The trade in counterfeit watches is an area of long standing concern for luxury watch manufacturers. The total proportion of internet searches showing an interest in replica watches has recently risen to heights of 15-30%, and the Swiss watch industry loses vast amounts of money on a yearly basis due to imitation watches.
Fraudulent watches exist in order to provide low budget watch buyers with the same desirable status symbols as would be possessed by a legitimate luxury timepiece owner. Fake watches are comparatively prevalent within the stocks of online sellers, although most providers freely admit to the nature of these timepieces. Fake wristwatches are almost exclusively purchased by individuals who are entirely concurrent with the trade in counterfeit watches. The risk of fake watches appearing in the catalogues of legitimate stockists has steadily reduced over time due to the implementation of more stringent internet security measures. The odds of procuring a fake watch through a valid supply chain are therefore extremely unlikely.
Fake watches that masquerade under a legitimate brand name are illegal, although many watch designs are not protected by copyright laws. A lawful version of a replica watch is known as a “homage†timepiece. These are produced as cost-effective alternatives to historic watches, and are produced without the brand names or logos that are displayed by genuine high class watch manufacturers. Otherwise, homage watches attempt to replicate details as faithfully as possible. Rolex watches are a particularly popular brand for imitators, as the market for hard to acquire Rolex timepieces is particularly extensive. Illegal fake watches are also not to be confused with exterior “gray market†retailers who sell authorized watches in varying conditions of use at the expense of a factory warranty. This gray market lies between the authorized and counterfeit sectors, and does not support the sale of fake timepieces.
The most important consideration for a horological connoisseur to consider is whether or not replica watches represent a viable alternative high end timepieces. The answer is a resounding no. Counterfeit watches are typically distinguishable with just a cursory glance, and closer scrutiny regarding the inside movements of a fake timepiece will inevitably allay any lingering doubts. Facsimile watches are apt to malfunction, and are characterised by none of the innovation that is boasted by state of the art movements such as the co-axial mechanism housed within Omega watches. Luxury watches are priced at high levels because of the care and attention that is poured into the creation of the movements, the dials and the straps, and low quality imitation equivalents do not present an alternative to the real craftsmanship, despite the reductions in price.
A genuine timepiece from a leading brand name brings a unique blend of sophisticated style and flawless reliability that cannot be replicated by any provider of forged watches. At Banks Lyon, we are a fully authorised luxury watch stockist that has been providing impeccable customer service since we first began trading in the 19th century. Please browse through our website to view some of our extensive collection of luxury watches, or contact a member of our staff on 01524 384858 for any further information.
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