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      12-27-2018, 03:02 PM   #638
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Drives: '23 X3 M40i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fritzer View Post
Oh I do relatively frequently. Many of the factories, Noob, JF, ZF are not as you think though. They certainly fall into the more hole in the wall side of things compared to other "factories". The actual factories in China are the ones busting out the DHGate, street market Rolexs. Relatively to the other replica markets, the high-end Rolex replicas you and I see on the websites we visit are in a very small market, most people in the market for a Replica would never spend $400++ for a replica watch.

With the replacement of genuine parts, it is hit or miss. On some you can, some you can't. It depends on who manufactured the replica. Many have made successful FrankenWatches but there are many discrepancies. The replicas are not quite exact in terms of dimensions, even the highest priced ones. The 904L steel they allegedly use is very iffy, it is different then 316L but I would say the manufacturing standards they use in replica factories are not advanced enough to produce actual 904L. Close in feel and finish, but not durability. The ceramic is quite close, but again not similar in the unseen variables. However for what you get when buying, say, a brand new Noob Submariner - you are getting great value in a watch regardless.

I would also disagree with the fact you stated where a Rolex is up-marked from $1,000 to $7,500. I know for a fact that Rolex has a huge ego with their brand and understand the brand value, but I wouldn't say that a watch made with the same tolerances and engineering as a Submariner without the brand would be $1,000 - that is a little ridiculous.



While I do agree in part with the luxury brand price gouging, I also disagree with some other points you made. For example; I know someone who bought a "Chanel" watch recently, it has a freaking $400 ETA movement and they spent $8k on it. That is true luxury tax, and frankly just plain stupid. No one who buys into luxury goods like that gives a shit about horology.

As to the Apple watch/Quartz watch argument of accuracy, that cannot be disputed. However, the advantages of having a self-powered, extremely reliable, accurate and quality timepiece cannot be disputed as well. I don't understand owning a steel Submariner, as you said, for just the brand or "luxury". There are not many mechanical watches that can compete with the tolerances it is built to withstand. There are many fantastic Quartz watches too, but they have their drawbacks in terms of function. Apple watches are just plain silly and I think they are a very stupid thing to wear, but that falls in line with my bias against Apple products in general.
While I will say that I greatly appreciate the sub's quality,tolerances and movements... I just don't see how many people would buy that particular watch for anything outside of prestige. Yes it is a quality watch, I have one right on my wrist (that I paid $8550 for), but is it any better than my quartz Tag Aquaracer in any of those respects? I don't particularly think so... i love the way it looks, the attention it commands, the value that it keeps over the time and the very idea that it is very little changed for 50 years and has a great history. I just don't see how many people that can afford an 8/9k watch can honestly say they are that into watches as opposed to just having disposable income to buy one...
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