What's your take on COPY watches?

Docrwm wrote:

MD might have some replica rolex's for poker nights!!

Insane....but some of them are better quality than many of the "real" watches out there, with sapphire crystals, trip-lock crowns, ETA movts...etc etc etc...flat out copies, in the truest sense. What it DOES do, is make you wonder how the hell, if those watches are available for $75 USD (if you're over here) does Rolex justify $6000 for a stainless steel diver. There is no freakin' WAY that their movt is worth $5925!

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...)

You can't BEGIN to compare a $75 replica to a genuine Rolex. The cheapest "quality" replicas I came across back then were at least $300, and some were more than double that price.

If you like the 'look' of an expensive watch, find a quality homage that captures the same wrist appeal for 10 cents on the dollar, or less. If you're interested in faking people out with the ritzy brand name, don't buy a replica, because there are many people you might fake out, but you won't fake out the most important one: you! The replica will make you feel cheap.

Jake B wrote:

Insane....but some of them are better quality than many of the "real" watches out there, with sapphire crystals, trip-lock crowns, ETA movts...etc etc etc...flat out copies, in the truest sense. What it DOES do, is make you wonder how the hell, if those watches are available for $75 USD (if you're over here) does Rolex justify $6000 for a stainless steel diver. There is no freakin' WAY that their movt is worth $5925!

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...)

how true tom, that baby will always be a fake and you will always know it!!! and when someone wants to see it upclose you'll always worry wheather the gys know watches or not!!

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...

Sorry, but I disagree. I could compare them if I chose to, and I'm 99% sure I would never have bought Panerai if not for getting hooked on MM.

pacifichrono wrote:

....don't buy a replica, because there are many people you might fake out, but you won't fake out the most important one: you! The replica will make you feel cheap.

You bet, I know from first hand experience. There is no joy in wearing a fake.

SynMike wrote:

pacifichrono wrote:

....don't buy a replica, because there are many people you might fake out, but you won't fake out the most important one: you! The replica will make you feel cheap.

You bet, I know from first hand experience. There is no joy in wearing a fake.

My experience, too, and many others.

Depends where you're finding them, bro...The ones that cost $300 on the internet are only $40 USD if you buy them right from the source Honestly...I know watches inside and out. I've been working with them for years.

pacifichrono wrote:

You can't BEGIN to compare a $75 replica to a genuine Rolex. The cheapest "quality" replicas I came across back then were at least $300, and some were more than double that price.

If you like the 'look' of an expensive watch, find a quality homage that captures the same wrist appeal for 10 cents on the dollar, or less. If you're interested in faking people out with the ritzy brand name, don't buy a replica, because there are many people you might fake out, but you won't fake out the most important one: you! The replica will make you feel cheap.

Jake B wrote:

Insane....but some of them are better quality than many of the "real" watches out there, with sapphire crystals, trip-lock crowns, ETA movts...etc etc etc...flat out copies, in the truest sense. What it DOES do, is make you wonder how the hell, if those watches are available for $75 USD (if you're over here) does Rolex justify $6000 for a stainless steel diver. There is no freakin' WAY that their movt is worth $5925!

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...)

Jake B wrote:

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

I'm sure of it.

The way I see it is I prefer those companies getting paid for more honestly branded copies/lookalikes than getting paid for straight-up branded replicas.

That doesn't make it the best world, maybe, but it at least makes it a better world.

A product is a product is a product to them though... Different value system..."intellectual property" is a vague concept when the "property" of your intellect is controlled and owned by your government.

"This written by Jake B...just wrote under Noah's ID at the workshop by accident "

AlbertaTime wrote:

Jake B wrote:

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

I'm sure of it.

The way I see it is I prefer those companies getting paid for more honestly branded copies/lookalikes than getting paid for straight-up branded replicas.

That doesn't make it the best world, maybe, but it at least makes it a better world.

Flat out copies including names, trademarks and distinguishing unique features I'll pass on. I have had my share of "homage" watches, but I would never try to pass them off as the original inspiration. Question to anyone who has replicas: do you infact admit that they are fakes to anyone who asks or play them off as the real deal?

