I bought a fake Rolex watch (Oyster Perpectual Explorer) 20+ years ago while travelling through HK. It cost me A$15.00 at the time. I hardly wear it these days but it still works well and hasn't lost any precision - no battery needed too :). I would be just as happy if it were a real Rolex.
Have you bought any fake watch that is almost as good as the real thing for a fraction of the price?
/WT
Well yeah, even a cheapy ~$70 Seagull 2533 Chinese automatic movement has a jewel bearing from the pics
OP I have a fake 3090 card if you want test out how a real one runs.
Sheils are letting low-end Pulsars out for as low as $39 with a little bow on the box. You could probably pour a carton into a $2 claw-crane and walk away with a profit but I guess people would rather have a "name" - even if it is a made-up story one rather than a reflection of decades and generations of meticulous precision and craftsmanship - on their wrist than a dependable well made piece.
Haha no wonder that first vid has comments turned off and bulk downvotes. He literally knows nothing about reps and is comparing everything to sub $100 shitters you'd find in Thai market stalls.
I understand his sentiment that there are cheap iconic watches but ironically there are reps with better factory quality assurance, time keeping, and waterproofing than the SKX he's showing off.
Even Rolex themselves have high degrees of QA tolerance than the big rep factories and allow mistakes through that rep buyers would refuse.
Don't get me wrong, he's got a great watch and he's right about it being a good first buy but almost everything else he says misses the mark big time.
Also nearly all his points can come down to Swiss manufacturing pretentiousness, which is ironic given Seiko (the brand he is wearing) were the baddies and outsiders back in the day when they disrupted the Swiss monopoly.
Thank you watchnerd for having a brain unlike everyone else on this thread…
I have a fake IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN Portofino Hand-Wound.
It looks very close to the real deal, is hand wound, but the movement is clearly underdone. Loses time in 24 hours as opposed to 8 days.
I paid $100 AUD in Malaysia for a 'good fake'. I don't pass it off as real, and I don't wear it often (I wear a fitness military watch for work/gym/running).
If I ever hit a point where money is 'free and easy, I'd replace it with a genuine IWC in a heartbeat.
For now, i have a fake watch and 2 kids.
Here's a research freebie for you:
AF factory have developed an excellent top their rep of the IWC 511102 since about 2018 if that's what you're talking about. you may also be thinking of the 5101 which was deposed about 2013 but from memory has a shit movement.
Anything bought from a stall overseas for 100 bucks won't even come close. These top tier rep factories won't have the time issues you are having. Shockingly, in many cases the reps will have better timekeeping and waterpoof stats!
Not sure about the waterproof stats. Many reps do look sensational on the outside…but the problem with reps is what's hidden inside. Dust, fingerprints and poorly lubricated movements. Then there's the zero after-sale service and finding a watchsmith willing to repair a rep. I'd stick to the 2824-2 clones without the exhibition case backs and decorated movements.
Search the vsf omegas. Those ones specifically beat waterproofing ootb.
As for movements, I have one with a 3135 clone and have work it almost every day for years, including during sports like cricket and golf, and it still keeps excellent time. I'm not having a go at you but I don't think you realise how deep the rep world runs. Even just on the English forums most new models are stripped and assessed by members to find flaws, so not much is ever 'hidden' by the good factories.
Finally, while I've never needed one, I know there are plenty of rep friendly watchmakers in the major aus cities as it's often discussed on forums. You can also post them to rep pros in the communities.
@900dollaridoos: I don't own any reps, but I already know everything you are saying. All of it. RWI and r/RepTime certainly are rabbit holes.
On a side note, I imagine it will only be a few years until most luxury goods are certified on the blockchain with smart contracts.
@ilikeit: Hmm I'd never thought about that. That's really interesting.
I casually look at some of the other two communities and I know the sneaker fellas have beaten the RFID proofs but yeah Blockchain goes beyond my knowledge.
For what it's worth I reckon they'd shoot themselves in the foot if they implemented it as it would instantly devalue all pre-blockchain gen watches.
Given a big inherent value of luxury watches is their (often misguided) expectation to be a financial investment, the instant devaluing of all previous watches would ruin trust and therefore future value.
