[miopyk]

Your watch along with the cloths you wear, the car you drive the house you live in project an image that whether you like it or not others will judge you by.

Some people seem to be obsessed by this and will set out to have every "label" to project the "right" image to the outside world. However if it's done right and the person is confident enough to carry it off then nobody will say anything because it will seem perfectly natural. If it's done badly then everyone will laugh because it's funny (think the "buying designer clothes" scene in National Lampoons European Vacation).

Going back to watches. Most people have not even heard of the very expensive watches such as Vacheron Constantin or Audemars Piguet let alone knowing what one looks like so judging a person based on the watch they are wearing is a bit foolish. They could have £250K on their wrist and you might think it's a Timex.

Most mid range brands such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier are the BMW/Mercedes of the watch world so a lot more people can afford them and therefore a lot more people know what they look like. People see success through these brands and having one proves that they are successful in the same way that driving a BMW or living in a nice part of town does.

So what happens if you want to project a successful image but can't afford to? Some people by a fake watch which is fine if you tell people it's a fake if they ask. But if you buy a fake with the intention of deceiving people into believing it's real then that in my opinion brings your integrity into question.

The honest person who wants to project a successful image will work hard and buy the real thing and in doing so will by default become successful because people will see the fruits of their labour.

Strangely as some people become more successful they are less inclined to show off their wealth through well known brands and hide it by wearing clothes without labels (bespoke tailoring) and unknown watches (Vacheron Constantin) and you won't see them in a BMW or Mercedes because they fly in helicopters or are driven around in blacked out limos.

Like it or not, in today's image obsessed world this is how the cookie crumbles.

So if you've worked hard and can afford one, buy yourself a decent watch and wear it with pride. And don't knock people who wear Rolex's Omega's etc. That is inverted snobbery and is just as bad. If you buy a fake have the humility to admit it when it's spotted for what it is be cause you're only kidding yourself if you don't. If you really have to have a decent watch it's better to save your money and get the real thing. You really will feel much better about yourself.

Miopyk

[ArmyBimmerDude]

When I went to thailand, I bought a couple Folex's(fake rolex). They look good to me and do the exact same thing the real ones do minus the $$$$ If it looks good, why not?

[AWD Addict]

no

[txusa03]

I see this as a problem in our society. If you cannot afford it, then don't pretend to be someone you are not by walking around with fake this and that (boobs included as well).

On a side note: How many people here believed that replica wheels are better then oem wheels? I hear stories about rims getting bend from hitting massive craters on this forum but not sure what % of those cases are from replica. Flame suite on .\

Wow, why I started this the day before new year

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Originally Posted by txusa03

I see this as a problem in our society. If you cannot afford it, then don't pretend to be someone you are not by walking around with fake this and that (boobs included as well).

On a side note: How many people here believed that replica wheels are better then oem wheels? I hear stories about rims getting bend from hitting massive craters on this forum but not sure what % of those cases are from replica. Flame suite on .\

Wow, why I started this the day before new year

Yet like someone already pointed out, people don't spend the $ on authentic car parts, do they? Everyone's ready to get replica rims and body kits. People are being hypocrites about the whole thing. Who cares? I love my $20 watch cause it does exactly what your $2000 watch does.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by miopyk

Your watch along with the cloths you wear, the car you drive the house you live in project an image that whether you like it or not others will judge you by.

Some people seem to be obsessed by this and will set out to have every "label" to project the "right" image to the outside world. However if it's done right and the person is confident enough to carry it off then nobody will say anything because it will seem perfectly natural. If it's done badly then everyone will laugh because it's funny (think the "buying designer clothes" scene in National Lampoons European Vacation).

Going back to watches. Most people have not even heard of the very expensive watches such as Vacheron Constantin or Audemars Piguet let alone knowing what one looks like so judging a person based on the watch they are wearing is a bit foolish. They could have £250K on their wrist and you might think it's a Timex.

Most mid range brands such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier are the BMW/Mercedes of the watch world so a lot more people can afford them and therefore a lot more people know what they look like. People see success through these brands and having one proves that they are successful in the same way that driving a BMW or living in a nice part of town does.

So what happens if you want to project a successful image but can't afford to? Some people by a fake watch which is fine if you tell people it's a fake if they ask. But if you buy a fake with the intention of deceiving people into believing it's real then that in my opinion brings your integrity into question.

The honest person who wants to project a successful image will work hard and buy the real thing and in doing so will by default become successful because people will see the fruits of their labour.

Strangely as some people become more successful they are less inclined to show off their wealth through well known brands and hide it by wearing clothes without labels (bespoke tailoring) and unknown watches (Vacheron Constantin) and you won't see them in a BMW or Mercedes because they fly in helicopters or are driven around in blacked out limos.

Like it or not, in today's image obsessed world this is how the cookie crumbles.

So if you've worked hard and can afford one, buy yourself a decent watch and wear it with pride. And don't knock people who wear Rolex's Omega's etc. That is inverted snobbery and is just as bad. If you buy a fake have the humility to admit it when it's spotted for what it is be cause you're only kidding yourself if you don't. If you really have to have a decent watch it's better to save your money and get the real thing. You really will feel much better about yourself.

