Fake Rolexes!?!

[Carolina]

We had a vist from a relative yeserday. My husband immediately noticed the new SS Sub on his wrist and complimented him on it. This man them told my hubby that it was a fake (purchased somewhere overseas on a business trip for $80). He was quite proud of it. He then went on to mention how his father-in-law had an entire collection of fake Rolexes purchased over the years.

I was very surprised at this revelation. The two men in question both make a very good living, are professionals, and could easily purchase a Rolex or two and not even feel it. I just found the entire episode very strange!

[Earl]

a good question to asked is... do you buy and wear Timex, Casio, Guess, fossil etc... then why buy something that isn't? and walk around with a shit eating grin on their face as if they are pimping bling. I look at them and feel sorry, I really do.



just my 2 cents

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Carolina

I was very surprised at this revelation. The two men in question both make a very good living, are professionals, and could easily purchase a Rolex or two and not even feel it. I just found the entire episode very strange!

Ownership of a genuine Rolex does not define a person. Ownership of a fake Rolex also does not define a person. For the most part, many Rolex models are very affordable (<$10K). However, many people that can afford the real deal don't want to spend that kind of money on jewelry.

[Tools]

I don't really understand the concept, but I am aware that there is quite a large community of replica collectors..

I also know that if you hand some people two different watches, they will look at them and judge them to be the same...i.e., watches.. nothing more..

[Orchi]

Err buddies...Orchi is new here...

Replicas or Fake Rolex watches n other fake merchandises of various makes n 'quality'...are very common in this part of the world where Orchi is located.

Each day...hundreds of foreign tourists from the East or West...flocked to many day/night stalls in the capital city of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur...that are selling those Replicas or fake watches n goods...

To certain extent...it would take a very keen eye n years of experience...even for a seasoned Rolex owner...to differentiate between the 'best quality' of the Replicas or fake Rolexes n the real ones...

A triple "AAA" quality fake Rolex or Panerai...would even set you off for...USD450 to 500...or more.

The famous COACH Brand of leather bags n accessories...like many of the 'branded' goods n merchandises these days from USA or Europe n Japan...are ENTIRELY MADE in China...where thousands of factories have been set up in PRC China...by the Original brand makers...to capitalize on cheaper resources n production costs there for higher returns on their investments...including some so called 'branded' watches.

It boils down to...the basic economics of Demand vs. Supply.

[East Bay Rider]

The owners/buyers of these "replicas" think that they are putting something over on everyone. They buy something that "looks" like something very expensive but they didn't pay a lot for it. They think they are smart for having the same thing (not really) but saving money.
They are wrong. They are liars. They are pathetic in their attempt to trick the people around them.

[Incurable]

Originally Posted by Travis

Ownership of a genuine Rolex does not define a person. Ownership of a fake Rolex also does not define a person. For the most part, many Rolex models are very affordable (<$10K). However, many people that can afford the real deal don't want to spend that kind of money on jewelry.

True, which watch you buy does not define the person, however... your choice of a watch is the result of some thought process and therefore a behavior. Much the same as which car you choose, there are reasons why. Those reasons are unique and may not be apparent to you or I. Behaviors are a reflection and do mean something, everything means something...

[Defiancekofb]

I would look down upon a person who wore a replica of anything. Not only are you stealing intellectual property, you are impersonating being high class, wearing a luxury product that you know in your mind is a fraud. I don't care if someone could easily afford the real thing or if his $500-1,000 fake is literally impossible to tell that it is an imposter, I wouldn't be able to fool and lie to myself. The fact of the matter is a fake is a fake. Bill Gates could be wearing a fake Patek Philippe, but it's still a fake. PERIOD!

PS - Not to mention what if you get called on wearing a fake watch to begin with?

[Welshwatchman]

I would not be proud to wear a counterfeit Rolex, or anything fake TBO.

While the fine originals exist there will also be a market for dirty crap fakes.

[Incurable]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

The owners/buyers of these "replicas" think that they are putting something over on everyone. They buy something that "looks" like something very expensive but they didn't pay a lot for it. They think they are smart for having the same thing (not really) but saving money.
They are wrong. They are liars. They are pathetic in their attempt to trick the people around them.