Who knows though, I'm just thinking out loud cos I love talking a out watches hahaha
@900dollaridoos: The past is the past. The big players already have a history and people will always like or only be able to afford second hand watches, but profit is in future sales.
Look up VeChain. Partners include LVMH (Louis Vuitton), BMW, Walmart, H&M. Breitling and Vacheron Constantin are already using blockchain technology for encrypted passports. Serial numbers on plastic cards will become obsolete, but there will always be a rep market.
@ilikeit: Nice, that is definitely interesting and I think you're right about their attitudes to the past/profits.
I still can't quite comprehend how they could effectively use Blockchain for luxury goods personally, but I'm sure smarter people than me have/will.
@900dollaridoos: Honestly, I'm sure about the technology. They may use QR codes or addresses linked to the serials.
@ilikeit: Guess we'll see. For the minute I'm backing my crafty genius Bois in China to figure it out 😂
@ilikeit: How would that provide any benefit over the current system? I'm assuming the watch has a serial which the luxury brand can verify the legitimacy of. How would putting it on a blockchain change anything?
@ilikeit: You holding any VET yourself? Thinking about buying some during the dip, just trying to work out how much further it's gonna drop first.
@thanatos350: I'll be buying more VET while everything's in this lull period. It's got a good mission statement I'm here for it.
Was December 2013 I bought it.
For me the answer is no, i'd rather no watch then a fake watch
With that said i've seen some good fakes and some bad fakes in my time i got a friend who paid around $500 for a fake Rolex and honestly i cant tell the difference
So for me it is a No but for others it might be worth it
Have you bought any fake watch that is almost as good as the real thing for a fraction of the price
No never. At least not knowingly. I’d happily settle for an affordable alternative but not a fake replica.
Worth it until the Minute hand breaks loose and starts floating around the face.
Interesting question. I purchased a lovely replica automatic "Omega" watch in Vietnam for about $30 ten years ago and it still keeps good time. Admit you get what you pay for sure but I reckon I have had my moneys worth from this bit of jewellery.
I had worn mine for few years. In that time was Nice to know if it was stolen I would not lose as much as if it was real expensive one.
I say this cuz I had lost a expensive (by my standards) watch before.
Nowadays I usually dun use a watch
Would you feel proud of wearing fake branded goods? I’d rather buy a quality mid-tier brand.
It's all about aesthetics and love of watchmaking for me. I don't feel shame wearing reps and openly tell people about them, no bad responses yet in person even to people I know with gens.
problem is mid tiers are largely shit
i dont think the raymond weil, maurice lacroix and that shit is worth anything
be that as it may, a lot of the lower end omega, rolex are crap too… like who the hell wants a quartz de ville
be that as it may, people can buy whatever crap they like and if they enjoy it, more power to them
further australia isnt much of a watch snobby kind of country anyway
if you have a real rolex sub 99% of people wouldnt know if its a real one or an invicta pro diver
Their are definitely overpriced but how are lower end omega and Rolex shit? They have great movements and function.
Only if your want it to end up in landfill. Oops wrong thread.
I watched an interview with an ex NFL player and he actually said all his watches were fake! He said once you got money, you gotta keep it & people won't ever doubt you wear fake.
It's a good point, if you already own a Ferrari is anyone going to question your fake 80k Rolex.
The fakes are getting so good these days, that watch experts can barely tell under a microscope. There is heaps of YouTube videos on it!
That was probably Chad Johnson aka Ochocinco
Ive got all genuine watches, but sometimes i dont want to wear them everyday for fear of getting damaged. If i could get a high quality fake, then i would probably be more inclined to wear it. I would be 100% open about it being a fake tho.
Top tier reps are extremely widespread and easy to acquire now. Most of the ones I have are indistinguishable side by side with gens i've compared to. Just don't use Google or you'll end up scammed. Reddit and RWI are you're friend.
I have a similar story as well. While working in Singapore in the 80's, my US colleagues liked to buy fake watches as fun gifts to bring back to US. Everyone would have a good laugh and no one would misunderstand it as the real thing…
You're all G in my book until you start calling it a timepiece.
Thank you!
No one should call any watches that.
