Catering to Everybody

Watches that look like other watches are most commonly known as fakes or replicas. They may also be referred to as imitations, copies, reproductions, duplications, mock-ups, clones or creatively referred to as carbon copies of the originals which although gets the point across is not logically correct.
Then there is the nastier side to faking a watch original and these can be called outright counterfeit, forgeries, phonies, bogus or fabrications.
But what is the difference?
The difference is that the fake and replicas are known to be copies of the original watch designs. They often have a slightly different name or branding so that the consumer knows that they are buying a copy of an original, but not the original. A bit like when buying an original painting. The original is usually certified, signed and authenticated so that the purchaser or collector knows exactly what they are getting.
The copy of the painting is made obvious to the purchaser that this painting is indeed a copy of the original and is sold as such. But then there are the ruthless and non-virtuous who blatantly sell the counterfeit or forgery in order to deliberately deceive. These people have no morals and are out to take the next person down in order to gain for themselves. And that is not only a bad thing to do but it is illegal.
What’s the point to all this talk about fakes, counterfeits and copies?
It’s to help you recognize there are different levels of watch production and to help you understand that an original watch is a wonderful piece of art work that is worth spending many dollars in order to have. However, because not everyone can afford such luxury there is also an alternative watches market that openly admits they are copying or faking the original in the hope of bringing you a cheaper option to choose from.
But be equally aware of course there are also those who blatantly want to rip you off so buyer beware.