onesvintagehk | Differentiate Real and Fake Chanel

1｜Introduction

2 | Serial Number

3 | Authenticity Card and Microchip

4 | Chanel Logo

5 | Leather Texture

6 | Stitching

7 | Hardware and Chain Details

8 | Dust Bag and Packaging Box

9 | Where to Verify Authenticity

10 | What Does Ones Vintage Offer

1｜Introduction

Welcome to this guide! We will be teaching you how to verify the authenticity of Chanel handbags. Chanel is a highly renowned luxury brand and, as such, is often targeted by counterfeiters. For novice buyers, purchasing a pre-owned handbag can be nerve-wracking as you may not be certain of the bag's authenticity. To ensure that the Chanel handbag you are purchasing is genuine, carefully inspect the authenticity card and hologram sticker, examine the leather quality, scrutinize the stitching and craftsmanship, and seek professional assistance when needed. We hope these tips will help you ensure that the Chanel handbag you are purchasing is indeed authentic. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

2 | Serial Number

Identifying Chanel handbags through their unique serial numbers is a crucial step to ensure that you are purchasing an authentic product. Every Chanel handbag should come with a serial number, which is typically found on the label and certificate inside the handbag. Chanel places an anti-counterfeiting label inside the bag with the handbag's serial number, indicating the production year and model of the bag. Each handbag's serial number is unique, similar to a silver foil number. From 1986 to 2004, the serial numbers consisted of 7 digits, while from 2005 to the present, they consist of 8 digits. The initial digits vary depending on the year, for example, bags from 1997 to 1999 start with "5," and bags from 2021 start with "31." This serial number is a code composed of a series of letters and numbers representing the bag's production batch and date. We have another article that teaches you how to read Chanel serial numbers to help you better understand and verify your handbag. When checking the serial number, ensure that it is clear and legible, with no misspellings or errors. 

Additionally, be aware that counterfeiters may try to mimic these serial numbers, so make sure the format, placement, and font of the serial number match those of official Chanel handbags. If you have any doubts about the serial number, it is recommended to contact Chanel directly or a professional appraiser to ensure that the handbag you are purchasing is authentic. Remember, carefully inspecting the serial number is one of the crucial steps in ensuring that you are buying a genuine Chanel handbag. This consistency not only enhances the product's security and credibility but also provides consumers with an additional safeguard when purchasing luxury goods, ensuring that they are buying genuine Chanel products rather than counterfeits.

3 | Authenticity Card and Microchip

Each authentic Chanel handbag comes with an authenticity card commonly known as the "black card." Using the authenticity card to identify luxury goods is a common method, as it contains relevant information such as the product model, purchase date, and sales location. Chanel authenticity cards typically feature the brand's logo and unique design, with high-quality printing and exquisite details. The dimensions of the authenticity card are approximately 8.5 cm in length and 5.4 cm in width, with a gold border. The gold border on the authenticity card should be neat, clean, scratch-resistant, and finely crafted. Any minor flaws may indicate doubts about its authenticity. To ensure the authenticity of the handbag and its value in the second-hand market, preserving this authenticity card is crucial. Possessing a complete and genuine identity card not only enhances the value of the handbag but also increases the buyer's trust. Therefore, when using and storing Chanel handbags, it is essential to properly safeguard the authenticity card. The gold border of the authenticity card has a gold-stamped effect, and the holographic logo in the upper right corner changes color when viewed from different angles, with the double C logo visible under ultraviolet light.

On the back of the Chanel authenticity card in the upper right corner, there is a circular holographic logo, which is not present on older identity cards. This holographic logo makes it challenging to see the double C logo clearly under natural light. If the double C logo is clearly visible under natural light, it is likely a counterfeit. When the identity card is exposed to light, the gold border has a gold-stamped effect, and the holographic logo in the upper right corner changes color when viewed from different angles. Under ultraviolet light, the double C logo can be clearly seen. Under ultraviolet light, a glowing line can be observed at the bottom of the identity card, which is a unique feature of authentic identity cards. The holographic logo of authentic cards reflects different colors when viewed from different angles, displaying a variety of reflections. In contrast, counterfeit holographic logos are often simpler, lacking this complex reflective effect. Authentic identity cards may have tiny colored specks visible up close in the holographic logo, while counterfeit holographic logos typically lack these details, appearing rough and simple. The presence of holographic anti-counterfeiting logos significantly enhances the anti-counterfeiting capabilities of Chanel handbags, making it more challenging to counterfeit fake products. Starting in 2021, most Chanel handbags have begun using NFC chips, significantly reducing the risk of purchasing counterfeit goods. Unlike previous serial numbers, the letters and numbers on the NFC chip are random.