Agreed, it's does the horological wonders a disservice
Have a look at r/watchescirclejerk
So good
I'm a massive fan of watches and now own a handful of top tier reps (VRF, VSF etc). I got into it becuase I got a new job and after I saved up for my ideal watch, the hulk, I found I couldn't even get on waiting lists for a shot and maybe one day having a chance to buy one in a few years time.
Now if this was a limited edition Patek, that would be one thing, but this was a entry level metal sports watch that I'd been specifically advertised at to buy.
I understand this isn't bulletproof morality, I fully understand this is an illegal hobby, but in my opinion if the money I'm spending on a rip off couldn't have been going to the creator, I can sleep fine. In this case the creators wouldn't even let me throw my money at them, so… (profanity) em lol.
For what it's worth the majority of the reps I have are indistinguishable from gen without a macro lens or a watchmaker pulling apart the movement, even then it's a close call. Really fascinating rabbit hole to go down if you like engineering as well.
Final note, imo, if you have a rep the only rules are don't lie about it and DEFINITELY don't scam with it. I don't go around announcing mine are reps as that would spiral, but anyone that asks me about it I end up telling and so far no bad reactions, in fact almost all converted!
Yeah nah.
I don’t wear watches for what others think. I wear the best I can afford to spend on a watch. It’s all about how it makes you feel.
Wearing a fake rolex was cool from about 18-21yrs old for the ‘bling’.
26, could afford each of the gen versions of the reps I own, my favourite rep is a JLC moonphase, it's the opposite of bling as very few know the brand let alone recognise it.
I find myself looking at it and enjoying it throughout the day whenever I wear it so it was great value. I've had two people recognise it in my life, both colleagues, both owned various gens, and one was literally a former Rolex/omega salesman. Both thought it was gen, told both it was rep, but they were chill about it and enjoyed the engineering and aesthetics behind it as much as me.
Can afford and can afford to spend on a watch are two different things. One is about capacity and the other is capacity and priority.
Personally just knowing I’m wearing a fake doesn’t bring joy to me. And lets get this straight, I’m not a watch wearer or care much for beauty of the mechanics
Given specifically I saved up for a Rolex as my first one and was denied by their waiting lists I feel my initial comment about affording was accurate.
And lets get this straight, I’m not a watch wearer or care much for beauty of the mechanics
Lmao why even comment then? I don't get much out of indie films, I'm not gonna go telling film fans that Napoleon dynamite is not a good indie film..
@900dollaridoos: Because I can. The OP was talking about fake watches and I gave my opinion. You may have misunderstood it.
One thing I learnt early on is money can’t buy class ;-)
@Vote for Pedro: Lol imagine negging someone for calling you out then talking about class 😬
I didn't misunderstand your opinion, I just pointed out it was a very bad one, evidence seen in you saying you know nothing about the subject lol
@900dollaridoos: What? That a fake watch is indeed a fake watch and that I grew out of it in my early 20’s?
You are an odd character for wanting to force your point of view on everyone.
@Vote for Pedro: you even negged that, seek help lmao.
All the best staying classy in your costco suit bucko
@900dollaridoos: You can’t let it go lol and had to search my comment history lol. Did I hit a nerve or a personal complex?
Lololololololol
You don't happen to put "M" badges on your BMW right?
You only need an expensive steering wheel to flex online
Bought a real Rolex earlier this year, bought a $100 fake one to compare, it was pretty impressive but for anyone that knows watches could tell it was a fake, but for the price it looked great. Also bought a few super fake (much more than $100), they are crazy replica of the real thing to the point that avid collectors would struggle to tell them from real ones. There is a whole fake watch community out there with verified replica sellers. Apparently the factories get raided occasionally and closed down, but of course they pop back up.
where do you buy super fakes from
this
RWI and r/reptime are solid starting points. There are other rep watch forums and that too
The less you care what other people think about you the better. Nothing wrong with wearing fake
I don't care what other people think, therefore I don't wear fake gear.
Very true, unless you appreciate the aesthetic of the aforementioned designer piece
I can only imagine how empowering it must be to be so indifferent to the opinions of others as to have fake branding on an item you own. A homage is one thing. If you truly just like the design and don't care then fair enough. But wearing a fake with the branding. If you don't care what others think then why bother?
