What's your take on COPY watches?

Many people have different ideas about "copy", or "replica" watches. Some see them quite simply as "fakes" and are repulsed at the thought of them, while others see them as an inexpensive way to own a watch that they cannot and maybe will not ever be able to afford. Others see them as a way to "test-drive" a watch before they go and shell out thousands of dollars on the real thing, feeling that it's full on silly to buy that Rolex or Omega before getting a feel of what it's like to actually wear the thing in day-to-day life. Some see them as highly immoral, while others see them as a rather harmless copyright infringement..no more harmful than when you downloaded or burned that movie last week..or watched it on youtube.

Just wondering....what is your take on it?

Jake B

I generally have no problem with replicas, as long as the quality is at least decent and it doesn't claim to be something its not.

Ask AH, I know he has a very high opinion of Marina Militaire particularly.

I'm talkin' full on copies....Rolex, Omega, Tudor, etc.. with full branding etc..

FreeDive wrote:

I generally have no problem with replicas, as long as the quality is at least decent and it doesn't claim to be something its not.

Ask AH, I know he has a very high opinion of Marina Militaire particularly.

OH! F-in' hate em!!!

Haha...It's definitely a black an white issue with lots o' people.

FreeDive wrote:

OH! F-in' hate em!!!

Jake B wrote:

I'm talkin' full on copies....Rolex, Omega, Tudor, etc.. with full branding etc..

It's stealing someone else's work, intellectual property. It's wrong, pure and simple.

I think if it's an "homage" — a MM that looks like a Panny, or an Invicta that looks like a Rolex — no problem. I think if it's a knockoff made-to-look-like-the-real-thing-right-down-to-the-name, it's cheesedick.

I haven't given it too much thought honestly. Overall there are always knockoffs in every field, do you really think it hurts the "Original" manufacturers revenue? I don't. Does Rolex really need that extra $9200 for a Deep Sea Dweller or will they survive without it? Does Bill Gates really need that extra $150 for the Windows 7 upgrade or will he be homeless without it? I think you get the point where I'm coming from. Not to say that there aren't other values or morals involved. You've heard the adage that the Japanese never invented anything, they steal a design and make it better? Or the Chinese just straight up rip it off and make it cheaper?

Just wondering in that case, then...Have you ever copied a movie, video, album, or book..or computer software?

AO wrote:

Jake B wrote:

I'm talkin' full on copies....Rolex, Omega, Tudor, etc.. with full branding etc..

It's stealing someone else's work, intellectual property. It's wrong, pure and simple.

full on copies hate them!!! if they look close but at least try with different hand, dials, something to make them their own! I'm ok when a watch has been out of product for years ala omega ploprof, then 07 comes out with a model very close. I dont think omega ever brings that watch back without 07 success with it!!

I'll pass this time.
Have fun boys

25or6to4 wrote:

I think if it's an "homage" — a MM that looks like a Panny, or an Invicta that looks like a Rolex — no problem. I think if it's a knockoff made-to-look-like-the-real-thing-right-down-to-the-name, it's cheesedick.

I feel the wordage on the MM is way to close to panerai and it's funny they make almost every style panerai does! Invicta could have used other hands and let rolex mercedes hand off their piece!! only so many thing you can do with a watch but places like alpha and parnis are straight rebranded replice watches IMHO

it's a lowlife's way, if you can't afford it, don't buy Chinese crap and try to be something you ain't. Because of these people, if someone sees Rolex, the most common question is: " Is it real?"
In SE Asia I've seen very good copies of those fashion brands like Diesel, Armani etc, but with these watches, "originals" are pretty much the same crap, with 2 usd Chinese movement, but 50x more expensive.

Jake B wrote:

Just wondering in that case, then...Have you ever copied a movie, video, album, or book..or computer software?

But everyone who makes a copy of one of those items isn't necessarily mass selling it for profit. If they are I can quote AO's post again.

If it is an exact copy and clearly trying to pass off a fake as the real thing, it is not only wrong, it is illegal. These fakes raise the prices on real watches for all of us. They are 100% garbage in my opinion.

Homages, or companies that put their own name on watches that are similar to other watches are accepted and ok. sure it would be better if they tried to be original and come out with their own designs, BUT what they are doing is not illegal and fine IMO.

True, but then it basically gets into a little bit of "double-think" for some..."It's okay to steal a little bit" but if it's on a bigger scale it's just flat out wrong, plain and simple

I'm playing devil's advocate here....I just want to see the different opinions, and why.

FreeDive wrote:

Jake B wrote:

Just wondering in that case, then...Have you ever copied a movie, video, album, or book..or computer software?

