My encounter with a high quality Patek Philippe Aquanaut FAKE: my experience, feelings & what I did 

Its a well-known secret in the watch industry. There are watches out there with serial numbers identical to the originals. Only Ziarex has the real deal, and thats no secret.

These high end fakes really make you wonder what your spending your money on when you buy a 20K+ stainless steel 3 hand watch. In my mind getting 95% of the watch for 5% of the price is too good of a deal to pass if (if you aren't averse to the concept of fakes). Consumerism makes you believe that an expensive watch is a representative of success or holds some value far above it's material and labor costs but that's just cleaver marking and I'd personally feel like a fool spending some people's collage fund on a cleverly marketed peice of jewelery. IMO go with the fake and spend the savings on a charity of your choosing. That's a much more positive and fulfilling way to live.

There's a strong argument for wearing a replica of your own watch where there is the possibilty of theft, and also an even stronger argument for storing the replicas of your real watches in the safe so if you are unlucky enough to be robbed you can open the safe and hand them over.

I think the point of these replicas is for everyday folk to enjoy the design and style of the watch, because 20-30K is for the .01% of people. If one is honest about its origins, I don't see the issue of owning one.

Did I really just listen to someone rationalize not wanting to be robbed for their $600 watch because its only worth $600? The implication being that it would be better to be robbed while wearing a $28000 genuine version? Fake watches are watches that don't tell time. Clones are real watches that cost what a watch would cost if it weren't for artificial scarcity and the absolute joke that is "luxury" branding. Clones are watches that cost what a watch should cost, nothing more nothing less.

Plot twist: His friend’s watch was fake too

Thanks for sharing. It’s the same reason why I don’t buy any watches from any ADs or boutiques they require me to first buy other watches that I do not want. To build a “relationship” etc. If I needed to do that, it feels fake to me. That I was not worth to buy the watch I wanted without first having to buy others to qualify me to be worth. They can can keep it then.

Interesting. I'd always wanted a Submariner, I'd got some nice watches including a Tudor Black Bay Heritage (smiley face one), and I then got a top end replica (fake) Submariner. Long story short, I've sold all my genuine watches and now have several replicas of the watches I'd really like. I wear a Starbucks Submariner as an everyday watch, what's not to love? Btw I'm 53 y/o, married, divorced and engaged again and have been wearing watches for well over 45 years so I'm not a child, but I am living the dream ;)

I like watches for their design, the way they look, and how easy they are to tell the time with. The other thing that's important to me is accuracy. So for years I wore Digital and Quartz watches I stopped wearing them because my eyesight became poor at close range. I bought 3x Fake Omega Seamaster PO not because they were Fake Omega but because I liked the style of the 45mm dial the large hands and markers and the orange bezel. The main reason was I could actually tell the time without glasses on as at the time I only needed glasses when things were less than 3 feet away. coupled with the thought of dropping 10K to tell the time didn't sit well with me I don't wear them now because they are Fake I have an automatic Seiko 5 Divers watch (one of the cheap ones). If the Seamasters were unbranded/sterile I'd wear them. I also have a really cheap Chinese Sub Mariner that cost less than $10 with a made up branding "Winner" I wear that when I'm fixing the car because it doesn't matter if it gets smashed up. As far as the Patek Aquanaught. I don't like the design at all, it's not something I'd like to wear genuine or not. So even if I was given a sterile fake I wouldn't wear it. And if it was real I'd sell it and buy a seamaster and a nice car

Video makes good points. However, the fact that you can buy a super accurate copy of a Patek for less than 2% of its regular price is a huge red flag for Patek. Can you buy a super accurate copy of a Porsche for 2% of its regular price? No. How about a luxury house? No. An Hermes Birkin? No. When the watchmakers play games holding back supply, causing their customers to get angry, they have only themselves to blame when people buy "super clones." In my opinion, it serves them right.

You could argue that Swiss watch makers are ripping people of heavily with prices, buying this watch from Patek retail price is understandable and acceptable, I personally believe you would have to be a mad man buying this watch for whatever it goes for on the secondary markets. I don’t buy replicas but I think watches like this should exist because there are many watch enthusiasts that could never buy the real one and this gives them the opportunity to enjoy and admire the almost and I mean 98% the same thing as the genuine watch, instead of the usual customers that buy watches like this purely to show off, many of them don’t even know how this watch works and why it’s special, it’s embarrassing. In all honesty if you ignore the plagiarism this watch and other super clones are a hell of a bang for the buck.