Another question; with all the trademark infringement lawsuits that occur against homage watchmakers, how do the flat out conterfeiters remain in business as well as maintain websites touting the fact that the stuff is exact copies of the originals?

vbuskirk wrote:

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...

Sorry, but I disagree. I could compare them if I chose to, and I'm 99% sure I would never have bought Panerai if not for getting hooked on MM.

I'm in the same boat as vbuskirk. I bought a really inexpensive PAM 111 copy with a sterile dial because I loved the design (especially the TM'd crown guard) but was worried about the size. I was surprised at how much I liked it - case size, design, even the manual wind movement. After seeing Alan's pics of his 112, I could no longer live without the real deal.

I won't (knowingly, anyway) wear a replica. I'd feel like a faker/poser/pretender, if I did. I have mixed feelings about homages/copies, though. I liked my cheap PAM 111 copy but it''s obviously a replica watch, just without the proper markings on the dial and movement, and understand people's issues with Alpha and Parnis. However, many of the offerings from Debaufre, Ocean07, and MKII are blatant copies, as well and I wouldn't mind owning some of them.

Bought a Panerai Daylight after seeing the Transporter movie
Just had to have it, and a real one was absolutely out of the question.
Keeps better time than most of my "real" watches.

Still, never wear it out for all those dirty feeling reasons stated above.

Now that I own a real PO Chrono, I'm considering a good replica to travel with.
Anyone know where I can find a good one?
--
jaw

jaw wrote:

Bought a Panerai Daylight after seeing the Transporter movie
Just had to have it, and a real one was absolutely out of the question.
Keeps better time than most of my "real" watches.

Still, never wear it out for all those dirty feeling reasons stated above.

Now that I own a real PO Chrono, I'm considering a good replica to travel with.
Anyone know where I can find a good one?
--
jaw

Sorry, but I wouldn't tell you if I did.

Dude, you're not gonna buy the replicas I'm talking about for $40. And while the watches sold by guys like Eddie Lee, Joshua, and River are VERY nice replicas, they still pale in comparison to the originals. But if you're into that kind of thing, be my guest.

Jake B wrote:

Depends where you're finding them, bro...The ones that cost $300 on the internet are only $40 USD if you buy them right from the source Honestly...I know watches inside and out. I've been working with them for years.

pacifichrono wrote:

You can't BEGIN to compare a $75 replica to a genuine Rolex. The cheapest "quality" replicas I came across back then were at least $300, and some were more than double that price.

If you like the 'look' of an expensive watch, find a quality homage that captures the same wrist appeal for 10 cents on the dollar, or less. If you're interested in faking people out with the ritzy brand name, don't buy a replica, because there are many people you might fake out, but you won't fake out the most important one: you! The replica will make you feel cheap.

Jake B wrote:

Insane....but some of them are better quality than many of the "real" watches out there, with sapphire crystals, trip-lock crowns, ETA movts...etc etc etc...flat out copies, in the truest sense. What it DOES do, is make you wonder how the hell, if those watches are available for $75 USD (if you're over here) does Rolex justify $6000 for a stainless steel diver. There is no freakin' WAY that their movt is worth $5925!

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...)

Guess I'm gonna have to eat some big time crow on this one. I just ordered an Ocean 7 LM-7 Ploprof, which AH would classify as an homage. Thing is, I don't have the $8,800 that the Omega Ploprof costs.

So, bon appetit for me!

pacifichrono wrote:

jaw wrote:

Bought a Panerai Daylight after seeing the Transporter movie
Just had to have it, and a real one was absolutely out of the question.
Keeps better time than most of my "real" watches.

Still, never wear it out for all those dirty feeling reasons stated above.

Now that I own a real PO Chrono, I'm considering a good replica to travel with.
Anyone know where I can find a good one?
--
jaw

Sorry, but I wouldn't tell you if I did.

C'mon PC. Surely there's a place for copies to protect your originals.

jaw wrote:

pacifichrono wrote:

jaw wrote:

Bought a Panerai Daylight after seeing the Transporter movie
Just had to have it, and a real one was absolutely out of the question.
Keeps better time than most of my "real" watches.

