The secondary watch market has become one of the most notable trends in recent years, reflecting consumers' growing interest in pre-owned luxury timepieces. This burgeoning market has not only increased sales but has also raised critical concerns regarding the authenticity of the watches being offered. A report by the American platform Bezel emphasizes these issues, revealing that as demand skyrockets, so does the prevalence of fraud and misrepresentation by sellers, posing serious challenges for buyers seeking genuine products.

One of the primary challenges discussed in the report is the verification of the watches being sold. It's not just about assessing the technical condition but, crucially, confirming the originality of the parts involved. The data shows that a staggering 34% of models listed for sale in 2025 failed to pass authenticity checks, with negative assessments reaching 38% in the latter half of the year. This marks a significant increase from just 23% in 2023, highlighting a concerning trend as the market expands and buyers become increasingly at risk of purchasing counterfeit or manipulated timepieces.

As the luxury watch market continues to evolve, the implications of these findings are substantial. Buyers must navigate this complex landscape with caution, and platforms like Bezel play a crucial role in providing necessary insights and verification services to help protect consumers. The rise of the 'Frankenstein' watches—watches that have been assembled from parts of different models—exemplifies the need for robust verification processes in an industry that thrives on prestige and authenticity.