The Journal
Field notes on watches,
fakes & what they're worth
Long-form, illustrated features from the team behind WatchScanning — the mechanics under the dial, the economics of counterfeits, and the truths the marketing leaves out.
$467 billion
the estimated global trade in fakes
The Counterfeit Watch Economy
Inside the scale, supply chain and economics of fake watches — from $30 street fakes to $1,000 superclones — and what it costs the Swiss industry. Every figure sourced to the OECD and the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.
Read the featureAnatomy of a Fake Rolex
How counterfeit Rolexes are built — and how the genuine article gives them away. The cyclops, the rehaut, the micro-etched coronet and the movement, in annotated genuine-vs-fake diagrams.
Read the feature ExplainerHow a Mechanical Watch Actually Works
A beautifully illustrated walk from mainspring to hands — the barrel, the gear train, the escapement's tick and the balance wheel that keeps time — and why it stays accurate at all.
Read the feature Myth-BusterWater-Resistant to 50m Is a Lie (Sort Of)
A "50m" watch is not safe for 50 metres of diving. What the ratings really mean, the ISO 22810 vs ISO 6425 divide, and exactly what you can do at each ATM level.
Read the feature AnalysisThe Watches That Hold Their Value
Most new watches lose value the moment you buy them — like cars. A small set hold or appreciate. An honest, data-informed look at depreciation and value retention.
Read the featureGot a watch you're not sure about?
Upload a few photos and our AI checks it against genuine references — an authenticity verdict, technical breakdown and market value in about 30 seconds.
Scan your watch — first scan free