4 | Chanel Logo

Using the Chanel logo to distinguish authenticity is key to identifying genuine Chanel products. The logo on Chanel products is typically placed in strategic positions and remains consistent. It should be centered and aligned correctly on the item, whether it's a handbag, clothing, or accessory. Pay attention to the font style of the Chanel logo. Each letter design detail is unique, such as the letter "C" being circular, the horizontal line in the letter "H" being slightly above center, the letter "A" being rectangular, the letter "N" being wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the letter "E" having three horizontal lines of different lengths. The double C clasp on the Chanel Flap Bag should be centered, with smooth and even edges, usually embossed or embedded in a prominent position on the bag, with exquisite and smooth details. The Chanel logo, composed of interlocking double "C" letters, is the brand's iconic symbol. When examining the Chanel logo, there are some key points to be careful about. The interlocking double "C" logo should be symmetrical, with the two "C"s being equal in size and proportion. The spacing between the two "C"s should be consistent and balanced. The Chanel logo should be meticulously crafted, with clear lines and sharp edges. The logo should look crisp and clear, without any blurriness or damage. Counterfeit logos often appear rough, with untidy edges, and may show signs of stains or blurriness.

5 | Leather Texture

Using the texture of leather to distinguish authenticity is an important method. Authentic Chanel handbags typically use high-quality leather, with a soft and delicate touch, a smooth and even surface, and natural texture and luster. Counterfeit leather often feels rough, artificial, less soft than the genuine product, and may lack natural texture and luster. Therefore, by touching and examining the leather texture of the handbag, you can help distinguish authenticity. Chanel mainly uses three mainstream leather materials - lambskin, caviar leather, and calfskin, each with unique characteristics that significantly impact the feel and appearance of the bag.

Lambskin is a commonly used premium material in luxury leather goods, known for its extreme softness and smoothness. Authentic Chanel lambskin handbags exhibit a velvety touch and creamy luster, providing an unparalleled high-quality feel. Lightly touching authentic lambskin allows you to experience its extreme softness, with a surface as smooth as silk. If the surface of a handbag is smooth but lacks softness in touch, it is often a sign of a counterfeit product. Authentic lambskin not only has a delicate touch but also maintains its original softness and luster over time, resistant to significant wear or deformation. In contrast, counterfeit lambskin often falls short in texture and touch, showing signs of hardening, creasing, or fading over time.

Calfskin is a high-quality leather commonly used in Chanel handbags, known for its soft and delicate touch, showcasing a natural matte finish. The texture of authentic calfskin is very uniform, maintaining a smooth feel even in smaller areas. The surface of authentic bags should be smooth and free of obvious flaws, with metal hardware feeling smooth and not causing any discomfort. In comparison, counterfeit items typically use lower-grade leather, feeling harder and rougher, with surfaces showing noticeable flaws like creases, scratches, or uneven color. The delicacy and smoothness of authentic calfskin are a testament to its quality, details that are often challenging to replicate in counterfeit products. Additionally, the metal hardware of authentic bags undergoes meticulous processing, appearing flawless visually and providing a comfortable touch.

Caviar leather is processed from calfskin through a special process, featuring a unique granular texture that offers more dimension than lambskin. Chanel's caviar-textured handbags are widely popular for their durability and resistance to scratches. The surface of authentic caviar leather is evenly covered with raised small indentations, forming a natural and elegant granular texture. Due to its unique processing technique, the texture of authentic caviar leather is very delicate and uniform, making it difficult to replicate. Counterfeit caviar leather often lacks natural texture and uniformity in grain, appearing rough or uneven in granular texture, unable to achieve the delicacy of the authentic product. Additionally, the leather of counterfeit items may show significant wear and color changes over time, while authentic pieces maintain their original three-dimensional feel and texture. Therefore, by observing the granular texture and uniformity of caviar leather, you can effectively distinguish the authenticity of Chanel handbags.

6 | Stitching

Chanel handbags are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, and to distinguish the authenticity of Chanel products, you can inspect the stitching. Authentic Chanel handbags typically have high-quality stitching with 8 to 10 stitches per inch, ensuring the shape and durability of the handbag; whereas counterfeit items may have fewer stitches, resulting in a looser appearance. Whether on the front or back, the quilting of authentic Chanel handbags remains perfectly aligned.

The stitching of the classic quilted pattern is consistently continuous, without interruptions or backstitching issues, making each diamond look neat, uniform, straight, matching the color of the leather, and using durable and delicate thread. Counterfeit items often have fewer stitches, lower quality stitching, uneven diamond sizes, potential asymmetry, misalignment, irregularity, looseness, or slanting, with incorrect thread colors. Additionally, the stitching technique of authentic items is unique, with fine craftsmanship in hidden stitches, providing an elegant overall texture, while counterfeit items may expose rough stitching, affecting the appearance.

