Popular Swiss watches like Tissot are often copied and sold online. Fakes look convincing in photos, so before paying, run these five checks. They take five minutes and work for any seller, including us.
1. Ask for the box, the booklet and the warranty card
A new Tissot comes in its original box with an instruction booklet and a warranty card that shows the watch's reference and serial number. A seller with genuine stock can show all of this before you buy. If the answer is "box not included" or "papers sent later", walk away.
2. Match the reference number on the caseback
Every Tissot has a reference number engraved on the caseback, for example T120.410.11.051.00 for the black Seastar 1000 40 mm. Ask for a clear photo of the back and check that the number matches the exact model, dial colour and bracelet in the listing. A mismatch, or a caseback with no engraving, is a red flag.
3. Check the specs fakes get wrong
Copies cut corners where you cannot see it in a photo. Take the Seastar 1000 40 mm as an example. According to Tissot it has:
- a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- a screw-down crown
- water resistance of 30 bar (300 m)
- a 316L stainless steel case of 40 mm
- a rotating diver's bezel
Ask the seller about these points. A real watch feels solid, the bezel turns in crisp clicks and the crown screws down firmly.
4. Zoom in on the dial
Look at the small print: "TISSOT 1853", "SWISS MADE" and the depth rating under the logo. On a genuine dial the letters are sharp, evenly spaced and perfectly aligned. Blurry print, uneven markers or a date window that sits slightly off-centre usually means a copy.
5. Check the seller, not just the watch
A price far below the market is the biggest warning sign. Before buying, check that the seller shows:
- a registered company name, address and VAT number
- a written warranty, with who gives it and for how long
- a clear return policy
If you still have doubts after buying, any Tissot service centre can inspect the watch.
How we do it at Xronoswolf
We are an independent watch retailer in Cyprus, not an authorised Tissot dealer, and we say so openly. Our prices are below the brand stores', and this is what we promise:
- every watch is brand new and 100% genuine, with its original box and papers
- a 2-year Xronoswolf warranty, given by us in writing
- free delivery across Cyprus in 1–3 working days and 14-day returns
- a registered Cyprus company: Wolfsty Ltd, VAT CY60356376Q
Want to see the caseback or the papers of a watch before you order? Message us and we will send photos.