Excellent review of fake watches, this one makes sense! It’s a purely emotional/subjective view by an enthusiast encompassing all his enthusiasm for watches. No price justifications, accuracy or quality arguments - just passion!👍

But in the same sense I would feel fooled to buy the genuine one too , so it's no for both, and frankly it should be taken more seriously by the brands as it seriously dilute the whole idea of buying the real thing, why should we.

Interesting insight, my experience in Dubai - especially with certain brands has been highly disappointing. Apart from the JLC and ALS boutique in Dubai Mall, the other shops have very snobbish behavior. The individuals at the MAD Gallery are incredibly nice and well educated, very humble. However, in particular, the problematic ones tend to be owned by the group which organizes Dubai Watch Week - their sales reps are by far the worst in their demeanor. Cartier and Bulgari have welcoming staff as well, especially the Cartier boutique at the Dubai Mall entrance - I bought my Tank from there back in 2019. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Which factory will make the watch?

Thank you for the video, you need a popshield for your microphone. You are over thinking it, it’s a watch, it tells the time.

I just watched your video and because so many people are finding themselves in strange unfamiliar ground over these replicas, I really want to ask you a couple of questions. What if you were approached with a deal on this fantastic watch but it was stolen instead of fake, what if it was not stolen but just a desperate attempt to raise cash right away, or some guy found it in the men's room and had no idea what it was? What if the watch wasn't a fake but the seller was just ignorant. Basically I'm just curious to know if the only way you would wear it and feel ok about it is If you paid full retail from an established dealer? I also wonder when the last time you were out and about and someone made a challenging comment about your watch? If they did would you feel like you should offer proof of some kind in retort? Please don't think I'm picking on you or trying to embarrass you. I feel like we both are on the same page and I just really had to break it all down myself and reset my own moral compass. I'm just curious if you have thought of any of this stuff yet because I think you will.

You made the right choice. Not only from a true watch enthusiasts perspective, but also maintaining your integrity of being a gentleman at heart. What you do is what you are. I once bought a hommage watch out of curiosity. Not a fake, but a widely available hommage, sold on Amazon, supposed to be the "best of its kind". Immediately after removing it from its packaging, I know I made a mistake. I tried it on and wore it for a day, I felt so uncomfortable doing so, it was insane, I felt like an impostor. Since then, I know for a fact, that I could never in my life wear a fake watch. Good thing you spared yourself this terrible experience.

Such a good video, which reflects my feelings about a similar experience well - except I bought, but then never used the watch. Ended up in the trash without a sinlge public appearance on the wrist. One other consideration though: What does this experience do to your appreciation for the real thing? For me, it made watches from certain brands somewhat less appealing, considering the obvious ease and inexpensiveness of making a seemingly 1:1 copy. I am not saying that the trained eye can't see the difference, but I for sure couldn't. It did however make me appreciate my Zeitwerk even more, as I know they aren't going to be replicating that anytime soon. :)

Be safe, don't get stabbed for a real one or a fake one. RIP Emmanuel Odunlami...

Enjoyed the video, interesting topic. It’s a strange hold that brands have over us but I do agree that it’s a massive part of the draw of collecting, holding “the real thing”. No fake could ever deliver that experience even if it was for all intents and purposes identical. Incidentally I can’t say I share your love of the aquanaut, something about the Arabic numerals looks slightly off to me. I really enjoy your videos but always seem to stumble across them a week or so after they come out even though I’m subscribed. Maybe a thumbnail with a signature style or logo would prevent myself and others from missing them. I also think that if you invested a bit in the production you’d have a fantastic channel but I understand you probably don’t have a lot of spare time to do so. Either way, very much enjoyed

I would have gotten the replica but save around 350$ plus and order from a trusted dealer online. 800$ would be too much, these go for around 450ish rn

Where can we buy the fake Patek Aquanaut? Would be a nice desk dive watch.

Plot twist : your friend was also showing you fake watch at the party

Where is it from?

Very good video. This reflects exactly how I feel, however I own a few homage watches simply because I can't afford the real thing, and they simply represent themselves.

What about the craftsmen who conceived and built the genuine article?

Excellent narration. Did you ever get to the Breguet boutique as you suggested you might? As I explained to you - the Breguet Reveil du Tsar eliminates all additional acquisition impulses. You will gulp, a tear will form in your eye, and may even pass a little contained wind.

Just wear what makes you happy. It looks real on you.👍 Real or fake watch does not make you bad or good person. If you enjoyed the design of the watch and it makes you happy then fake will do the job .👍 Just think this way, does Patek watches really worth $10,000 bucks or more to make? Is all about marketing. Personally if I enjoy/love the design and the quantity of the watch fake will do it for me. I will take extra money to either invest make more money or help other people 😊

I couldnt do a fake, i would feel ashamed. Great video ty.