7 | Hardware and Chain Details

To distinguish the authenticity of Chanel handbags through the hardware accessories, you can focus on several key points. The leather and metal chains of Chanel handbags are one of its classic signatures. Whether in gold, silver, or vintage tones, the chains appear shiny and delicate, resistant to fading. The design inspiration for these chains comes from the chains worn by monastery guards to hold keys at their waist, becoming a major feature of Chanel handbags. Each leather strap is complete, with seamless stitching and not pieced together from multiple sections.

The hardware of authentic handbags typically uses high-quality metal, with finely processed screw edges and grooves, smooth and flawless to the touch, clear logo engraving. Counterfeit items may use inferior materials, with rough surface polishing, prone to scratching or discoloration, and blurry logo engraving. The font of the authentic logo is clear, uniform, with appropriate spacing between letters, precise shapes, while counterfeit items may have blurry or uneven fonts, and even spelling errors. Additionally, the color of authentic hardware is usually gold or silver, with high and long-lasting luster, while counterfeit items may have duller colors that fade easily.

Authentic hardware undergoes meticulous polishing, with a sturdy structure, no looseness, smooth operation of buckles and zippers, while counterfeit items may be more fragile, with switches that are not smooth. Furthermore, to ensure the longevity of the handbag, authentic metal zippers are heavier, with double-stitched closures, while counterfeit zippers are typically lighter, with single-stitched closures, and lower-quality ones may even have traces of glue, leading to easy damage to the handbag.

8 | Dust Bag and Packaging Box

Apart from the handbag itself, packaging is also an important detail in distinguishing the authenticity of Chanel handbags. To identify the authenticity of Chanel products through packaging, you can pay attention to several key points. Genuine packaging boxes are usually of high quality, sturdy in structure, luxurious to the touch, and often have a matte surface; whereas counterfeit items may appear flimsy or have rough workmanship, with uneven edges. The Chanel font design on the packaging should have consistent spacing between letters and be printed beautifully and clearly, while counterfeit logos may appear blurry or incorrect. Additionally, authentic dust bags are made of high-quality soft fabric, with exquisite printing, fine weaving, the brand name centered, clear printing that does not fade easily; whereas counterfeit dust bags may use inferior materials, have poor logos, messy stitching, and overall rough quality. Authentic products typically come with serial number, authenticity card and microchip/ NFC chips as "identity," providing detailed information; whereas counterfeit items may lack these cards or have poor printing quality. In terms of overall packaging presentation, genuine products are usually carefully designed with proper item packaging, while counterfeit items may appear rushed or incomplete.

9 | Where to Verify Authenticity

It is important to note that Chanel does not provide an official authentication service. If you have doubts about a Chanel product you have purchased, you can seek professional authentication services. Through professional authentication services, you can obtain independent third-party opinions to further ensure that the Chanel product you have purchased is genuine. This method can provide you with more assurance and confidence, allowing you to confidently own and use your Chanel products. Common luxury authentication agencies in Asia include Entrupy and CCIC (中檢). Entrupy is a professional luxury authentication company with advanced technology and tools that can help customers verify the authenticity of luxury items such as handbags, shoes, and accessories. They use high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence technology to accurately detect the details and features of products, providing reliable authentication results. CCIC is a well-known luxury authentication agency with extensive experience and professional knowledge specializing in the appraisal and authentication of luxury items. They typically conduct detailed inspections of the materials, craftsmanship, logos, and other aspects of products and provide objective authentication reports, widely recognized as a reliable luxury authentication agency.

10 | What Does Ones Vintage Offer

Ones Vintage is an authorized merchant of Entrupy authentication services under the LVMH group, providing certification services related to authentication. Entrupy offers advanced technology that combines human expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure customers receive the most reliable luxury goods authentication services. Entrupy's technology surpasses human eye authentication in several aspects. While manual authentication may lead to errors or oversights, Entrupy's technology can detect even the smallest differences or inconsistencies that may indicate a product is counterfeit. By leveraging machine learning and data analysis, Entrupy's system continuously improves and adapts to new counterfeit techniques, staying at the forefront of counterfeiters in the ever-changing luxury goods market.

If customers have any questions or concerns about their luxury bags, they can consult Ones Vintage, where they can benefit from a comprehensive verification process that combines human expertise and cutting-edge technology, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of their luxury goods purchases. Customers can rely on our professional team and Entrupy's technology to ensure the authenticity of their luxury goods, providing them with confidence and peace of mind.