A fake Patek Philippe 720 is a replica build that sellers tag with the reference number 720. Buyers search for it because that line is thin, dressy, and hard to copy at the case and dial level. The short answer: treat any listing labeled 720 as unverified until the seller names the exact Patek reference, the factory, and the movement inside. Then run four checks in order: case dimensions, dial printing, movement behavior, and seller terms. If any one of those four fails, walk away.
What the 720 Tag Usually Means
Reference numbers get shortened in the replica market. A seller may write 720 for a full Patek reference, for a factory batch code, or for an internal listing ID that has nothing to do with Patek. That ambiguity is the first problem you solve. Ask for the full reference string and the factory name in writing before you discuss price. Sellers who cannot produce both are usually reselling photos they do not own.
Prerequisites
- The manufacturer spec sheet for the reference you are comparing against
- A caliper, or a seller willing to photograph measurements next to a ruler
- A timegrapher reading or a video of the running movement
- A payment method with buyer protection and a chargeback path
How to Vet a Patek 720 Replica
- Ask the seller for the full reference number, the factory name, and the movement model.
- Compare the listed case diameter, thickness, and lug width against the published spec.
- Request macro photos of the dial text, date window, and hands in daylight, not studio light.
- Ask for a photo of the caseback interior or an open caseback shot that shows the rotor and bridges.
- Request a timegrapher photo so you can read rate and amplitude for yourself.
- Check the crown engraving, the stem length, and how the threads engage when screwed down.
- Confirm bracelet or strap end link fitment at the lugs, since gaps show up fast on thin dress cases.
- Weigh the watch on a kitchen scale and compare to the expected figure for the case metal.
- Ask for a video of the seconds hand sweep and the date flip at midnight.
- Pay with a method that allows a dispute, then have the watch inspected when it lands.
Quality Tiers You Will See
- Entry tier: plated case, printed dial, quartz or low grade automatic, correct dimensions are a coin flip
- Mid tier: stainless case with closer finishing, decorated automatic, dial printing still soft at the edges
- Top tier: correct case profile, applied markers, cloned or high grade automatic, real weight
Red Flags
- Stock photos only, with no dated images of the actual unit
- Pressure to pay by gift card, wire, or crypto with no recourse
- A price far below the going rate for the tier being claimed
- Refusal to name the factory or provide a timegrapher reading
Legal and Shipping Reality
Patek Philippe holds the trademark on its name and reference system, and counterfeits infringe it. In the United States, Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit merchandise and pursue civil penalties against the importer, which means the buyer carries the risk on an international shipment. That is a practical point, not a moral lecture: a seized parcel usually ends with no watch and no refund unless your payment method covers you.