{"id":25,"date":"2026-06-20T19:36:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crownandsterling.co.uk\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2026-06-20T19:36:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:36:36","slug":"authentication","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/crownandsterling.co.uk\/?page_id=25","title":{"rendered":"Authentication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t
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Authentication<\/p>\n

Authentication<\/h1>\n

What we check, and why it matters.<\/p>\n

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The secondary watch market carries risk. Watches are among the most counterfeited luxury objects in the world, and sophisticated fakes have reached a level where casual inspection is no longer sufficient. A good eye is a starting point, not an answer.<\/p>\n

Our response is a documented inspection process \u2014 one that we conduct in-house, record formally, and stand behind in writing. Every watch offered for sale by Crown & Sterling has passed this process. The Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies each piece is not a marketing gesture. It is a record.<\/p>\n

The Inspection Process<\/h2>\n
\n01<\/span><\/p>\n
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Case & Dial<\/h3>\n

We examine the case construction, finishing quality, and dial printing under magnification. Reference-specific details \u2014 fonts, lume plots, indices, hands \u2014 are checked against documented production specifications for the period.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n02<\/span><\/p>\n
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Rehaut & Caseback<\/h3>\n

The rehaut (the inner bezel ring) frequently exposes inconsistencies in replica pieces. We examine laser engraving, serial alignment, and depth of cut. The caseback is assessed for appropriate finishing and correct reference markings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n03<\/span><\/p>\n
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Serial & Reference Numbers<\/h3>\n

We record and verify the serial number against known production records where these are accessible, and cross-reference against the Watch Register to identify whether a piece has been reported lost or stolen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n04<\/span><\/p>\n
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Movement Performance<\/h3>\n

Where accessible, the movement is assessed for rate accuracy using a timegrapher. This provides a measured readout of amplitude, beat error, and timing performance \u2014 information we include in the certificate where relevant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n05<\/span><\/p>\n
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Bracelet & Clasp<\/h3>\n

Period-correct hardware matters. We assess whether the bracelet, end links, and clasp are consistent with the reference and period, and note any replacement components.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n