What is with the watch "replica" websites, why are they able to keep running?

Forums › Off topic › What is with the watch "replica" websites, why are they able to keep running?

TeaLeaf

6254 posts

Uber Geek

#309300 6-Oct-2023 17:57

I thought it was illegal to sell imiations. Just google buy replica omega seamaster or buy top replica

I gotta say some of the watches look really good in their own right, Id never buy one as I have my own small collection. although could be fun to compare how close a "replica" gets, they look way closer than "fakes" ive seen overseas.

I imagine they would be confiscated at customs?

Very odd.

SomeoneSomewhere

1754 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#3143684 6-Oct-2023 18:23

It's expensive and hard to force websites to shut down, especially when they're overseas from a) the people complaining, and b) the customers.

In addition, not all places have the same trademark laws (which would likely be the only legal grounds). You may not be able to 'take down' the website, just file a court case and eventually claim cash damages. Being able to simply state "X is illegal, therefore it should be taken down" mostly just applies to copyright; everything else requires an actual order from a judge.

I'm not sure of the likelihood of interception at customs. Higher quantities are more subject to inspection. A watch isn't going to show up as biological/chemical, which is what most of the scanning is looking for. So the only likely route is if the transaction itself was flagged first.

Tradepub

Free professional, reference and technical white papers (affiliate link).

TeaLeaf

6254 posts

Uber Geek

#3143703 6-Oct-2023 19:48

SomeoneSomewhere:

I'm not sure of the likelihood of interception at customs. Higher quantities are more subject to inspection. A watch isn't going to show up as biological/chemical, which is what most of the scanning is looking for. So the only likely route is if the transaction itself was flagged first.

So true, just thought about the Int Property, but look how many illegal shrts are sold everywhere.

Well I might buy one and do a side by side and rip it apart to see how good the clockwork is. Some of them Im struggling just by visuals. But then my eyesight is going. Seems even fakes have improved, should I say "replicas"

I actually want one of the Grand Seiko's. but like them all, not cheap.

vexxxboy

4232 posts

Uber Geek

#3143813 6-Oct-2023 22:20

it is not illegal to sell replica watches in the USA, as long as you know it is a replica.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

TeaLeaf

6254 posts

Uber Geek

#3143863 7-Oct-2023 08:35

vexxxboy:

it is not illegal to sell replica watches in the USA, as long as you know it is a replica.

agggh that explains the term replica on them.

Honestly, some look pretty dang good, Im not sure I would tell the difference?

But would never replace the sentimental attachment to my few as they have all been gifts.

Id really like a big face watch, like a Panerai Luminor base range. Love this but wont be affording this unless something drastic changes in my exected life course haha Panerai Luminor GMT - 44mm PAM 1441 Automatic | WW Panerai Official Website

Some of these high quality replicas are $1200USD, so you would expect them to be good.

1101

3121 posts

Uber Geek

#3144354 8-Oct-2023 16:58

My $20 fake Rolex I bought in Mexico kept better time than my real Rolex.
cheap Quartz vs spring I guess
:-)

TeaLeaf

6254 posts

Uber Geek

#3144683 9-Oct-2023 19:24

I didnt even know this exist, but there is a whole community of "Replica" collectors, these items are part for part. Is amazing. They are not cheap though. I can understand it.