Don’t Buy Replica Watches and Replica Designer Shoes or Handbags
By gary ~ January 2nd, 2009. Filed under: Editorial Opinions.
What is in a brand name that causes the masses to be obsessed with having the brand? I can certainly understand many of the associations to quality and service of the brand product. But all things considered, which we will consider here should be analyzed for better understanding. The most replicated items in general terms are cars, airplanes or small houses which we also call models. It’s quite easy to understand that having a small replica of one of these in your office or home desk is a constant reminder of what you love.
But what about the replica’s of top branded items such as Watches, Designer Handbags, or Shoes? Doesn’t the word replica intend that these loved items be small models of what we love as well? It seems that the word replica relating to these mentioned items equals plagiarism to put it bluntly! The term replica from Dictionary.com means:
1. A copy or reproduction of a work of art produced by the maker of the original or under his or her supervision.
2. Any close or exact copy or reproduction.
3. A copy or reproduction, especially one on a scale smaller than the original.
As I gathered the proper explanation of the word replica, I couldn’t help but notice under sponsored links, more replica watch advertisers. I guess this furthers my continued efforts to come to terms with the law on plagiarism. I would like to point out that all the watch photos are replica or fake brands, and they are very good to excellent quality. Excellent meaning only trained eyes can tell the difference.
Ok, let’s say I really like Rolex watches but I know I can’t afford one. Does this make it right for a company to copy a Rolex watch and make it verbatim and market the item under the original name of Rolex at 1.5% of the cost? We all know that Rolex symbolizes that you have arrived, a status of paramount belief in your success. Is it wrong to live vicariously through a belief in success and feel that you are aspiring to be there someday? In other words, by wearing a fake Rolex only reflects my true intentions of what I’m willing to wear if I had the monetary success I’m striving for. And does this mindset hold true to Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, Dolce Gabanna etc?
I’ve pondered this question for several years and it’s a hot topic in the branding industry I can assure you. There are thousands of online replica (fake) dealers who solicit your dollars with spammed email attempts. And undoubtedly they must work because the sellers are expanding more and more. You can purchase from their websites and they have numbers that you can call, but you can’t email them. I find this to be the real point. You see, anyone can have a phone number, but an email address is more important. Why, because it’s tied to an IP address which is assigned to a person and traceable, at least to 99% of us. But when you reply to these unsolicited spam emails they always come back as undeliverable. Also, if you try and contact them from the page they are selling their merchandise you will be asked to give your email address and name and submit the information to them. This maneuver guarantees their anonymous behavior, but continues to add to their database of potential customers.
So you can’t afford to spend big dollars on brands right? So what’s the alternative if integrity is your virtue and you still want to be hip and in vogue? The simply answer would be to spend your money where your budget allows, easier said than done I know. But there really is a danger side to the counterfeit market that is not so pretty and hurts many not unlike the drug trafficking market. I guess if more people where aware of this, they may take a second thought at spending for the fake. But realistically, we want that brand and that’s what propels us buy them. We rationalize that we didn’t spend an arm and a leg, so if anything breaks I know it’s a fake. Or I bought it in jest because I would never spend so much money on the real item. Whichever way you need to appease yourself, by all means go ahead. However, the truth is really in the purchase of the fake in order to gain from a perceived prosperity or again, what you will buy if you had the serious monetary funds. One way to know the real meaning of buying fakes is to ask yourself, how you would handle your fake brand in a social gathering with those that had the real brands and knew yours was a fake. Would you want to run and hide like it’s a childhood embarrassment, or would say the previously mentioned rationalization for wearing the fakes?
Although it’s true that counterfeit brands are getting better and better at their trade and prices are easier to part with, I make no judgment either way as to how you’re spending your funds. I’m still trying to figure out what is a natural reaction and what’s outright bad judgment. On the one hand we have wealth that we see, and all the glamour that goes with it. Yachts and fine hotels and villas worldwide, you know the glamorous life. And then there’s the common working class that sees all this. It seems to me that if you advertise your products where I can see them, don’t you think I may want them to?
Watches
Source: FH – Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry
Is a fake watch a joke?
No. Behind counterfeiting are usually well-organized criminal networks which profit from the lucrative margins of profit in the trade in counterfeit. Besides the buyer who acquires inferior quality goods, there are others involved who are also hurt. For instance, the counterfeiting industry works in the shadows making it easier to exploit children and the poorest of the poor. At the same time, counterfeiters avoid paying taxes, customs fees, social security contributions, and other such monies connected to manufacturing activities and thus hurt society as a whole.
How does one know if a watch is not a genuine?
There are various indications which make it possible to distinguish between a real watch and a fake one:
- A brand-name watch sold on the sidewalk or roadside is clearly a fake.
- Numerous designations on the watch housing or band, often of poor quality, indicate counterfeiting.
- Lack of official guarantee certificate for the watch is evidence that it is a fake. However, the existence of such a certificate is no proof to the contrary because counterfeiters, in the meantime, forge guarantees as well.
- Swiss brand-name watchmakers pay particular attention to the finish of the components. Poor detail quality indicates a fake.
- Messy packaging or a mixture of different brands in the same packaging indicates counterfeit watches.
Which rights are regularly infringed by counterfeited watches?
Mostly trademark and design rights. In addition, counterfeiters use incorrect geographical indications such as “Swiss” or “Swiss made.” The use of such indications of source for watches is regulated in Switzerland and only those who uphold the provisions of it are entitled to use the indication. Fake symbols for precious metals stamped on components not meeting the requirements are also found.
Is it risky to buy watches over the internet?
Purchasing watches online has to be done with care and the consumer should carefully check the offered goods. The portion of fakes available over online platforms is very high. This is also why a lot of Swiss brands active in the luxury goods sector have completely renounced selling over the internet and do so only through authorized distributors.
Where can I find authorized distributors?
Lists of authorized distributors can be found on the website of the manufacturer.
What do I need to look out for when buying jewelry or watches in foreign countries?
If you buy jewelry or watches in foreign countries, you should be particularly careful: During inspections, apparent bargains often turn out to be defective or even forgeries. (e.g. counterfeited brand-name goods or faked precious metals stamps). Zero tolerance for forgeries: customs are obliged to confiscate and destroy the falsifications.
Source: Federal Customs Administration
What is the tax-free allowance for importation of jewelry and watches?
If no other goods are imported, the tax-free allowance for importation of jewelry and watches is CHF 300 (total value) per person per day provided you travel with the goods.
Source: Federal Customs Administration
