A person’s personality instantly gets classier with the addition of any wristwatch. Having a Rolex or a Casio shows elegance and versatility. However, fake watches are very common in Bangladesh. Although looking real, counterfeit watches do not hold any value or class in comparison to authentic ones.
This guide aims to clarify the difference between real and fake watches while providing useful tips on where to buy them stress-free.
Local markets offer counterfeits at very reasonable prices, making them easily accessible for anyone without much consideration. Packages containing both fake and real watches further complicate the problem.
The falsification of watches stems from these main issues:
Bangladeshi people adore wristwatches from brands like Rolex, Fossil, Seiko, and G-Shock, which creates a need in the market.
A large number of the population does not know the methods that can be employed to check a watch's authenticity.
With fake watches being approximately one-tenth the price of the original, it is hard to resist the financial stimulus.
Street vendors and small online shops, operating without a governing body, create a loophole for the selling of counterfeit products.
The Business Standards reported in 2025 that the counterfeit market in Bangladesh is estimated to account for nearly 30% of all luxury watch transactions.
These preliminary steps need to be taken before buying a watch to make sure you get the real one. Let's see a few ways to check if a product is fake.
Manufacturers surely sell authentic watches at a pricey premium due to the quality of material and workmanship that goes into creating each piece. Of course, it's a fake if a Rolex is sold at the price of 5,000 BDT.
Gold and stainless steel are used in authentic watches, thus giving them a hefty feel.
Counterfeits are most likely to be light in weight and made of poor-quality material.
Logos that are not aligned properly and have spelling errors are easily identifiable.
Even a magnifying glass could assist.
Fakes tend to use stickers or skip details altogether.
A cleaner phrasing will often have the model number and engravings.
Rolex's second hands are known to shift in a smooth manner.
Ticking is more likely to be heard from the fake quartz ones.
Crown, straps, and polish should all be looked at closely.
Leather or ceramic won't be used by counterfeiters, thus resulting in plastic watches.
Authentic watches will always be accompanied by a brand booklet and warranty cards.
Fake watches will only come in cheap pouches or boxes.
A unique serial number is allotted to each watch.
Should its verification be possible, check it on the official website.
Fake accessories often come with additional, non-functional features and incorrect characteristics, such as superficial sub-dials or fake chronographs.
Fake watches usually make loud ticking noises.
Original luxury watches are often silent.
Here is how you can spot fake watches from popular brands in Bangladesh:
Rolex is single-handedly the most replicated watch brand in the world. Bangladesh is no exception.
Weight: A genuine Rolex is heavier.
Crown Etching: A small crown logo is laser etched at 6 o'clock on the crystal.
Serial Number: Should be finely engraved between the lugs.
Cyclops Lens: The date magnifier should be 2.5x instead of 1.5.
G-Shock fakes are extremely common in Dhaka markets.
Functionality: Check the stopwatch along with the alarm and backlight. Fakes only simulate the functions.
Buttons: Originals have a solid feel. Soft or clicky means it’s a fake.
Backplate Info: Real G-Shocks mention the module number and model name.
Fossil is highly sought after by young professionals in Bangladesh.
Date Function: The date should change exactly at midnight and not randomly.
Watch Back: Engraving with a model and water-resistant level should be done neatly.
Logo on Crown and Clasp: Fakes often miss these.
Packaging: The original Fossil comes with a metal tin and warranty card.
Seiko’s fakes can get a little tricky. It can be hard to spot a high-end fake.
Dial Print: Inspect the "Japan" labeling at the bottom.
Movement: The Originals are run on an in-house Seiko movement.
Amended Lattice: Should line up with the corner marks.
Case Back: We should be able to see the movement type and the serial.
It helps to know where these fakes are bought so you can remain vigilant.
Street markets: Shops in the streets such as New Market, Gausia, and Baitul Mukarram.
Facebook Groups: One of the few places where you can find a lot of “1st copy” watch sellers.
Unauthorized Online Dealers: Unsigned websites that have no return or warranty stipulations.
Be careful when shopping in these districts.
It might seem like a good deal to buy a fake. But it really isn’t, and here’s why:
Not Durable: They break in months.
Health Concerns: Cheap metals may encourage skin rashes and allergies.
No Value to Resell: You can’t sell it as an asset.
Risk of Working Illegally: The sale and purchase of counterfeit goods is illegal in Bangladesh.
Online shopping is easy and also risky. Here’s how I personally fact-check watches before buying from online:
Look at customer reviews: Genuine customers sometimes post photos and reviews.
Check the website: Search for HTTPS and reputable payment choices.
Check return policy: Good sellers should allow a 7-30 day return.
Ask for a serial number: You can validate it with the brand’s customer service.
To avoid fakes, always shop from trusted sellers. Here are my go-to places:
WatchOut Gallery: Official seller of brands like Fossil, Seiko, and Casio.
TimeZone BD: Trusted for G-Shocks and Edifice watches.
Daraz Mall: Choose only “Mall” tagged sellers with verified reviews.
Time House: Has branches in Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park.
Time Zone: Located in major malls across Dhaka.
Shams Watch: Operating for over 40 years with verified stock.
Buying directly from these sites or their listed partners ensures 100% originality.
If you happen to purchase a fake watch by mistake, there is no need to panic. These are the steps you should take:
Reach out to the seller with haste.
Always keep proof, like receipts, conversations, and pictures.
If the purchase was made online, utilize the return or dispute feature of the platform.
If no action is taken by the seller, escalate the issue further:
File a grievance in the Consumer Rights Protection at dncrp.portal.gov.bd.
For scams that occur online, the Crime Unit (DMP) is to be contacted.
If there are reasons to suspect fakes have been imported, reach out to Bangladesh Customs or CIID.
Online reviews and social media provide a warning to others through photos and.
Other platforms, like local Facebook groups, also encourage discussion about specific watches and forums.
This item can harm skin and is brittle, thus making it prone to breaking.
Under the Trademarks Act of 2009, selling a counterfeit is prohibited.
It’s not easy to identify a fake watch in Bangladesh, but it’s not impossible either. As always, scrutinize the details, the weight, the packaging, the movement, and the credibility of who is selling. Don’t act hastily on discounts that sound too good to be true. Actual watches cost more money, but they offer value, pride in ownership, and longevity.
I always tell myself, “Buy once, buy right.” Use smart, stay informed, and do not be deceived by imitations. You can always go to an authorized dealer if you are in doubt. Better safe than sorry, they say.
Check the serial number, weight, logo, and packaging, and buy only from trusted stores or verified sellers.
Check the serial number, weight, logo, and packaging, and buy only from trusted stores or verified sellers.
Yes, high-grade fakes can look very close, but they usually fail in quality, movement, and fine details.
Both are unauthorized copies, but replicas try to copy the design closely. Fakes often use poor materials and may have obvious flaws.