First off, the AR5857. Like, *seriously*, this model has been floating around since like, 2010! That’s practically vintage in the watch world. You’ll find mentions of it all over the place, from Amazon (though good luck finding a *real* one there now) to random forum posts. The legit one is supposed to be gold plated, black dial, the whole shebang. Basically, a fairly flashy piece.
Now, here’s where things get…complicated. Every “genuine” Armani Exchange watch *should* have a unique serial number engraved on the back. Key word: *should*. But! And it’s a big but! Fake-makers are getting *really* good. They can slap a serial number on anything. So just seeing a serial number? Doesn’t mean squat, honestly.
I mean, think about it. This model is old. The fakes have had YEARS to perfect their game. You can’t just rely on one thing, like a serial number, to decide.
Then there’s the whole Armani Exchange versus Emporio Armani thing. They’re both Armani, yeah, but they’re not *exactly* the same, ya know? Armani Exchange is like the “affordable” version, while Emporio Armani is a step up. An AR5857 *should* be an Emporio Armani, if it’s legit. If someone’s trying to sell you an AR5857 as an Armani Exchange… red flag city!
Okay, so how DO you tell if you’ve been bamboozled?
* Price: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. A genuine Emporio Armani isn’t gonna be dirt cheap.
* The “Feel”: Does it feel cheap? Like it’s made of plastic-y metal? That’s a bad sign. Quality watches have a weight to them.
* Details, Details, Details: Check the logo. Is it crisp and clean, or kinda blurry and smudged? Look at the hands. Do they move smoothly, or in a jerky, cheap-o way? Are the markings on the dial clear and precisely printed? These are all telltale signs.
* The Seller: Are you buying it from a reputable source? A legit jeweler or department store is much safer than some random dude on eBay.
* Google Image Search: Do a search for “Emporio Armani AR5857” and compare the images to your watch *very* carefully. Look for discrepancies.
Honestly, verifying a watch’s authenticity is a pain in the butt. If you’re really worried, take it to a watchmaker. They can open it up and see the movement. The movement is usually the biggest giveaway, because the fake movements are noticeably crappier.