This is a ZF which is around 450 USD with a Miyota.

Question. If you bought a fake but didn't know it was a fake, would it still give you the same sense of feeling as a real one to own and wear it .?

Ngl if I had 80k + to spend on a watch I still wouldn't buy it. It just seems like a waste of money. I usually buy things for myself bc I like the look. I don't really care about movements and accuracy since I will always have my phone and if I like something I won't sell it so I don't need to think about resell value. It's best to think that if you look like you can buy it but want a fake/rep get the rep. You won't worry about scratches or getting it wet lol. I like people like you that have an opinion and want to stay true to whatever it is. All in all I'm saying if you want a rep get it, but if it bugs you a lot don't. Also don't buy a AP or day date fake while driving a Kia lol

I think only wealthy people “deserve” to wear fakes. And actually I know some of the wealthiest people that have fakes in their collection. They can easily afford the real one, but always wondered why they chose to buy fakes. Rich people are weird with their money. I guess how it’s how they got rich in the first place. Also I think it’s because only their lifestyle allows for it. No one will question a person wearing a replica sitting in first/business class, but if someone wears a genuine Rolex riding the bus you might question it. So, all in all, if you can’t afford the real thing, don’t buy a replica, because you just don’t have the lifestyle to back it up.

No joke, I saw a fake Aquanaut which is the triple AAA fake and you cannot tell it from the real thing. It has everything including the lume. Man, it makes me realize how cheap it costs to make the real thing.

This is a great video. I’ve never owned a fake watch which I’m questioning now that I recently bought a two tone invicta that looks like a submariner cyclops and all. Turns out it’s a great watch for the $100 I spent. It’s got me thinking now that maybe it won’t be so bad owning a 1:1 replica of a watch I’m more than sure I’ll never afford, for example I love the look of a Richard Mille but I would never even if I had the money ever pay what they cost. Ever. So maybe forking up the cash for a spot on replica is the best route in this scenario.

Some of the superclones are very good standalone pieces. If they weren't copying another brand and had the name of the watch manufacturer on them they'd be worth buying..

Great video with a great message! Another take is, when wearing a genuine (but a much copied watch brand) let´s say, a Rolex. Many will wonder if it is real or a fake. That also takes away some of the enjoyment of the ownership. The fake watch industry has grown largely over the past years and the quality is high, as are the prices. As long as people buy these the problem persists and it say´s a lot of the people buying them. Food for thought, why buy a 5000$ fake Rolex when one can buy a genuine Tudor?

Bang on the money - You have got the heart of the matter every watch enthusiast asks. Great vid!

The earlier comment isn’t to suggest the retail prices of the genuine articles are a fair reflection of their value (that depends solely on your own assessment), only to suggest that there is little value and no authenticity in fakery. By all means, opt for a watch that looks similar to a more expensive one if you admire the style…just as long as it’s not pretending to be that more expensive one (I.e. it copies the name etc).

Thanks for the William Wood mention…might end up in the my wrist now.

do you know the best replica dealer best quality even expensive?

Very interesting video. When it comes to fakes, I can't bring myself to have one. Noone in my peer group would even recognize these brands anyway... I remember another RU-vid watch enthusiast who made an interesting point about acquiring these watches. He said that in order to covet...I mean really really love a grail timepiece, the acquisition has to "hurt a little bit". He used his PP white gold Calatrava as an example. He loves it above all others, and part of the reason why is because he had to prepare for a purchase on that level. That's how I lean as well. When I scratch up enough to have something like a submariner for example....the purchase is gonna hurt(i am "middle class" as far as income is concerned. I'll covet that watch, and I just can't process the thought of an easily acquired fake watch because I can't love it.

Not me but I do like the 5711. Much preferred for me would be 5172G with the Salmon Opaline dial.

Very true and nice way of explaining why wearing fake doesn’t come with joy! Agreed

Valid points here. Another factor is the context and nature of the transaction. Who are these people selling these contraband timepieces? What activities are they funding with the sales? Replica watch sales have been linked to the financing of related criminal enterprises. Where one's money is ultimately going in exchange of these increasingly topdrawer fakes is also an important consideration in all of this, I reckon.

I have that clone Aquanaut. Had my friend ,a watchmaker in China, regulate the movement. It is extremely accurate. I live in the woods where only deer and my cats will see it. I enjoy it ,that's all that matters. Watching this , I think I'll go put it on now. I'm currently wearing a CW titanium Twelve , blue not purple on rubber. Actually feels very similar to the Aquanaut.

Loved the story. Thank you for sharing.