God forbid someone wears something because they just like the look of it
Indeed you make a good point. As far as I'm aware the Bible doesn't mention anything specifically about fake Rolex watches. It appears to have been overlooked entirely for some reason. It could be right at the end of the book of Jeremiah after all the infidelity. It's tough going and I honestly doubt anyone has checked. It does rather frown upon overt displays of wealth and posessions in a few places but these things are notoriously hard to pin down.
In any case I think it's trademark law that forbids it and generally laws tend to be based on moral codes that have historically been influenced to some extent by religion. So perhaps he or she isn't too pleased about it. It's quite hard to say with any certainty.
I think it was Shakespeare who once posited that a Rolex by any other name would still look like you grandfather's old watch. Given as you've now informed me that it's not simply people just trying a bit too hard, I'm struggling to understand what it is about the Rolex font and that somewhat wonky looking crown logo that people just love the look of. Given the fakes would still look otherwise the same without it. Someone should clue me in here.
@Technics: You got me wrong mate. My blasphemy is nothing more than a desire to express my freedom of speech as i don't live in Ireland and other countries where blasphemy is illegal
@belongsinforums: That's the trouble with forums isn't it. They sometimes lack the nuance of the spoken word. I think you may have me wrong here too. I'm not a Christian so your no doubt deeply disrespectful blasphemy caused me no serious personal offence. I was merely playing devils advocate here if you will. No I've personally been a devout and orthodox Pastafarian since converting from Zoroastrianism in my late 50's. So either way I'll see you in hell. Me for the false god and you for the immoral fashion accessories and religious sacrilege. Still, you're very brave to have spoken out and an eternity of damnation is a small price to pay for your right to free expression.
if you're too poor to afford a Rolex, you shouldn't be wearing one - simples.
Who cares lol
Obviously this guy
it's not about caring tbh, it's just self-dignity. The reason these items are luxury items is because they aren't attainable (via disposable income) for a large portion of society.
dignity is the least of your issues if youre spending money on these luxury items if you cant afford them
Imagine thinking you're better than someone because you have some metal and glass on your wrist.
From what I understand there are various quality of fakes ranging from top end A1 grade to C or D grade. I picked up an A grade Breitling Navitimer in Seoul a few years back which looks superb and still going strong at a fraction of the cost of the authentic one being around $8,200. Apparently the street sellers have the low end grade and the private viewing rooms in retail outlets have the top end gear. I was led through a secret passage way that led into the viewing room which was no more than 2m x 2m in the middle of the retail showroom.
Naviforce all the way.
I have a couple of smart watches but like the Naviforce designs on some and are cheap.
Yes they copy to an extent but yeah I have had fake watches before but they didn't last long as I am rough
I recently purchased gold, silver, and darker silver versions of the Casio F-91W. They don't say CASIO and the coloured plating is noticeably worse than my genuine Casio gold colour plated…wahtever.
I paid about $3 each for them and I like them and they keep good time.
A few years ago I purchased a fake Casio F91W. I like it and it has kept good time.
I've never wanted to purchase a fake Rolex etc though I spent some time hanging around forums and subreddits devoted to that. Only because I don't want to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a watch (even though I understand it is a pretty damn good ape of a couple of thousand dollars watch).
If you buy the right watches, it can be an investment. If you had bought a real Rolex 15 years ago instead of the $15 one depending on the model you would've likely doubled it if not more. Some of the watches I have bought in the last 2-3 years have grown in value by 50%-80% (e.g. 39mm Rolex Explorer bought for roughly $8k, now worth $13-15k).
15 years ago he had $15 to spend on a watch not $8000 to spend on a watch.
Buy and wear whatever that makes you happy. Just don’t sell it claiming it’s real.
No one buys a fancy watch to tell the time accurately. A $50 mobile phone that updates its time from the network will always be more accurate.
You buy the watch for the luxury branding, the look, and the awesome attention to detail. All of which are missing from a cheap knock off from China.
I have.
I get my jollies by checking up on my precisionist watches for accuracy.
Its not like you can walk into a store and buy a rolex even if you wanted to. Even for people willing to buy at retail, the company makes it difficult.
As you can see from the comments. Although it would seem fairly innocent to wear a dependable knock off watch, there are a lot of people who would still judge you as being cheap for wearing an imitation.
