# Anyone ever buy a "perfect replica" type watch? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 20, 2009, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187 "2009-03-20T17:07:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2009, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/1 "2009-03-20T17:07:27Z")
I see these websites all the time, and get quite a bit of spam from them. But I was wondering if the watch stands up to expectations. Yes, I know it doesn’t have a valjoux swiss movement, but if everything else is exactly the same with a quartz or japanese movement, who cares? I’ve seen these watches advertised with sapphire crystals, exact markings, etc… and supposedly they are identical in size and weight. So, my question is, has anyone bought a replica watch, and what did you think of your purchase? ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/2 "2009-03-21T12:46:04Z")
Replicas vary in quality. The good ones ($200+) are very good. The cheap ones (\<$100) are very poor-they use cheap chinese-made movements, and low quality/thin gold plating. The really good ones are almost indistinguishable from the real watches. ---
**Author:** ![old\_joe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/58956e/32.png) [@old\_joe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/old_joe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/3 "2009-03-21T15:49:19Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > So, my question is, has anyone bought a replica watch, and what did you think of your purchase? i have never seen a Rolex replica that i couldnt tell from mine right off. Usually the weight is way off and the bracelet is crappy. having said that i dont see why you wouldnt buy one. Both of my rolex’s keep crappy time compared to a quartz watch. I say go for a decent waterproof quartz and save some money. like this one [Seiko Black Samurai SNM011 Quality NATO Straps, Bracelets, Tools Watch Reviews - Watcharama](http://www.watcharama.com/sk063.htm) ---
**Author:** ![hellpaso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecae2f/32.png) [@hellpaso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hellpaso)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/4 "2009-03-21T17:42:39Z")
> [@old\_joe](#): > > Both of my rolex’s keep crappy time compared to a quartz watch. I agree–our rolexes are always too slow or too fast. And that’s with periodic tune-ups, which run at least $500/pop. Go with quartz. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/5 "2009-03-21T18:26:05Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > Replicas vary in quality. The good ones ($200+) are very good. The cheap ones (\<$100) are very poor-they use cheap chinese-made movements, and low quality/thin gold plating. > The really good ones are almost indistinguishable from the real watches. Any suggestions for a reputable website? ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/6 "2009-03-21T18:38:13Z")
> [@hellpaso](#): > > I agree–our rolexes are always too slow or too fast. And that’s with periodic tune-ups, which run at least $500/pop. Go with quartz. Are your Rolexes automatics? I don’t want another one for this reason. I have one automatic watch and it never seems to keep the right time. I also have a Breitling that I love. But I can’t see spending big money on another watch, especially since the ones I want are in the big bucks range. I also need a face of at least 45mm, which limits my choices. I figured if I could by a good replica with a quartz movement, I can go that way. However, I don’t want a fake that can be spotted a mile away. ---
**Author:** ![hellpaso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecae2f/32.png) [@hellpaso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hellpaso)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/7 "2009-03-21T18:53:04Z")
Yes–they’re automatics. I didn’t know Rolex made watches that weren’t, but it’s been a while since I’ve looked. Oh well, at least I have a cellphone to see what the exact time is!😃 ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/8 "2009-03-21T19:19:03Z")
> [@hellpaso](#): > > Yes–they’re automatics. I didn’t know Rolex made watches that weren’t, but it’s been a while since I’ve looked. Oh well, at least I have a cellphone to see what the exact time is!😃 Yeah, but you look good, even if you look at your wrist and you are 15 minutes late 🆒 I actually don’t know if Rolex makes a watch that isn’t auto. ---
**Author:** ![hellpaso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecae2f/32.png) [@hellpaso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hellpaso)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/9 "2009-03-21T19:22:09Z")
😃 ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/10 "2009-03-22T14:40:34Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > Any suggestions for a reputable website? Stauer makes replicas and original designs. [www.stauer.com](http://www.stauer.com) I have a couple that people remark on and wish to examine. The one that gets the most attention is the “skeleton” watch. The geared movement is visible through the face and exhibition back. