jm_brc_7057 @srhoque
I see the merit in both your arguments.
I own a luxury fashion brand and therefore my company is constantly having to deal with replicas/ knock offs. It is a headache, and therefore we are constantly having to innovate. For example it pushed us to create a more accessible line. However, I do feel that the gen and rep market can co exist and potentially benefit each other.
They say mimickary is the highest form of flattery, so when our products do get knocked off it tells us we're doing something right. It validates both our brand and product that it has value.
Secondly the rep market and gen market are largely distinct/independent from one another however we see a degree of overlap now. For example, I myself buy both gen luxury products and reps. I might buy a gen realise I like it enough to buy a few rep copies granted the reps are good enough which they are now. This also works in reverse, for example one might buy a replica watch but may save up to buy a gen in the future.
Thirdly, the rep market cannot exist without the gen market. It is the gen luxury market and those who buy it's products that are the taste makers. Furthermore without their innovation/ ingenuity the rep factories have nothing to copy.
A rep watch has 'value' only because of the gen. Even when buying a rep you are aspiring to or buying into the lifestyle associated with the gens brand and the design. However when the reps get this good the value proposition has to change and the Swiss will have to do something about it.
Finally, addressing
srhoque , I do think there is hope for this generation because I just turned 30 and I would prefer a proper watch any day over an apple watch. Mind you after achieving some mile stones I was in the market for a gen till I stumbled onto here.
Side note. Mind you Apple and the Apple watch has been branded as a luxury product, Apple hired the head of Burberry's marketing and communications to position and launch the Apple watch.