Expert: James Yee - 8/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: James,

Recently bought a box of partagas d no4 from an online retailer.
 I'm concerned b/c there are two warranties on the box.  The new warranty with barcode comes up as genuine, but under a black light neither warranty has a watermark.

Do the new seals have watermarks, what about the seals that were being used prior to the new barcode seal?  Why doesn't the old seal have a watermark?  Box was made in Mar 2010.

Please email me back and let me know.

ANSWER: Hi Tony,

Boxes produced in 2009 and early 2010 can have both warranty seals.  This is normal.  However, the older seal not having a UV mark is very suspicious.

The older warranty seal should have a UV watermark.  Under UV light, there should be a hidden coat of arms image in the center of the label.  The red ink serial number should also be flourescent (either neon red or neon pink) under UV light.  The microprinting along the top and bottom of the seal should also be clear and read "SELLO DE GARANTIA REPUBLICA DE CUBA" under a magnifying glass.  If it is blurry or unreadable, the box is fake.

Even though the box has the new warranty seal that is genuine, counterfeiters have been known to steal them from the cigar factories.  My concern is with the older seal and the lack of the UV mark.  All genuine seals from 1999-2009 will have the UV marks.

If the older seal has blurry microprinting and no UV mark, it is fake.

I hope this info helps!  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: James,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.  Do the new seals have the watermark too?  

Do you know anything about puroexpress.com?

Answer
Hi Tony,

IIRC, the new seals do not have the UV image because it was replaced by the hologram strip and other new security features.

In regards to puro express, I have not ordered from them before and I have heard mixed reviews about them.  I can't confirm or deny their authenticity so I suggest you use Google and search for discussions on their authenticity.  Many people say they sell fake cigars while others say they don't.  I have not tried their cigars so I can't comment on them.  You will have to read the various reviews and forum discussions on them and decide for yourself.

Regards,
James