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/11 "2009-03-22T14:57:32Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > Are your Rolexes automatics? I don’t want another one for this reason. I have one automatic watch and it never seems to keep the right time. See, I have Rolexes because they’re automatic. With a quartz watch, I’m always checking to see if it needs a new battery. They’re not as accurate, but it’s no trouble to set them once a week or two if I feel like it. If I felt like wearing my quartz Seiko, I couldn’t. The battery died. If I want to wear the Sub or the GMT or one of the '74 Seiko Bell-Matics and they’re wound down, I just have to wind them and I’m good to go. (Actually, the Seikos are a pain because they have a day-of-the-week window and it takes forever to synch the day and the date.) But I have an automatic watch winder, so only the currently-worn watch winds down (because I never put it on the winder). ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/12 "2009-03-22T16:29:57Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > See, I have Rolexes because they’re automatic. With a quartz watch, I’m always checking to see if it needs a new battery. They’re not as accurate, but it’s no trouble to set them once a week or two if I feel like it. If I felt like wearing my quartz Seiko, I couldn’t. The battery died. If I want to wear the Sub or the GMT or one of the '74 Seiko Bell-Matics and they’re wound down, I just have to wind them and I’m good to go. (Actually, the Seikos are a pain because they have a day-of-the-week window and it takes forever to synch the day and the date.) But I have an automatic watch winder, so only the currently-worn watch winds down (because I never put it on the winder). Fair enough. I don’t really want this thread to become a pro-con on automatics. I’m curious as to these fakes and their alleged quality. Here are a couple of examples of websites that appear to be real (I can’t speak to the products, but would love opinions) Here is one called [lookrichforless](http://www.lookrichforless.com), and another called [watcheshot](http://www.watcheshot.com) There is also a website that supposedly gives an unbiased opinion on the replica watch market and the websites. [replicawatchreport](http://www.replicawatchreport.com/) It might be worth plunking down the money on one of these watches just to see what I get. _ **Someone** _ out here had to buy one, right? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/13 "2009-03-22T17:03:37Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > Fair enough. I don’t really want this thread to become a pro-con on automatics. I didn’t intend to do that. Sorry if I started it in that direction. One thing I’m curious about though, and I hope you don’t take it the wrong way: Why a fake Rolex? AFAIK, nobody notices what watch I’m wearing; but if they did, wouldn’t feel right wearing a fake one. I like the way a stainless steel Rolex looks, but personally I’d rather wear a watch in the same style (like the Seiko linked by someone earlier, or [this Casio](http://ablogtoread.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/img_1686.JPG)) than to wear a fake. Again, I hope you don’t take that the wrong way; and I don’t want to hijack the thread. It’s just that I’m curious. BTW: What Breitling do you have? I used to want a [Breitling Chronomat](http://professionalwatches.com/Breitling_Chronomat__.html), but by the time I had the money I decided it was too much ‘bling’ for me opted for the ‘plain Jane’ look of the GMT II and the Sub. (I wouldn’t mind a Chronomat in the collection, but I want a manual-wind Speedmaster first.) ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/14 "2009-03-22T17:18:46Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > Fair enough. I don’t really want this thread to become a pro-con on automatics. I’m curious as to these fakes and their alleged quality. > > Here are a couple of examples of websites that appear to be real (I can’t speak to the products, but would love opinions) > > Here is one called [lookrichforless](http://www.lookrichforless.com), and another called [watcheshot](http://www.watcheshot.com) > > There is also a website that supposedly gives an unbiased opinion on the replica watch market and the websites. [replicawatchreport](http://www.replicawatchreport.com/) > > It might be worth plunking down the money on one of these watches just to see what I get. > > _ **Someone** _ out here had to buy one, right? The watcheshot [Seiko Diver copies are 30%+ more expensive](http://www.watcheshot.com/Seiko-SKX779.html)than the [new price for a real one](http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Black-Monster-Automatic-SKX779K1/dp/B0006IHHN4)from various net discounters. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![sharding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90db22/32.png) [@sharding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sharding)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/15 "2009-03-22T21:18:13Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > AFAIK, nobody notices what watch I’m wearing; FWIW, when I wear my Chronomat, people notice (and comment). When I wear one of my other watches (Seiko, Fossil, Casio, etc.), I’ve never had a comment. The Chronomat obviously isn’t as accurate as a quartz watch, but I never re-set it more than once a month, sometimes I go a few months (I usually wait until it’s 3-5 minutes off). Sometimes I have to set it sooner if I forget to turn the winder on overnight and it stops. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/16 "2009-03-22T21:28:33Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I didn’t intend to do that. Sorry if I started it in that direction. > > One thing I’m curious about though, and I hope you don’t take it the wrong way: Why a fake Rolex? AFAIK, nobody notices what watch I’m wearing; but if they did, wouldn’t feel right wearing a fake one. I like the way a stainless steel Rolex looks, but personally I’d rather wear a watch in the same style (like the Seiko linked by someone earlier, or [this Casio](http://ablogtoread.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/img_1686.JPG)) than to wear a fake. > > Again, I hope you don’t take that the wrong way; and I don’t want to hijack the thread. It’s just that I’m curious. > > BTW: What Breitling do you have? I used to want a [Breitling Chronomat](http://professionalwatches.com/Breitling_Chronomat__.html), but by the time I had the money I decided it was too much ‘bling’ for me opted for the ‘plain Jane’ look of the GMT II and the Sub. (I wouldn’t mind a Chronomat in the collection, but I want a manual-wind Speedmaster first.) No worries. I actually don’t want a fake Rolex. I’m thinking fake Omega or fake IWC. :rolleyes::D:p (like it makes a difference). I have a Brietling B-1 (not an auto, but a great chrono), and I love it. It keeps perfect time, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I guess the big reason I’m looking at the fake watches is that I’m not real excited about shelling out the $$ for an IWC or Omega right now, but I’d like a nice watch to wear to complement the B-1. It’s my only fashion vice. But it’s an expensive one. I have a Seiko as a beater watch, and it’s fine, but it’s a bit small for my wrist. As far as comments, I get them enough to notice I get comments on a watch when I wear the B-1. Never get a comment with any other watch. And if I could get a manual Speedmaster “Moon Watch” that looked good on my wrist, I’d take that one first. The omega I’m looking at is the Seamaster Planet Ocean. ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/17 "2009-03-22T21:37:46Z")
I have a replica Rolex. I have no idea on the provenance, other than it was probably bought from a street vendor in Bahrain or Kuwait. It’s a smaller Submariner perpetual date. I’ve taken it to two jewelers; once for adjusting the bracelet, and it’s in there now because I think it might be losing time. He says it’s not, but we’ll know by next week. Both jewelers have commented on the quality of the replica, and both say it’s the best one they’ve ever seen. Hmm, I wonder if I didn’t preface the convo by saying I know it’s fake, what they would say… As to people noticing; they do. I have many different watches, and that one gets noticed. It’s awkward at some level, because on one hand, I don’t want people to think I am so egotistical that I need something worth several thousand dollars on my wrist. ( My wedding ring is plain, no bling.) On the other hand, what the hell am I doing wearing a fake one? I usually volunteer the fact that it’s fake when they notice it, but that feels weird, too. But if I don’t mention it, then I feel like I am lying by omission. Argh! If it didn’t have emotional value, I’d maybe do something different. It is a nice watch, though. My favorite, truth be told. Except I am having a watch custom made for me at the moment. Climbing on roofs all day long tends to beat up watches quickly. This one is cool, and pretty affordable at less than $500. Custom dial, etc. You want one made, I’ll give you the guy’s info. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/18 "2009-03-22T22:25:03Z")
> [@fisha](#): > > Except I am having a watch custom made for me at the moment. Climbing on roofs all day long tends to beat up watches quickly. This one is cool, and pretty affordable at less than $500. Custom dial, etc. You want one made, I’ll give you the guy’s info. Tell us more about this custom watch. Is this a modification of some classic or an entirely original piece to your specs? ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/19 "2009-03-22T23:21:01Z")
Entirely original to my specs. I know a guy who is a complete watch weenie; he’s also a jeweler, but seeing that he used to be an aerospace engineer, watches absolutely fascinate him. He likes designing custom watches, jewelry. He also likes taking them apart and fixing them, and is really good at it. Old pocket watches, etc. He has some really fancy CAD system, but my eyes just glaze over when he talks of it, don’t bother asking me any questions, I dunno. He’s designing something for me that has a much more durable crystal/case - like I said, I am climbing on top of roofs all day- in addition I am one of those freaks that wear their watch upside down, so I am really tough on them. I wanted it to have an vibrant abalone dial. (which is way, way harder than you’d think to have, we have to get the abalone from Australia, go figure) the case, numbers, larger hands. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187/20 "2009-03-22T23:49:33Z")
> [@fisha](#): > > Except I am having a watch custom made for me at the moment. Climbing on roofs all day long tends to beat up watches quickly. This one is cool, and pretty affordable at less than $500. Custom dial, etc. You want one made, I’ll give you the guy’s info. I’d love to have the guy’s info. This could be very cool. I’ll send a PM to you, but I’m intrigued to be able to design my own watch! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ever-buy-a-perfect-replica-type-watch/490187.md?page=2)