A true gentleman. Thanks for sharing.

I’m somewhat confused. You didn’t buy the fake, but you had it in your possession long enough to make a video about it?

A man with morales and values !! Great video 👍🏽

Marketing folks could still learn a lot from reflection and confession of brand lovers.

I was considering a Seiko mod, aka Seikonaut, but I can't find that last little "why" to actually get one. I feel it's most likely just an itch that will be gone within days of getting it on my wrist.

There is a great bit of dialogue in the movie DOPE that makes an interesting point. A fake bag manufacturer points out that the main way people tell if a luxury item is fake isn't the details, it is the person wearing it. John Mayer could wear fake Pateks all day long and save hundreds of thousands and not a soul would question their legitimacy. Not necessarily condoning or condemning the act of homage/knockoff watches I just think it is an interesting point to consider. If you seem like you can easily afford it, they assume its real. If they assume you can't because of race, manner of speaking, or whatever else they judge about you, then they may assume it is fake even when it is real.

where is the joy of buying one when you cant get one from the shop? imho buying luxury pieces also includes the experience gettimg it from the AD. the only joy i see is the joy of a dealer selling you a watch with a markup to the roof. and of course therr is no substitute to the real thing. great vid.

Many, many years ago I bought a so-called 'super clone' Rolex watch while on holiday. I hadn't gone looking for it. but rather someone came and sat next to us with a briefcase, and as he opened it, there was a collection of the finest brands and models within... all fakes of course. As fate would have it, as I already mentioned, I did buy a watch, but interestingly I could never bring myself to wear it... not because I was afraid of being robbed, but because the thought of it made me feel 'fake'. It wasn't long after I gave it away. The things we own and wear are essentially external representations of our selves. For some of us, this is what gets us out of bed every morning, as we strive, in part, to attain objects that we can further express ourselves with, amongst other things. Without this desire to externalise ourselves, life can lose some of its meaning,. If that makes me sound shallow, then so be it, but I make no apologies for it. I'm reminded of something my mother once said about those who espouse the shallowness of conspicuous consumption. That being that it was a very convenient Third World way of thinking. An adaptation of sorts to the circumstances they find themselves in. Regardless, I can't imagine anybody wishes to be inauthentic, no matter what their station in life.

I am in a place where I can’t afford my dream watch. I do have an Invicta homage that I wear as a reminder of my goal. The current watch is more of a place holder as what I’m working towards. In fact I get more compliments about my Apple Watch case than any of my other watches. You truly only buy watches for yourself because it’s something you like and appreciate. Im on the same boat as you are. The day I get my Rolex, I’m sure I will get no more compliments on it than my Invicta.

I had a vaguely similar dilemma many years ago, (very early 1990's) in an important developing Eastern Bloc capital city of that era, although the watch was gold and in those days of course, we were not surrounded with the insane hype of today. Also, the watch purported to be real, but I knew from its dial even without loop it was not, so my PA and I moved onto our next business meeting; she was most disappointed as she loved seeing me spend money buying what even were then considered expensive watches. I failed to bother explaining why I passed on buying it; which came back to haunt me much later...... I never gave it much thought until I gave out local staff annual bonusses at year end, after which a nicely wrapped gift box was sitting on my desk upon my return to that country in the New Year. As I paid very well by local standards, (even before bonuses and performance rewards) my all female office staff had decided to buy me said watch from said shop - bless them, they knew no better, but I had the very difficult task of having to pretend I was delighted with my gift and even worse, wear the damn thing - and did so periodically, as I left it in the flat I bought for use during my ~ 1 week per month visits to that particularly profitable venture head office. Not until I sold the entire trading business, minus all hard assets, did I take the watch 'home' where I showed it to my watchmaker out of interest. My main shock was that it was real 18k gold, also the complication was real, but heavily bastardized, and the hands and dial were totally fake - those being all I had ever looked at, as I never had the interest to check anything past dial/hands. We concluded it had been stolen from an early tourist maybe, so I ended up melting it and using the metal to have a small momento made from said gold. I rather like your video contents, thank you.

I have many replica watches, because I wanted to try them out and see if these watches for anything for me. Just like you say, the issue is that if anyone sees the watch and asks about it, I immediately have to tell them it's a seiko or a clone, and also I'm aware people around me that doesn't ask about it has seen it as well, not giving me the opportunity of telling them it's a fake. It creates an uneasy feeling with me and I can only wear them for myself if I know nobody will see them. It is sad that most of these watches are so expensive when it's possible to create at such a low price, but it's a problem I can't solve. I love the rolex watches but I strongly disagree with their current business strategy and it leaves me at a personal loss for not wanting to buy a fantastic watch because of these principles.