Your take on this is much the same as my first impression. I have a co-worker that sports a suspected replica. His reasoning, however, defies logic as he's not the pretentious sort at all. Instead, rather geeky. He won't let me inspect the watch for reasons he won't divulge. He gets kind of sheepish whenever I try and arm-twist him into letting me see it. I don't hold him in any lower esteem but I do wonder the how, what, where and why of it... I suspect his reasoning is not the normal fare...

[Carolina]

Originally Posted by Travis

Ownership of a genuine Rolex does not define a person. Ownership of a fake Rolex also does not define a person. For the most part, many Rolex models are very affordable (<$10K). However, many people that can afford the real deal don't want to spend that kind of money on jewelry.

In my opinion, that purchase does not define a person, but there is some reasoning behind it. If one does not want to spend $$$ on a watch, one buys a Timex such as the model I wear. It cost $18.99, and does its job nicely. Why purchase a Rolex? Maybe it's the quality - or perhaps it's the prestige. However, when you purchase a fake, it's a rip-off of the brand, and a slight to your integrity. It's hollow. The quality isn't there, and the prestige such a purchase might represent isn't there, either. It's similar to cheating on an exam, if that analogy makes any sense.

Am I implying that people who purchase fake mechandise are evil or immoral? No! I just don't really understand the logic behind the purchase.

[Lisa]

I have nothing to add, Carolina - you summed it up well that it is a slight to one's integrity. What does it say about character? How could one defend the decision to have a replica/fake of anything? Did you ask this guy why he or his father in law collected fake Rolexes? Hmmmm....

[DS/B MINI S]

Originally Posted by Travis

Ownership of a genuine Rolex does not define a person. Ownership of a fake Rolex also does not define a person. For the most part, many Rolex models are very affordable (<$10K). However, many people that can afford the real deal don't want to spend that kind of money on jewelry.

IMHO, when you buy a fake Rolex it does define you as a person. You are someone that wants others to think you are wearing a expensive timepiece when you are wearing a fake. Maybe you feel good since you are wearing a watch that looks expensive, but only cost you a few hundred bucks. I guess when I see someone wearing a fake the first thought in my mind is...what else would they do to deceive me???

[Orchi]

Err buddies...Orchi is new...just in here to add 2 pennies more...

Chances are...the ones who goes for replicas or fake Rolex watches...would eventually get the real ones.

Mostly they would come to their right senses that real soon...wearing a fake is NEVER like wearing the real stuff.

[Incurable]

or... he was just mugged on the street by 3 transvestite dwarfs, stripped of his Rolex, clothes and credit cards but managed to hold out a lousy $100 by clutching it, crumpled between his toes. Needing clothes immediately, he get's approached by a street vendor and he offers him a complete package, including fake Rolex for a mere $75. Not having change, the victim hands over the $100 figuring he can recoup at least part of his cost by re-selling the watch later down the road. He reports the crime but the thieves are never caught. Still earning the money to replace his valuable watch, he continues to wear the replica as it's the only watch he has and serves as a blunt reminder of that night and its events. Indeed, it fires his need for revenge. He plans on buying another Rolex but only after the private investigator finishes his undercover stint at the circus attempting to befriend the transvestite dwarf community and learn the true identities of the elusive less than full sized, funnily dressed criminals. Too embarassed to admit to his friends his compromising experience, he fails to inform them and continues to wear the replica hoping they won't notice. One day he is 'outed' by a coworker who accuses him of being cheap charlotte and snake-oil salesman. He doesn't even bother to explain because it's none of their business and if they are willing to toss him to the wolves at a moments notice, they weren't really his friends anyway...

Hey, it could happen... Never assume you know what someone else is thinking. It could be a whole lot worse...

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by Incurable

or... he was just mugged on the street by 3 transvestite dwarfs, stripped of his Rolex, clothes and credit cards but managed to hold out a lousy $100 by clutching it, crumpled between his toes. Needing clothes immediately, he get's approached by a street vendor and he offers him a complete package, including fake Rolex for a mere $75. Not having change, the victim hands over the $100 figuring he can recoup at least part of his cost by re-selling the watch later down the road. He reports the crime but the thieves are never caught. Still earning the money to replace his valuable watch, he continues to wear the replica as it's the only watch he has and serves as a blunt reminder of that night and its events. Indeed, it fires his need for revenge. He plans on buying another Rolex but only after the private investigator finishes his undercover stint at the circus attempting to befriend the transvestite dwarf community and learn the true identities of the elusive less than full sized, funnily dressed criminals.

