Good fake watches

[LaoZhang]

I'm heading back to China (finally!) after a year. Will only be for a few weeks, but that should be long enough to get my fill of 燕京啤酒 and 羊肉串.

My other mission is to find a really nice replica watch, a Breitling Bentley GMT, to be exact.

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to get good replicas? My understanding is that there are 2 kinds -- the really cheap fake ones and then really good fake ones - almost identical, even down to the automatic movement and weight.

I've been to Silk Market and Red Bridge before, but wasn't looking for watches at that time.

Thanks!

[Jialihai Jiejie]

I don't think we should encourage people to buy or support fake products here, especially intellectual properties like films, music, crafts, collectively known as Creative Industry.

More and more industrialised countries rely on the CI to support their economies since the cost of getting raw materials to produce goods can be greater than provision of services, including the CI.

Illegal copying, reproduction of other works without their permissions, etc can cause a catastrophic impact to the CI. Job loss is insignificant but the real culprit is fake products hinder the development of creative ideas. When that really happens, we will all end up watching the same film, listening to the same music, wearing the same watch...

Remember to support original products (both goods and services)!

Of course, it's easy said than done and if we don't change our attitudes. Fake products news, such as, fake milk, fake soya sauce, etc will be here to stay forever, for sure.

Just my two pennies.

Jialihai Jiejie

[BrandeX]

sharing copy writed works electronically (essentially counterfits or same result anyways) has been given the green light here regardless of intellectual property rights and such. This is not any different, so it would likely fall within the same type of rules. Best to check with an admin.

http://www.chinese-forums.com/showpost.php?p=134926&postcount=4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg_yehioJX8

[flameproof]

My understanding is that there are 2 kinds -- the really cheap fake ones and then really good fake ones - almost identical, even down to the automatic movement and weight.

That's the myth. There are simply different qualities coz there different factories who fake them. Some better, some worse.

Don't you think you are worth an original? I think I am and would buy such crap.

PS: I just have a Seiko now - but I am 100% sure it's real.

[LaoZhang]

Don't you think you are worth an original?

Not sure what that's supposed to mean, but the question should be "do I want to spend $8,000" on a watch that's just a watch. It's more for fun than anything else.

I'd say I'm worth a Bentley, but don't have one of those, either.

[flameproof]

Here is what I mean: Sometimes I like to buy something nice as gift to myself. For me fakes don't qualify.

For Bentley, I like the cars too but have no intention to buy one. It's like with a zebra, which I like too. Some things are nice from a distance.

But morality aside, you simply have no idea what you buy. The sellers will always tell you it's good quality. Their judgment what's "better" may be biased by the profit margin from that particular watch and they will tell you what you want to hear. Key question is: can you trust sellers that sell fake watches? I have doubts..... But for RMB200 or so who cares anyway.

PS: don't wear it when you go to Switzerland. They have heavy fines for importing fake brand watches.

[Artem]

Wearing a watch to a country isn't considered importing...

He wouldn't have to pay any fines no matter how much of a fake his watch is. Importing is only when there is a clear indication of intent to distribute.

There's nothing particularly wrong with fakes. Despite many beliefs, it doesn't stunt development because people who will buy fakes never intend to buy the originals. It's not like he was willing to pay 8,000 dollars for a real one, but then found a fake one. The market for people who buy those original watches will still be there, no matter if there are fakes or not.

On topic, sorry can't help you with that area. I rarely go to that side of China.

[roddy]

Try Ebay. Seriously, that's where I'd look. Unless you can afford a genuine one, in which case please get in touch with an admin member to discuss our new membership fees.

Silk Market is maybe a bit too regulated now, but might be worth a look. Hongqiao would probably be your best bet, but unless you're able to spot the 'good' fakes I don't fancy your chances. An alternative might just be a watch shop.

[flameproof]

Wearing a watch to a country isn't considered importing...

He wouldn't have to pay any fines no matter how much of a fake his watch is. Importing is only when there is a clear indication of intent to distribute.

If in doubt better don't argue. Commercial import is certainly illegal - but keep in mind the custom officer decides what is commercial and what not. I prefer not to face that risk.

Despite many beliefs, it doesn't stunt development because people who will buy fakes never intend to buy the originals.

It hurts the brands image. And IMHO it hurts Chinas image too.

[Artem]

I'm not in doubt. There's still guide lines on what is considered import and what is not. Yes, there is wiggle room for custom officials, but that doesn't mean they can just decide whatever they want. It's great that you would rather not take the risk, but you are also not the one buying the watch.

[renzhe]

Wearing fake goods (Gucci shirts, D&G bags, etc.) can get you arrested in many European airports, and you can have them confiscated and be charged with a hefty fine.

Intent to distribute is not a factor.

I'm not sure how it is in the US, but if you're coming to Germany and France, you better have really good copies.

I imagine it would be similar with watches.

[BJ220051]

I suggest that you should buy it in your own country. It is so meaningless to buy a watch here.