Can this combat fakes?

[Goodwatch]

Hublot are about to introduce a new system to combat fakes. From a certain date, all watches will come with credit card like pass. The pass contains a hologram, other safety features, a serial number and a link to a special website. With the serial number you can check the watch's authenticity on the website. Only Hublot knows the authentic serial numbers and they are registered in a database. The serial number also tells what type of watch it is.

This could be a first step to combat the 'legitimate' sale of fakes although it can do nothing about the sale of street corner fakes. But if someone offers a 'real' Hublot on eBay, all you have to do is check the serial number before you purchase it.

Do you think this can work?

[macstiltskin]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

Hublot are about to introduce a new system to combat fakes. From a certain date, all watches will come with credit card like pass. The pass contains a hologram, other safety features, a serial number and a link to a special website. With the serial number you can check the watch's authenticity on the website. Only Hublot knows the authentic serial numbers and they are registered in a database. The serial number also tells what type of watch it is.

This could be a first step to combat the 'legitimate' sale of fakes although it can do nothing about the sale of street corner fakes. But if someone offers a 'real' Hublot on eBay, all you have to do is check the serial number before you purchase it.

Do you think this can work?

I'm sorry but I'm totally confused with this serial number thing? How does an ebayer know the serial number if only Hublot.........I'm lost

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by macstiltskin

I'm sorry but I'm totally confused with this serial number thing? How does an ebayer know the serial number if only Hublot.........I'm lost

The serial number is on the pass and must correspond with the serial number on the watch and the one Hublot has on file. Many fakes bear the same serial number or a non-existent serial number. The first owner has to register his watch so both are linked together. And of course all numbers are unique. Watches (and thus serial numbers) that are still in the factory cannot be registered. Only those that are released to the retail channels can be.

[macstiltskin]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

The serial number is on the pass and must correspond with the serial number on the watch and the one Hublot has on file. Many fakes bear the same serial number or a non-existent serial number. The first owner has to register his watch so both are linked together. And of course all numbers are unique. Watches (and thus serial numbers) that are still in the factory cannot be registered. Only those that are released to the retail channels can be.

Thanks, I think I get now.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by macstiltskin

Thanks, crystal clear........? What about the grey dealers? If they are not registered until you buy them...

There are no grey dealers in this concept. And if there are, that still would be no problem. The watch is genuine (because of the known serial number) or not. Who sells it is not important, the authenticity of the watch is.

[DHLChief]

Now all crooks have to do is counterfiet the credit card pass. Been there. seen that.