Still, never wear it out for all those dirty feeling reasons stated above.

Now that I own a real PO Chrono, I'm considering a good replica to travel with.
Anyone know where I can find a good one?
--
jaw

Sorry, but I wouldn't tell you if I did.

C'mon PC. Surely there's a place for copies to protect your originals.

No, there isn't.

jaw wrote:

C'mon PC. Surely there's a place for copies to protect your originals.

No. If you don't want to risk wearing your $5000 watch to dangerous place, then wear a cool $200 Seiko, $100 Zodiac, or $50 Timex.

Mike.

Did it once in high school (I was younger and needed the money). . .but just could not do it again.

I have too much respect for the real thing. Especially since I can appreciate how much work goes into making the money to buy them. I agree with the Rolex comment. You have no idea how many people ask me if my Rolex is real.

smellody wrote:

Did it once in high school (I was younger and needed the money). . .but just could not do it again.

I have too much respect for the real thing. Especially since I can appreciate how much work goes into making the money to buy them. I agree with the Rolex comment. You have no idea how many people ask me if my Rolex is real.

Amen to that, if anyone on a forum question mine i just send them picutres of the whole lot and my ad's phone number, it's shut s few people up!!!

SynMike wrote:

jaw wrote:

C'mon PC. Surely there's a place for copies to protect your originals.

No. If you don't want to risk wearing your $5000 watch to dangerous place, then wear a cool $200 Seiko, $100 Zodiac, or $50 Timex.

Mike.

Sorry Seiko/Zodiac cool as they are just don't carry the same weight. I they were that cool I'd never even want an Omega PO.

Point is I would rather wear a $300 fake Omega to Mexico, Europe, or wherever and leave the real thing safe at home. Certainly owning a real one earns me the right to do that. Frequent/Rich travelers (which I'm not) do this all the time.

Plain crazy to wear the real thing in some countries just to prove I'm purist. Do what you want but I don't think so.

Course there's always the risk of getting your hand cut off (or stalked/killed) for the fake, but you can just say "take it" and give it to 'em. With an Oscar winning regretful performance of course.

jaw wrote:

SynMike wrote:

jaw wrote:

C'mon PC. Surely there's a place for copies to protect your originals.

No. If you don't want to risk wearing your $5000 watch to dangerous place, then wear a cool $200 Seiko, $100 Zodiac, or $50 Timex.

Mike.

Sorry Seiko/Zodiac cool as they are just don't carry the same weight. I they were that cool I'd never even want an Omega PO.

Point is I would rather wear a $300 fake Omega to Mexico, Europe, or wherever and leave the real thing safe at home. Certainly owning a real one earns me the right to do that. Frequent/Rich travelers (which I'm not) do this all the time.

Plain crazy to wear the real thing in some countries just to prove I'm purist. Do what you want but I don't think so.

Course there's always the risk of getting your hand cut off (or stalked/killed) for the fake, but you can just say "take it" and give it to 'em. With an Oscar winning regretful performance of course.

I've never understood this reasoning. Because you own the real one you have "earned the right" to buy a counterfeit? Supporting Terrorism and Organized crime is not cool no matter what the reason. Same goes for the guys that claim they are just "test driving" before they purchase the real thing. I call bullshit on that as well.

Aqua Homer wrote:

jaw wrote:

SynMike wrote:

jaw wrote:

C'mon PC. Surely there's a place for copies to protect your originals.

No. If you don't want to risk wearing your $5000 watch to dangerous place, then wear a cool $200 Seiko, $100 Zodiac, or $50 Timex.

Mike.

Sorry Seiko/Zodiac cool as they are just don't carry the same weight. I they were that cool I'd never even want an Omega PO.

Point is I would rather wear a $300 fake Omega to Mexico, Europe, or wherever and leave the real thing safe at home. Certainly owning a real one earns me the right to do that. Frequent/Rich travelers (which I'm not) do this all the time.

Plain crazy to wear the real thing in some countries just to prove I'm purist. Do what you want but I don't think so.

Course there's always the risk of getting your hand cut off (or stalked/killed) for the fake, but you can just say "take it" and give it to 'em. With an Oscar winning regretful performance of course.

