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Gix1k

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jun 16, 2008
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I need a watch to wear when I’m doing these that might destroy my Ultra 2. Looking on FB Marketplace for a Series 8/9. If someone has a fake one, do they connect to the Watch app like real watches? Trying to know how to weed out a fake.
 
Umm, maybe stay away from way too good deals, always book long inspection sessions prior to payment and refuse the deal if seller is unwilling. Ask a friend or close family member to come along for support.

As for the watch side, pay close attention to its build quality. Fake one tend to show sign of poor build, though not always. Feel the weight. Try to navigate around a bit if you can. The watch should get picked up proper by the watch app, not as a generic Bluetooth accessory. Set up as new and play around with features like camera control to see if it works normally. It is difficult for someone to replicate the entire watchOS experience flawlessly With android OS or whatever they come up with.
 
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There are fakes in the market, if you want a real one at a discount, I would look to Amazon, I’ve bought 2 watches there, 15-30% off. As long as it’s, sold and shipped from Amazon it’s real, as Amazon is an authorized Apple retailer
 
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There are no fakes that run WatchOS (just like there aren't any fake iPhones running iOS) so it wouldn't pair through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Even if the hardware looks deceivingly like the real thing all you need to do is try to pair it and realize the iPhone app isn't finding any Apple Watch.

That's why there aren't any major problems with fake iPhones, iPad or watches, even fake iPhones just run a customized Android and the moment you see the Google Play Store on it you immediately know it's fake.

I consider this a non-issue honestly. If the seller is in a hurry and doesn't want you to test it, or claims it's still packaged and if you open it you need to pay first, then it's obviously a scam.
 
Currently living in Asia, and see so many fakes on the market, but 95% are advertised as fakes
With prices ranging from $30 - $50. AirPods and chargers as well.
 
Hi, I too have been looking at Apple Watch Ultra's on FaceBook Marketplace and other places. I have never seen an iPhone fake yet and I didn't realise Apple Watch fakes exist. I am hoping @okkibs is correct on this.

I am not looking to buy a new Apple Watch. I am good with a USED Apple Watch Ultra 2. They are selling about £200-£300 ($260-$400), and that doesn't seem like ridiculously cheap price for used Ultra 2, does it?

I know people say if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. However, it's not always that simple. I will test and pair it with my iPhone to see. But I would love to hear from anyone who has bought a fake Apple Watch?

Thank you.
 
I got sold a fake that was in an original Apple “sealed” box. Thought I was getting a brand new in box. While the hardware looks very convincing the software is utter garbage.

I tried to return it by the seller had deleted their profile and disappeared.

It now lives in my junk drawer. I’ll probably dismantle it or just throw it out. I could sell it to some other poor unsuspecting soul but I’m not that kind of person.
 
I will test and pair it with my iPhone to see.
If the seller lets you do that then it's not a fake. What happens with fakes is they will pressure you to buy it unopened "sealed" or find excuses why you can't open the box before handing over the money. The reality is that nobody sells a brand new unopened watch sealed at a high discount. If anything, they'd want to charge extra for it still being sealed.

See below:

I got sold a fake that was in an original Apple “sealed” box
...see above.
 
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Hi!

i’m searching for apple watch 7 or 8 series (45mm) stainless steel on ebay or smth like that.

i ask sellers sent to me serials from box/ios watch app and apple watch’s case to compare them and check on apple.com

and now i have several types photos of serial on apple watch’s case (near band replace seat):

  1. i see on photo utilizing symbols + model number + serial
  2. the inscription "Apple Inc." + model number + serial
  3. model number + serial only
the fist type (utilizing symbols + model number + serial) i see often and its on my own aluminum apple watch

the second type (with inscription "Apple Inc.") i’ve never seen before and think it’s fake

the third type (model number + serial only) i’ve never seen before and think it’s fake too

what do you think?

examples of types are attached
 

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