Tag Heuer Carrera 16

The first thing to check for is overall quality. Check all the letters on the dial. All letters should be crisp and clear printing. You should not see any blurred edges or anything misaligned. If you do, it's probably fake.

Next, look at the logo. The logo should not be a solid plate. It should be open between the outline and the letters, as shown on the left.

Next, look at the positioning between the "45" and "Chronograph". The "Chronograph" should start above the "45" and the "Automatic" should start just below.

Also the "Chronograph" should end in the middle of the subdial "60", and the "Automatic" should end in the middle of the subdial "30", as shown on the left.

Next, look at all the subdial numbers. Notice the numbers are wrong on each of the subdials on the fake above.

Next, look at the lume's on the minute and hour hand. There should be one solid piece on each hand.

Notice on the fake, it's broken up near the end.

Next, look at the font of the numbers. Most fakes get this right but it's worth mentioning. The font on the fake above uses a much thicker font. Also the "5"s, and other rounded numbers have much less curve to them on the fake.

Next, look at the length of the minute hand. The hand should extend nearly to the end of the hash line.

Notice on the fake, the hand doesn't even reach the hash line.

Next, look at the date and day of the month display. Make sure both displays are there. Most fakes get this right but if either is missing, it's fake.

Also, make sure both displays are perfectly centered inside the frame. If you see any misalignment, it's fake.

Now look at the geneve stripe on back. The center of the geneve stripe should be centered with the hub.

Notice on the fake above, the side of the geneve stripe is centered with the hub.

Also, if the watch you are looking at has a solid plate with no stripe, it's fake.