want my mind to be healthy.

Conclusion: Authenticity is not a "one-hit wonder" but "consistency." The more you rush, the more "accumulation" is the right thing to do.

Landscape 16:9. The blocks are stacked neatly, and at the end an abstract stamp of "OK" is stamped on them. Kenji is relieved, and the shop owner smiles slightly. No text.
Kenji
So today's conclusion is...
I think it's about accumulating as much information as possible and being prepared.
Shop owner
That's a good summary.
Next time, let's talk about market prices.
What you can do today: 3 ways to reduce your concerns about authenticity
  • Organize the purchase route and accessories first (information is your weapon)
  • Don't polish or disassemble it in your own way (don't erase information)
  • Consult in advance with photos (overall/accessories/areas of concern) (to improve accuracy)

*Authenticity is ultimately determined by checking the actual product. If you are looking for a product that is significantly cheaper than the market price or has strict return conditions, it is best to consult us before purchasing.

NEXT EPISODE
Episode 7: What is that "market price"? (The story of three markets)
~Buying, selling, online, overseas... The market splits and my brain goes haywire~
  • The problem of inconsistent reference sources for "I saw the market price (Doya)"
  • The moment you realize that the "purchase price" and the "sale price" are different people
  • The owner explains the theory that "the average price of curry varies depending on the household"
Next time, market split
*The preview for the next episode is staged (but the content is mostly true).

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