Hey, it could happen... Never assume you know what someone else is thinking. It could be a whole lot worse...

Bartender, I'll have what he's having.

[scottschoe]

Fake items, fake people.

[TARDIS]

Originally Posted by scottschoe

Fake items, fake people.

RIGHT ON

[JJ Irani]

Guys, guys....WHOA!!!

I don't think it's really fair to judge a person by some silly watch that he wears.

Yes, you and I would NEVER wear a fake; but to most folk out there, a watch is a watch is a watch....that's all.....something that tells the bloody time of day - no big deal!!!

However, a person who tries to palm off a fake as a genuine one, is the real scumbag. That's where I draw the line. If he's wearing it just for his own personal gratification, no problem as far as I'm concerned.

Even a guy on the street who's trying to palm off a fake and tells you it's a fake, is at least being honest about the whole deal. I would still have more respect for him than the dirt bag who tries to palm off a fake as the real McCoy.

JJ

[mailman]

I could see if someone buys a $50-$60 dollar fake watch of any kind to see if they like it before spending $$$$$ on a real one first.

But don't try passing it off as a real one.

[Scooby]

Like it was said above, it is thievery. You are aiding and abetting the theft of intellectual property. The reason for doing it, however noble or pure or practical it may be, is besides the point. You want a nice, inexpensive watch, there are many fine choices out there. You buy a fake and you are an accomplice to theft.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by mailman

I could see if someone buys a $50-$60 dollar fake watch of any kind to see if they like it before spending $$$$$ on a real one first.

But don't try passing it off as a real one.

I don't see the logic here either. Like the watch, buy the watch. Test drive first? Um I think that's a stretch. I didn't live in my house before buying it. I didn't camp out in the front yard to see if I'd like the neighborhood. Sometimes you just have to jump.
By that logic I should buy a Trabant first to see if I like European cars.



Is this the first time a Trabant is shown in a Rolex thread?

[Arrows58]

Owning a Rolex was a dream of mine buying a fake wouldn't of fulfilled that dream, in fact to buy a so-called "decent fake" would have been a waste of money that I could of put towards a real one. Now through a lot of hard work and I’ll admit some borrowing I have fulfilled that dream and nothing can compete with that. This is what people who buy fakes I really missing out.

[KJacques]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Guys, guys....WHOA!!!

I don't think it's really fair to judge a person by some silly watch that he wears.

I've never had an inclination to wear a fake and if I didn't have a Rolex, I doubt it would interest me. But...I've known plenty of people that have worn a replica at one time or another. Maybe one or two are trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes, but the watch is merely one aspect of that. People are people and everyone is different. MOST people don't give a rats a$$ about a watch, Rolex or otherwise. A watch is a very insignificant material possession in the big picture and should never be used to "judge" someone's character. It is merely an indicator of what that person chooses to spend their money on, nothing else. If you want to carry in your own mind that it is an example of your class, some achievement or who you are, that's your own deal. Most people simply do not care one way or the other. Those that do are making a very superficial judgment. It's not much different from anyone who uses something as silly as a watch to attain some superficial "status" with it.

In any event, I don't advocate the counterfeit market of anything as it contributes heavily to other forms of crime.

[Prince]

Only the real thing for me - always!!!

Sometimes, people who can afford the real thing are proud that they have saved a bundle by getting something that looks like the real thing, and so many people can't tell the difference. It's like a victory of some kind to them. They will regret it one day, I can assure you.

[oldbreadstinks]

Originally Posted by KJacques

I've never had an inclination to wear a fake and if I didn't have a Rolex, I doubt it would interest me. But...I've known plenty of people that have worn a replica at one time or another. Maybe one or two are trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes, but the watch is merely one aspect of that. People are people and everyone is different. MOST people don't give a rats a$$ about a watch, Rolex or otherwise. A watch is a very insignificant material possession in the big picture and should never be used to "judge" someone's character. It is merely an indicator of what that person chooses to spend their money on, nothing else. If you want to carry in your own mind that it is an example of your class, some achievement or who you are, that's your own deal. Most people simply do not care one way or the other. Those that do are making a very superficial judgment. It's not much different from anyone who uses something as silly as a watch to attain some superficial "status" with it.