But everyone who makes a copy of one of those items isn't necessarily mass selling it for profit. If they are I can quote AO's post again.

I don't know exact law in US, but here if you download a movie or music for your own use and you will not sell it or make a profit or play it for wider audience, it's not a crime or stealing. God bless PirateBay Fake watches are different case, it's pure stealing and usually fraudulence, because mostly those fake ones are sold like originals.

The test drive thing makes no sense...

Not to sound arrogant, but I have had an MM and now have a Panerai, not even comparable.

I have no problem with Alpha watches per se, they make watches that LOOK like the real deal but CLEARLY say ALPHA on the dial...

Jake B wrote:

True, but then it basically gets into a little bit of "double-think" for some..."It's okay to steal a little bit" but if it's on a bigger scale it's just flat out wrong, plain and simple

I'm playing devil's advocate here....I just want to see the different opinions, and why.

FreeDive wrote:

Jake B wrote:

Just wondering in that case, then...Have you ever copied a movie, video, album, or book..or computer software?

But everyone who makes a copy of one of those items isn't necessarily mass selling it for profit. If they are I can quote AO's post again.

My take on this topic is that brands like MM, even though they have their own name on a watch, steal designs. Sure, they offer a cheaper rendition of a watch but it is still wrong!

In regards to having similar design components, this will probably always happen in todays job market. People, even watch designers or design team members, often change jobs and take their experiences with them. It happens in every industry...it becomes their style, method, technique. In addition, watch companies have been around for centuries, duplication is bound to happen. As long as it isn't an exact copy with a different name I don't take issue with it.

TVDinner wrote:

If it is an exact copy and clearly trying to pass off a fake as the real thing, it is not only wrong, it is illegal. These fakes raise the prices on real watches for all of us. They are 100% garbage in my opinion.

Homages, or companies that put their own name on watches that are similar to other watches are accepted and ok. sure it would be better if they tried to be original and come out with their own designs, BUT what they are doing is not illegal and fine IMO.

The use of the term "Homage" in the category you are putting it in is laughable. "Similiar" to other watches? We all know damn well the "Homages" that most on message boards like are Marina Militare's and Alpha's. These are EXACT copies of other brands with a different name glued on. Often made with parts or cases from counterfeit watches. You "Homage" guys are not fooling anybody. To pay "Homage" to something is to pay tribute to it. Not copy it exactly.

Made in the exact same factories, to be exact...alongside the Rolex and Panny replicas. I'm %110 sure of it

Aqua Homer wrote:

TVDinner wrote:

If it is an exact copy and clearly trying to pass off a fake as the real thing, it is not only wrong, it is illegal. These fakes raise the prices on real watches for all of us. They are 100% garbage in my opinion.

Homages, or companies that put their own name on watches that are similar to other watches are accepted and ok. sure it would be better if they tried to be original and come out with their own designs, BUT what they are doing is not illegal and fine IMO.

The use of the term "Homage" in the category you are putting it in is laughable. "Similiar" to other watches? We all know damn well the "Homages" that most on message boards like are Marina Militare's and Alpha's. These are EXACT copies of other brands with a different name glued on. Often made with parts or cases from counterfeit watches. You "Homage" guys are not fooling anybody. To pay "Homage" to something is to pay tribute to it. Not copy it exactly.

Produced by the exact same teenage Chinese hands in the exact same factories, my friend....just different stamps and silkscreens go on one.

Anomaly wrote:

The test drive thing makes no sense...

Not to sound arrogant, but I have had an MM and now have a Panerai, not even comparable.

I have no problem with Alpha watches per se, they make watches that LOOK like the real deal but CLEARLY say ALPHA on the dial...

camouflage wrote:

I don't know exact law in US, but here if you download a movie or music for your own use and you will not sell it or make a profit or play it for wider audience, it's not a crime or stealing. God bless PirateBay Fake watches are different case, it's pure stealing and usually fraudulence, because mostly those fake ones are sold like originals.

I copy movies all the time but they are solely for my use. If I really like a movie I can watch them repeatedly like the Bourne series. Anyone that copies movies for distribution should be nailed with a heavy fine.

boscoe wrote:

I'll pass this time.
Have fun boys

What the hell does that mean?! (to quote AH, of course!)

Jake B wrote:

Just wondering in that case, then...Have you ever copied a movie, video, album, or book..or computer software?

AO wrote:

Jake B wrote:

I'm talkin' full on copies....Rolex, Omega, Tudor, etc.. with full branding etc..

