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The Top 10 Lies about Replica Watches

AllergyDoc

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Never really posted this list here, but this was the 2nd replica watch board I found, so here it is. Whatever good it can do.



Most of us arrived here with minds polluted by scam sites and scam "review" sites: all peddlers of lies and deception.

In an effort to help cleanse the noobs' minds of this filth, I propose the following 10 common and devious lies and misconceptions
about replica watches, and the business of manufacturing and selling replica watches.


Lie #1: The best replica watches are made in Switzerland, followed closely by Italy.

-- This is the biggest lie of all. All replica watches are made somewhere in Asia, mostly China. Saying that replicas are made in Switzerland or Italy is a lie intended to extract more money from the ignorant.


Lie #2: Replica watches are graded according to quality. C (or whatever) is the lowest and AAA+++ (or whatever) is the highest.

-- Who decides what is "C" and what is "A"? The "International Replica Watch Governing Board"? Pure nonsense designed, again, to get more of your dollars.


Lie #3: The movements in "Swiss made" replicas are identical to the genuine watch movements. 27 jewel movements are the best.

-- (See Lie #1 for "Swiss made".) Far from the truth. Very few replica watch movements come from anywhere but China and any watchman can immediately tell it's not genuine. There are no Asian 27 jewels movements in replica watches; only 25, 21, or 17. (Some newer replicas are powered by an ETA 7753, which does have 27J.)


Lie #4: The best replicas are 99% true to the genuine and will even fool an Authorized Dealer (AD).

-- Not true. While some may be close (picking a number is impossible) to the genuine, all replicas are flawed. Do you really think you can spend $200 or less and get a watch that's 99% identical to a $4,000-20,000 watch? As for fooling ADs, maybe. Common clerks are easily fooled, but seasoned ADs, upon close inspection, will know it's a replica.


Lie #5: The gold on "Swiss grade" replicas is much higher than on other replicas. The crown, bezel, and mid links are solid gold and the full-gold replicas are 5-wrapped (or 6-wrapped, or whatever).

-- While a few models have been shown to have solid gold mid links (Rolex replicas), the rest of the watch is gold plated or double or triple wrapped gold. ("Search" for threads on how this is done.)


Lie #6: The best Rolex replicas are made with 904L grade steel.

-- Big fat lie. Good replicas are made with 316L quality steel. Rolex is one of the few companies that use 904L steel and it costs 3 times as much as 316L. Replicas are not made with 440 steel, either.


Lie #7: Buying a replica watch is risky, but not if you use sellers from "Replica Review" sites.

-- What most people don't know is the "review" sites are owned and operated by the people who run the sites they recommend--it's very incestuous. These "review" sites are clever and it's easy to get taken in by their lies.


Lie #8: You can tell you're getting a good watch after a thorough examination of the web site.

-- Please. If you think everything displayed on the web is true, you deserve to be fleeced. Scam sites lie about everything, from the quality of their goods to their pledge to make sure every customer is happy. Many even post pictures of genuine watches, (Look for pictures where the watch hands are set at "10:10." Pictures of genuine watches seen in advertisements are always set to "10:10.") but send you junk.


Lie #9: Picking a good seller will always result in getting a good watch, one I won't have trouble with.

-- We wish. Quality control in replica watch factories is hit-and-miss, but mostly shoddy. One batch may be great while the next produces watches that are DOA. (Remember, making replica watches is illegal, even in China. Replica watch "factories" are usually small operations that can be easily moved or hidden from prying authorities.) What is true, though, is a good dealer will want to protect his/her reputation and will fix whatever is wrong.


Lie #10: Paying by COD is the best way to get the cheapest price. Plus, I can examine my watch before paying the courier to make sure I get what I paid for.

-- A really dumb thing to do and a huge red flag that you're dealing with a true scammer. They want cash because they know you'll scream foul to your credit card company the moment you see the junk you just paid $1,000 for.


One final point. Remember, replica watches are counterfeit goods. While it is not illegal to purchase or possess replica watches in most countries, it is illegal to sell them. Keep this in mind when using PayPal or communicating with credit card companies.
 

daytona4me

Robert - EOW 19/01/2024
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A nice read for noobs just getting into replicas! Good Job AlergyDoc!

I had asked Ruby about the AAA grade thing, she said that factories are now marking their swiss movement and ones with AR coating with these stickers,, but again... who is the Authority of AAA items. lol.
 

AllergyDoc

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OldeCrow's link

That link is great, OldeCrow!

Now, would those be the "Swiss-trained" technicians?
 

hk45ca

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this is one of the best posts i have seen in a long time. thanks for posting it. while there are different grades of replicas,( some better than others) it is best to read the reviews from the owners on these boards to find out the real quality of a watch you are wanting to purchase. never listen to a seller just arbitrarily saying his product is grade 1 or AAA. he only wants your money.


great post!!

hk
 

watchbuff

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I think they all want our money, some are less scrupulous about it than others and offer varying levels of quality that is subjective to the masses.

The smart shopper looks here.
 
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AllergyDoc

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Made a couple of minor changes to #3 and #6. I was told the ETA 7730 has 27J. Also, Rolex watches are expensive because of better marketing, not more expensive steel. Probably true.
 
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brtelec

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Phoenix
Good post allergydoc, I had read this on another forum, it is great info for everyone.
 

guanaco

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Sidi Power Plant
#11 - There isn't a 1:1 Replica of any watch! They will always have something different, although it might be just a very minor flaw. :)
 
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ROCAFORT22

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Hello friends:
I read this article months ago. I think that he refers to "all" the replicas, included those of our dealers.
The replicas have made to improved the genuine ones. Rolex introduced the engraving in laser of its logo for combat the replica.
I possess a genuine Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in steel and gold, and I must say that I shine it with so much satisfaction as when I take my Panerai, my Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, my Cartier Santos 100 chronograph, or other anyone of my replica watches.
 
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AllergyDoc

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TheDowntownMan said:
Great Post.
Thank You For The Info.
De nada, Downtown Man.

Beware the sharks! They want your money and will give you junk.
 

bnr

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Invaluable indeed. However much one 'wants' something, one must beware. Its only through a site like this that the
wheat is somewhat separated from the chaff. I'm presently awaiting my first rep and although I feel I'm getting a good
deal, there's always that 'what if' in the back of my mind. By learning from this site and making an informed
decision, one can do no better than take a chance. Its the nature of the game.
My thanks go out to all of you who have gone before me and made it easier by paving the way.
You guys are way ahead of the curve and are a testament to this hobby.

nbr
 
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AllergyDoc

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Hobby indeed.

Alas, most are never satisfied by any "replica." There is always the nitpicking:

"Crown guards are too fat."
"Date mag is too much."
"Pins aren't gray enough."
"Crystal doesn't have enough AR."

Etc., etc.

There are a few who enjoy their replicas for what they are: attempts at re-creation, at a nominal price.

I say, enjoy!

Always good fun!