Did I sell a fake Fortis?
I really need your collective input here..
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8...6486517e_z.jpg
A while back I bought a Fortis Marinemaster Super Compressor from the US. It is a watch made from NOS 70’s parts. I sold it to ‘Crouchy’ (James) a few months ago. He has relisted it in SC, and has received a PM from member michalko82 (Mike, I believe) who told him that these are fake, coming from a guy in Malaysia. I will invite michalko82 to contribute to this discussion.
Obviously, if true, I have no problem refunding James fully.. but I do want to ascertain the truth. All I want is a civil discussion, and not here-say or internet rumours.. I’ve learned from experience that internet rumour can be repeated as fact.
My own feelings is that it is not a fake, it is very well made, and would seem strange that something of such high quality isn't known in the replica world, and no other super compressor fakes made. Also, you couldn't pick a more awkward watch to fake really - I mean, look at it!
I concede that it could be made from NOS parts, and not be part of the Limited Edition, but fake - IMHO, I don't think so.
This is the watch on my blog:
http://heuerville.wordpress.com/2012...ressor-decomp/
So.. it is either:
- A watch made from NOS parts
- A watch made of NOS parts, part of the Fortis LE90 edition
- A fake
So, when I first bought this, I did my research, I did note that some had ‘Marinemaster’ engraved on the back, some had ‘Marinemaster and a LE xx of 90’ engraved on the back, some had no engraving on the back. About 10 yrs ago Fortis made a limited run of these (90) made from NOS parts.
I did read online (on here I think) that there was some rumour that fakes had been made, but all accusations were answered by various experts. There was also some talk of non-LE models being made up from NOS ‘70s parts. But information seems limited.
Since James (Crouchy) contacted me, I’ve been digging around and I can’t find any concrete information online that supports the ‘fake theory’. I even browsed a replica forum, where someone asked where they could find a rep of one.. they categorically said “you won’t find a rep of a one of these” going on to say that you won’t find a rep of any 70’s super compressor case.
http://www.replica-watch.info/vb/sho...er-63641.html?
If you google it, you will see this model sold on Rolex forums, dive watch forums, watchuseek, plus loads of other watch forums. You can see a few for sale on specialist online shops. In all these cases, it has never been flagged up or suggested that it is fake.. more importantly, if mine is proved to be fake, then all the others in collectors hands will be under huge suspicion too.
http://modernvintageclassicwatches.c...diver-watches/
So, please share your expertise.
In the mean –time, James is going to get the case back whipped off and photos of all markings taken.