It's stealing someone else's work, intellectual property. It's wrong, pure and simple.

Used to. Just like I used to own an Alpha Submariner

falcon4311 wrote:

camouflage wrote:

I don't know exact law in US, but here if you download a movie or music for your own use and you will not sell it or make a profit or play it for wider audience, it's not a crime or stealing. God bless PirateBay Fake watches are different case, it's pure stealing and usually fraudulence, because mostly those fake ones are sold like originals.

I copy movies all the time but they are solely for my use. If I really like a movie I can watch them repeatedly like the Bourne series. Anyone that copies movies for distribution should be nailed with a heavy fine.

I actually can get fired if I receive a copied film (any company, not just Disney companies)...not related to watches, but speaks to how seriously some companies take their copywrights and patents.

with a working computer, it's quite tricky here too, because it might have multiple users and then it's already a crime, so I download only at home.

Just a side note.
There are a couple of forums dedicated ONLY to fake watches.
They are generally frequented by some of the most knowledgeable WIS I have ever seen.
Most are owners of the real deal who have an amazing desire to buy and rate various fakes that are available.
Most of the fakes that they talk about aren't of low quality.
Apparently there are a number of "high quality" fakes complete with real ETA movements and a few that produce these fakes are in competition to see who can be the best.
The technical stuff that these guys throw around when comparing fake vs. gen is staggering.
I was a member a few years ago at one place but stopped going there because I had no clue what they were talking about! (pinions not the same, font slightly different, date font off, etc...)

foghorn wrote:

Just a side note.
There are a couple of forums dedicated ONLY to fake watches.
They are generally frequented by some of the most knowledgeable WIS I have ever seen.
Most are owners of the real deal who have an amazing desire to buy and rate various fakes that are available.
Most of the fakes that they talk about aren't of low quality.
Apparently there are a number of "high quality" fakes complete with real ETA movements and a few that produce these fakes are in competition to see who can be the best.
The technical stuff that these guys throw around when comparing fake vs. gen is staggering.
I was a member a few years ago at one place but stopped going there because I had no clue what they were talking about! (pinions not the same, font slightly different, date font off, etc...)

Agreed. I used to surf at the biggest counterfeit watch forum there is. Probably the same one you are talking about. I stopped doing it, cause I felt I would ultimately have a stroke. The most enlightening thing about these places, is finding sponsors who build counterfeit watches as their full time job, but also put out "Homages" and well known micro brands in their spare time. Connecting the dots is easy when dealing with idiots and thieves.

Docrwm wrote:

Kind of over doing it with that smiley aren't we?

foghorn wrote:

Just a side note.
There are a couple of forums dedicated ONLY to fake watches.
They are generally frequented by some of the most knowledgeable WIS I have ever seen.
Most are owners of the real deal who have an amazing desire to buy and rate various fakes that are available.
Most of the fakes that they talk about aren't of low quality.
Apparently there are a number of "high quality" fakes complete with real ETA movements and a few that produce these fakes are in competition to see who can be the best.
The technical stuff that these guys throw around when comparing fake vs. gen is staggering.
I was a member a few years ago at one place but stopped going there because I had no clue what they were talking about! (pinions not the same, font slightly different, date font off, etc...)

Yeah, I frequented one of the big fake forums for a while about 5-6 years ago. I bought a couple fakes, but immediately felt dirty and crooked for doing so. Like they say: only fake people wear fake watches. Of course, I'm only referring to true replicas, not homages.

Aqua Homer wrote:

TVDinner wrote:

If it is an exact copy and clearly trying to pass off a fake as the real thing, it is not only wrong, it is illegal. These fakes raise the prices on real watches for all of us. They are 100% garbage in my opinion.

Homages, or companies that put their own name on watches that are similar to other watches are accepted and ok. sure it would be better if they tried to be original and come out with their own designs, BUT what they are doing is not illegal and fine IMO.

The use of the term "Homage" in the category you are putting it in is laughable. "Similiar" to other watches? We all know damn well the "Homages" that most on message boards like are Marina Militare's and Alpha's. These are EXACT copies of other brands with a different name glued on. Often made with parts or cases from counterfeit watches. You "Homage" guys are not fooling anybody. To pay "Homage" to something is to pay tribute to it. Not copy it exactly.

I'm with AH on this one and Jake is over in HK and has most likely seen this happen! i always get a kick from the alpha clones with 3atm screw down crowns,who makes a 3atm screw down crown!! ( they are replica cases so have the screw crowns)and look at the the seamaster caseback and the nice omega wave on it only to see where they machined out the seahorse and put a cheesy screened on A!!