First off, the GW-9400, especially the 1CR version (which just basically means the colorway, usually black), is a *super* popular G-Shock. And you know what happens when something’s popular? Yup, fakes pop up like weeds.
Now, there’s no single magic bullet to tell you definitively “FAKE!” right away. It’s more like a checklist. I saw you mentioned a video from “Watch Greek” (probably Watch Geek, right?), and he’s spot on about the batch number. That can be a clue, but sometimes the fakers are getting smarter and even copying those. Sigh.
One thing that’s often a tell is the LCD. Look closely at the display. The text you mentioned saying that fake G-Shocks have no lines on the LCD behind the day is a good start, but don’t bet the farm on it. Fakes are getting better.
Also, about those screws… Yeah, the direction they’re facing *can* be a sign, but again, not always. It’s more about the overall finish and quality. Do the screws look cheap? Are they sitting flush? Does anything look wonky? Trust your gut.
Someone else pointed to the sensor on the side. That’s actually a really good point! Get a close-up pic if you can. The quality of the sensor and how it’s integrated into the watch can often give it away. Fakes tend to cut corners here.
And about buying from Amazon… Look, I’m not saying *everyone* on Amazon is trying to rip you off, but you gotta be careful! Check the seller’s rating, read the reviews (especially the negative ones – see if there are any red flags about authenticity), and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. You know the saying!
Honestly, if you’re seriously worried, the best bet is to buy from an authorized dealer. Yeah, you’ll pay a bit more, but you get that sweet peace of mind.
Here’s the thing, though: even if it *looks* good, and *feels* good, and *functions* well… it *still* might be a really, really good fake. So, beyond all the visual checks, consider the overall experience. Does it feel like a genuine G-Shock? Does the button feel right? Does the weight feel right?