I've never understood this reasoning. Because you own the real one you have "earned the right" to buy a counterfeit? Supporting Terrorism and Organized crime is not cool no matter what the reason. Same goes for the guys that claim they are just "test driving" before they purchase the real thing. I call bullshit on that as well.

I don't agree with buying a counterfeit...but how the hell does that equal supporting Terrorism and Organized Crime?

Oh, yea...and when you ride alone, you ride with Bin Laden.

I generally wear my REAL Daytona whenever we travel, including NYC, Mexico, Miami, etc. If they're gonna rob you for your watch, and possibly harm your person also, they'll steal a fake one as quick as a real one (which should be insured), so what risk is being mitigated by wearing a fake?

AH (Mike) and I have disagreed over the homage subject in the past, and I do have a few myself (mainly 1 Marina Militare and 1 sterile dial Panerai look-a-likes and a few ALPHAs) that I wear occassionally, but I definitely see his side of the argument and will not purchase another. These were all purchaed to see what the fuss was all about, not to fool anyone or try out before buying the real thing, and I will admit they are fun watches for the $.

Ok...some good points here.

Let me repeat I'm "considering" a good PO replica for travel...haven't done it...yet.

Just trying to work through the issues with you guys - thanks.

So...what risk is being mitigated by wearing a fake?
Only the constant worry associated with losing the real thing and the time/aggravation to replace it.
It does not prevent me from being a target.

Yes it would/should be insured
But can't insure the sentimental value if any - once it's gone it's gone

By "earned the right" I mean, I have satisfied Omega by purchasing a real one.
Had I not purchased at least one original, buying a copy - as a stand-in for my original - would be stealing.
Rationalizing - I know. But hoping Omega wouldn't have a problem with this reasoning.

Yes it is in fact illegal - but doubt it can be projected into supporting Osama. China yes, but not Terrorism and Organized Crime.

Terrorism? Absolutely. A thorough review of the Zacarias Moussaoui trial transcripts and investigatory materials clearly shows the role counterfeit watches played in the funding activities of Al Queda and other terror org's.

Aqua Homer wrote:

Terrorism? Absolutely. A thorough review of the Zacarias Moussaoui trial transcripts and investigatory materials clearly shows the role counterfeit watches played in the funding activities of Al Queda and other terror org's.

Interesting - Please post link.

Yeah, and Mr Bush tried to float that marijuana smokers were financing terrorism, too.

News flash: criminal organizations make money doing illegal things and legal things. Sometimes those criminal organizations are also terrorist organizations.

It does not, however, follow that therefore all legal or illegal activity is "supporting terrorism". Similarly, "terrorists use the internet in pursuit of their goals" is not an argument against "the internet" no matter how many terrorists use it.

The prohibitionists used to use similar arguments against alcohol: "drinking alcohol supports Al Capone, so it's wrong to drink alcohol".

Giddy-up

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.

Can't put it any better, just the way I feel about it too

If crime is SO bad where you are going, why even wear a FAKE and draw attention to yourself to begin with? Weak at best argument.

Wear a George watch from Wal-mart and be safe!

AlbertaTime wrote:

Yeah, and Mr Bush tried to float that marijuana smokers were financing terrorism, too.

News flash: criminal organizations make money doing illegal things and legal things. Sometimes those criminal organizations are also terrorist organizations.

It does not, however, follow that therefore all legal or illegal activity is "supporting terrorism". Similarly, "terrorists use the internet in pursuit of their goals" is not an argument against "the internet" no matter how many terrorists use it.

The prohibitionists used to use similar arguments against alcohol: "drinking alcohol supports Al Capone, so it's wrong to drink alcohol".

Further to this: the same sort of straw man argument is used to support gun control. "Look what bad people do with guns. Therefore you shouldn't own a gun, or be permitted to own a gun. Gun ownership supports crime, even if you don't intend it to. After all, even if you don't do anything wrong with your gun, someone might steal it and then do something wrong with it.".

The thing is, there may be any number of good reasons not to purchase or support replicas/fakes--but the "supporting terrorism" argument isn't one of them.