It is interesting to read other peoples comments on this topic. Of which I have read numerous threads about over the years....
I have only ever been asked to take a watch off my wrist for someone to look at once, and that was my gen vintage moon speedy, the guy who asked was a new colleague at the time; and it turns out he is right into watches. Well he never questioned whether it was real, he was admiring it. He pulls up his sleeve and shows me his 5513. Full patina. Beautiful watch is an understatement. I was like "holy crap that 5513 is fucking beautiful!" How long have you had it etc. But he was amazed I called it 5513 not just a Rolex. I certainly didn't ask if it was a rep as I know it was gen. And then a true watch conversation ensued. How many do you have etc. What is your favourite, how's your rotation work, how many auto's do you have on a watch winder etc. Ha! He has a very large collection ranging from ludicrously priced watches to G shock and $30 dollar watches. Same, apart from the ludicrously priced. I am talking over $30K AUD to which, some may agree or disagree on 'ludicrous'.
We also share an interest in military issued watches which we both have a number of. He was saying how his wife can't understand why he has so many watches. Which mine does too. lol. This guy can certainly pull off any gen, but you wouldn't know it, he's a knock around guy who's done well for himself. Funnily enough we both agreed that it is "man jewellery". I don't wear any other items accept clothes, maybe a hat if required, and even then I don't buy big brand stuff... well I guess I do but not Gucci or whatever 'high end' brands are, dunno. Not into that. But watches are my thing. It's not until you meet someone who is also right into their watches until you have that type of conversation.
Anyway I was wearing a PAM rep one day and he said "hey nice watch mate". I replied "yeah thanks mate, it's a good replica isn't it?". He was amazed at how good the quality was (he asked me for a closer look so I took it off my wrist). I explained the rep game and how it works. So now the running joke with him and I is "hey what watch are you wearing today and is it real". I always answer honestly as to whether it's gen or real (I have a number of each). Whether gen or rep he is always interested in having a closer look. And doesn't judge. And that's because we both love watches. And whether real or gen we always suss each others wrist and admire. And on that note - how many of us true watch freaks here look at what people are wearing. I must admit I do, but would never call someone out. I would say "nice watch" and leave it at that. And probably suss their reaction lol. But wouldn't judge them. But really? How many people even notice?
So to summarise the longest post I've ever written here, I have NEVER EVER been asked whether my watch is gen or real (apart from the fellow watchaholic above). And if I were to be asked I would say "yeah it's a replica, pretty good huh?". And as has been stated, not many people know high end brands apart from TAG, RM (because they see it advertised on F1 cars for example), Rolex, Breitling and probably Tudor too, no doubt others.