In any event, I don't advocate the counterfeit market of anything as it contributes heavily to other forms of crime.

just to add on to this......

Personally I was really surprised when I first came in, its was more of a shock actually to know the way some of you were treating your watches it made me feel like I was mistreating mine or something. Even now my DJ is still only a watch to me and i just chuck it to one side when I get home(I've actually thrown my watch right across the room once at my bed)
It was so suprising to know people sleep with their watches on, bath with them and care about which side up speeds up or slows down the watch a little. Its cute that people care so much for something but its just not me.

I've known people who wear fakes and personally I'm ok with it, I believe that its alright to wear fakes unless you're trying to pass it off as the real thing.
At the end of the day its just a personal choice and shouldn't really affect people's judgment unless you are trying to pass it off as real.

[Ck8]

Originally Posted by DS/B MINI S

IMHO, when you buy a fake Rolex it does define you as a person. You are someone that wants others to think you are wearing a expensive timepiece when you are wearing a fake. Maybe you feel good since you are wearing a watch that looks expensive, but only cost you a few hundred bucks. I guess when I see someone wearing a fake the first thought in my mind is...what else would they do to deceive me???

My opinion is different people have different priorities in life. Just because someone cannot afford to buy a real Rolex does not mean they are not good in character or trying to deceive anyone. For a start someone can deceive someone else but they cannot ever deceive themself.
If you buy a real Rolex because it looks expensive to others then you are buying it for the wrong reason in my opinion. I have worn my Rolex for many years and no one knew that I was wearing a Rolex. I bought Rolex because I enjoy the workmanship of mechanical watches.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I don't see the logic here either. Like the watch, buy the watch. Test drive first? Um I think that's a stretch. I didn't live in my house before buying it. I didn't camp out in the front yard to see if I'd like the neighborhood. Sometimes you just have to jump.
By that logic I should buy a Trabant first to see if I like European cars.



Is this the first time a Trabant is shown in a Rolex thread?

For some, it's a huge stretch to drop thousands of $$$ on any watch, whether it be Rolex, Panerai, Breitling or whatever. So they might want to drop $50-$60 on something and wear it for a while before buying one.

Say some one's dream watch is a SS Sub Date. Said person isn't educated on how to go in and ask for a discount because they haven't done any homework.

They go into an AD and spend a good dollar on it. A month later, for whatever reason, they don't like it. Maybe it doesn't fit right, maybe it's uncomfortable, or whatever reason. Maybe they can't afford to take the hit that is coming when they sell it now, so they're stuck with an expensive watch that they don't like.

So for this person, he can't tell his wife because he stretched himself already, so he has to wear it.

I'm not condoning the fake industry one bit. But, maybe in a few cases, it's not bad to tickle the carburetor before buying.

And yes, I think that's the first time we've seen a Trabant here.

[Carolina]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I have nothing to add, Carolina - you summed it up well that it is a slight to one's integrity. What does it say about character? How could one defend the decision to have a replica/fake of anything? Did you ask this guy why he or his father in law collected fake Rolexes? Hmmmm....

No. This particular relative is fairly pretentious (as is his wife and her family). It's just easier not to go there...

[Carolina]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Guys, guys....WHOA!!!

I don't think it's really fair to judge a person by some silly watch that he wears.

Yes, you and I would NEVER wear a fake; but to most folk out there, a watch is a watch is a watch....that's all.....something that tells the bloody time of day - no big deal!!!

However, a person who tries to palm off a fake as a genuine one, is the real scumbag. That's where I draw the line. If he's wearing it just for his own personal gratification, no problem as far as I'm concerned.

Even a guy on the street who's trying to palm off a fake and tells you it's a fake, is at least being honest about the whole deal. I would still have more respect for him than the dirt bag who tries to palm off a fake as the real McCoy.

JJ

But that's the thing, JJ - unless you are wearing a sign around your neck announcing the origins of the watch (or other merchandise), you aren't being honest to the rest of the people you meet.

I guess this particular incident is rather personal to me, considering the person in question is quite pretentious to the point of being rude about it. The whole thing puzzles me!