Expert: Melvin Mills - 2/14/2008

Question
hi, i'm looking for a watch.
First of all, is Lanvin watches a really good brand
2nd of all i don't know how to check the authenticity.
http://mocca.com/portal/site/CAS/menuitem.e1d4ecd31452005046c4c2911e1000a0/?vgne...
Can u help me see if that is authentic. It is a link to a singaporean advertisement.

Answer
Adnan,

Lanvin is a French fashion company. They make apparel and perfume.  

I don't know from the ad if it is a mechanical or quartz watch.  

I don't know that authenticity is an issue.  Most watches that one sees counterfeited are expensive Swiss brands, although I have heard of counterfeit Fossil watches as well.

The reason that authenticity is not an issue is because one would want to counterfeit a watch that has a desirable name but not a desirable price tag.  I don't know that anyone has  a great desire for this company and thus there is not a reason to counterfeit the brand.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of counterfeit watches and clothing accessories (such as handbags) come from Asia.  The US customs stated that 87% of counterfeit goods that they confiscated last year were from Asia.

I know of one operation that will buy authentic Rolex watches, take out the original movements, sell the watch to unsuspecting tourists thinking they are getting a great deal and sell the movements to another party who will pay a fair price for an authentic movement.  Great racket if your conscience allows you to live like that.  

So, to sum up:

If the watch is quartz, it will probably work just fine.

If the watch is mechanical, it is likely a very low grade Chinese movement. You are taking a chance on this watch.

I don't know that there is a reason to counterfeit a Lanvin.

If it is counterfeit, there is a good chance it would come from Asia, where this watch is coming from.

Buyer beware.

Melvin