So functionally, you got a working watch that has held up well, but socially, it seems the people who actually care about watch names are quite vain and will crucify you.
I wear cheap, but well made Chinese watches like Casiden as I couldn't care less about a brand or name, but still like something that looks classic and a bit stylish. I would personally prefer to do this as oppose to wearing a fake rolex, as the snobs who actually care about imitation watches aren't going to judge you as harshly for "trying" to be one of them.
The good thing is the opinion of watch "snobs" who would judge you for wearing a fake is worth less than 0.
Wear whatever you want, it's your wrist!
(I also prefer Cadisen/Guanquin/the Chinese microbrands who are making original designs. Best dollar for quality option in recent years)
The problem I have with counterfeit or replicas, whether that be a watch, handbag, wallet or jewellery is that once you own one and people recognise that it is a fake no matter how much money you spend on a genuine. The perception will be that it is a fake or a very well made replica.
If you are a person that values what other people think of you because that is the social circle you are in. Then replicas and fakes won't do your image a good thing.
If you don't give 2 boots what others think then go for it.
Where do you draw the line on Frankenstein watch? Once upon a time you can pick up an used Datejust case and dial for bugger all, slap an ETA movement in there (it fits with appropriate mod parts) and get a leather strap then no one would be able to tell it's not all there.
it's all a personal choice for each person. if that is what you like, and you are able tinker with things like that then that is awesome…
for myself, i wouldn't do it. simply because i don't know enough about it, how and where to start. but my interest isn't in watches.
for me i wouldn't be buying a $20K Patek, nor would i spend $50 on a fake from thailand regardless how well it is made.
i'd be buying a $2000 Tissot or $3000 Tag.
for what i do as a living, there is an image i like to uphold but within budgetary means.
Was it bought in woman street and did they say "hey Mr or Miss do you want watchu"?
Each to their own. As long as the wearer doesn't go boast around I wear a (fake) [insert brand here] then it's alright.
There are forums full of people spending hundreds if not over a grand on high quality reps. I don't get them but hey, again, each to their own. I think there's this one dude on Whirlpool that used to harp on about how good reps are before he started buying real Panerai's. I think they're real anyway as I'm not a Panerai connoisseur.
If I liked the watch and it worked ok, I'd be happy with a fake at the right price. People who would judge me for that aren't worth the time of day 😁
I've never bought a fake because I don't want to support the replica industry, even for 'curiosity' sake.
"Almost as good as the real thing" is a very subjective measure since we're talking about intangible qualities here and if you've never bought the real thing then you would not really be able to judge the difference. Everyone so far on this thread is trying to convince everyone else that there is something tangibly 'better' about luxury items. This is only half the story. The other and likely the main reason people spend obscene amounts on luxury goods, which have only marginal tangible benefits over a cheaper brand or knockoff, is the actual experience of buying it. It's getting the whole royal treatment at the million dollar fitted out boutique. Having the sales people suck up to you and flatter you. The adrenaline rush of dropping 3 months salary on a handbag. The after sales personal phone call. The whole experience is the intangible quality that many people get out of it. The luxury brands want to make it an experience you never forget (and hopefully get you addicted so you keep coming back for more.) Yes it sounds vain but it makes sense when you really think about how human psychology works.
those who are saying its crime to wear or buy fake, please stop buying all brands who copy Apple and Samsung a lot in design.
There's a difference between a homage and a replica. Copying or creating a similar design is different to making a copy including branding.
But is it ethical? Isn't that the whole point
Personal thought is no. Copying design queues is fine especially when it's the best way to do something.
Using your phone example, there are only so many ways to create a device with a large screen. It's natural that good features from one platform will make it to the other. When you're copying distinct design elements, that starts to become a bit more of a grey area. Some of these may be covered by design patents. When you're copying the whole package including branding, measurements in my opinion that is wrong.
most Gshock replicas are just as good as the gen. However gen ones have really good warranty service so its worthwhile most of the time to pay for gen
This G-Shock just dropped a bit more if you want a real one -
yes, they do. I have a number of cheap mechanical watches. All the more recent ones I own have either Seiko or Miyota movements (as they're not that expensive wholesale). Some of the ones I bought when I was younger are fake designs and they have mechanical movements but of unknown source.