Miopyk

very well written, thanks for taking the time to make the point I wasn't willing to take the time to make!

I have a very nice "mid grade" watch at about $2k. I have custom made suits and dress shirts. My dress shoes are Alden, as are my belts. They simply look better, and when I want to project an air of professionalism, they can't be topped. I can spot a cheap suit from a mile away, and they look terrible!

But you'll never see me with a logo plastered across anything if I can help it, and when it doesn't matter, I don't spend the dough. Off the shelf is off the shelf. Don't give me the quality argument, it doesn't hold anymore. Ten - twelve years ago Abercrombie actually was quality, as was Banana Republic. But now their stuff is the same cheap shit you get at Target. So, if they're all going to fit the same, last the same amount of time and look like shit in 6 mos, I buy $20 jeans at Meijer and $15 shirts at Target and I am complemented by my fashion snob girlfriends for how good an outfit looks. Now they know, and then ask how much the outfit cost. The are always amused that it cost less then their shoes!

Funny thing, many people mistake my Seiko for a watch that is much more expensive - one idiot swore it was a $3k Rolex (it's not a replica of anything that I am aware), and others assume my TAG is a knockoff because I'm 32 yrs old (and look like im 14). Go figure.

[txusa03]

FWIW, I had a $80 Fossil watch for a long time with so many scratches and one day the pin that hold the metal strap finally broke. That is the end of my watch buying experience. I now rely on my cell phone for time. Yeah, a guy who drives a bmw had an $80 Fossil watch (and I wore it proudly too )

[!Xoible]

Originally Posted by txusa03

FWIW, I had a $80 Fossil watch for a long time with so many scratches and one day the pin that hold the metal strap finally broke. That is the end of my watch buying experience. I now rely on my cell phone for time. Yeah, a guy who drives a bmw had an $80 Fossil watch (and I wore it proudly too )

+1. i think i got my Fossil on a bday or something like that... i dont even know where it is now
i can always ask "what time is it"

[NaTuReB0Y]

I have a $9.99 wallet..........does that mean I am unworthy?

[OC Guy]

I'd rather wear a Seiko than a fake. Seikos are outstanding time pieces btw..

[AlpineWeiss335i]

I have quite a few fakes I purchased over here in Europe, they look nice but they are basically crap can't really change the date and keeps time horribly. But it looks good for an evening dinner or something

[Jay_328]

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

I have a $9.99 wallet..........does that mean I am unworthy?

yes

[cosmosblau]

I love watches. I do not buy them because of what YOU think. If you buy a watch or a car because you are trying to show the world how much money or class you have, you certainly have a lot of work ahead of you.

It's OK- daddy loves you.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by cosmosblau

... If you buy a watch or a car because you are trying to show the world how much money or class you have, you certainly have a lot of work ahead of you....

If someone buys something to show the world how much class they have, they've just proven they don't have any.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

I have a $9.99 wallet..........does that mean I am unworthy?

These actually make good coat/front pocket wallets for those on a budget.

[Year's_End]

No. Just isn't right. Too poseur.

[ianbiz]

I would rock a rep. but it would have to look really good. I beat on my watches so a real one wouldnt be a good idea.

[TurboFan]

what about a custom made watch w/ no logo that may have some design cues from another high-end watch? It's not a rep, has no logo, but a good looking popular style that keeps good time for a reasonable price (<$1000).

It's exactly what I'm looking for.

[Los Angeles]

Would you drive a replica car?

Replica F430 anyone?


Ha!

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Los Angeles

Would you drive a replica car?

Replica F430 anyone?


Ha!

Sure. A modern Cobra replica is far better than the original.


Look at GM...they make replicas of real cars every day and people drive them....wait their cars suck.....

[musc]

Why buy a replica? So you impress people making them think you have a Rolex or what not? For the same money you can get a nice Seiko that will last a lot longer. If you truly want a nice watch, just buy it, not an imitation.

[truong321]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

very well written, thanks for taking the time to make the point I wasn't willing to take the time to make!

I have a very nice "mid grade" watch at about $2k. I have custom made suits and dress shirts. My dress shoes are Alden, as are my belts. They simply look better, and when I want to project an air of professionalism, they can't be topped. I can spot a cheap suit from a mile away, and they look terrible!

But you'll never see me with a logo plastered across anything if I can help it, and when it doesn't matter, I don't spend the dough. Off the shelf is off the shelf. Don't give me the quality argument, it doesn't hold anymore. Ten - twelve years ago Abercrombie actually was quality, as was Banana Republic. But now their stuff is the same cheap shit you get at Target. So, if they're all going to fit the same, last the same amount of time and look like shit in 6 mos, I buy $20 jeans at Meijer and $15 shirts at Target and I am complemented by my fashion snob girlfriends for how good an outfit looks. Now they know, and then ask how much the outfit cost. The are always amused that it cost less then their shoes!

Funny thing, many people mistake my Seiko for a watch that is much more expensive - one idiot swore it was a $3k Rolex (it's not a replica of anything that I am aware), and others assume my TAG is a knockoff because I'm 32 yrs old (and look like im 14). Go figure.

"A man should look as if he bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them."

Anyway, Any watch from Target is > Replica.