🎅 Oh you're spoiling Christmas. I just bought a Benyar with the Tiffany blue dial from Amazon $60. Happy Holidays !!! ☃ 🎄🎅🏻🎄🙋🏽‍♂

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

Fly to Cyprus... The EU part. Cross over to the TRNC, the Turkish part. You will find many real shops selling thousands of fake wathes of all major brands. Look at and handle a few of the better ones and think... How is it possible to produce such good looking replicas for a fraction of the price? Or are you paying way too much for the real thing. A real steel Rolex could be profitable if sold for Euro 1000 or so. But no one would buy it. Wathes are one of the few items that sell better when priced higher. I got myself a sturdy waterproof watch in London in 1978. A Rolex Submariner. I paid 230 Pound at a Bond street jeweler. About 5 years ago it was scrathed, needed a service and ran 25 s a day slow. I sold it for Euro 3000 or maybe 3500. I can't remember. In the end it is just a factory made product. Mostly produced on machines. Maybe (partly) assembled by hand. Certainl;y not a work of art...

I almost purchased a replica Rolex Sky-Dweller. I ended up not doing so because my plan was to wear it exclusively around the house. After contemplating it I realised it was way too expensive of an item for it to never be worn while out in public.

If i saw someone with a Patek, i would assume that it was likely fake. And I was warned by an ex girlfriend never to wear a Rolex in public.

Another superb video and a highly pertinent and arguably controversial topic. As a fellow enthusiast I remain curious, but could never buy such pieces. For me the reasons had already been mentioned in many other comments. The main one of course being that I will know it isn't real. It's sort of like wearing a watch in white precious metal which usually only the wearer knows what it is (depending on the brand and range mind you).

Can u please mailbox me the watch ? For novelty

That Aquanaut can be purchased for less than £120 to £200 in Turkey it not a Swiss movement it’s a seiko movement dressed up ! It also come in Green and in two sizes !

Love this! .."I don't want anything in my life if it isn't genuine and authentic". Knowledge of self is everything!

Such a good video! Thanks for sharing the experience. I 100% know how you feel, with watch crime going up my targets stay in the safe bar more special occasions (I.e not just going to work) I did, as we all have, stumble across the ‘amazing fake’ reviews on RU-vid and I thought that could be the answer! But like you I worked out I would never go down that route, harder for you as you had the goods in hand! So I bought a moonswatch 😂 and I know that cost $5 to make but I also know it’s real. Weird isn’t it! A fake can have the same components same steel as a genuine yet a plastic $5 version yields more power (even with the moonswatch haters) value and authenticity are a curious thing

The funny thing is that if your AD sells you this exact same fake watch you wouldn't even know...

I had a fake Rolex once. Every time I looked at it I knew what it wasn’t. I began to hate it and gave it to my young son to play with. He knew not to wear it outside because it looked good and the street thieves wouldn’t know the difference.

I wonder if by "Swiss technology" he was meaning a clone like the seagull ST1812 for the 2892.

I do not put stock in brands because for the most part they are just an overhyped price gouging mechanism for those that want to feel like they're supporting their team. "Team mentality" is a form of vicarious living in which individuals seek to pursue higher feelings elation for standing behind the team they want to support. Whether you want to support Manchester United or Liverpool is within the scope of the same psychological trigger that motivates people to stand behind a brand. Generally speaking, "brand purest" want to own part of the history of a specific brand and its prestige. Brand fanaticism is fueled by obsession, ignorance, and arrogance.

u You have beautiful watches and well done for not buying a fake. That would have tarnished your Bremont and Lange.Good choice.

It's no secret that expensive watches cost only a fraction of their selling price. Buying a 'genuine' expensive watch supports greedy companies with little or no respect for their customers or suppliers. Likewise, buying cheap fakes also supports some dubious business practices. I would prefer to buy a 'homage' watch that offers almost the same quality at a fraction of the price of the expensive version.

Your decision was on target I will never wear a replica to impress somebody

Really a well done video. Thanx for sharing that experience.

Here’s what I do. I buy watches that I like the look of and that have movements that are well built and well-designed. Whether that watch is a “fake” or “real” is really irrelevant to me. If someone asks me, I’ll tell them it’s not real. I’m not a liar or a fool, but if I was to purchase a replica, it would probably still be a watch that i could afford if I felt like buying a genuine of the watch, but I’d rather just wear vintage watches that I fix up and if I do buy a watch, I’d probably stick with genuine just for the sake of ease of servicing and warranty if something went wrong with it

I've always thought if the replica's were unbranded and slightly different in design they are worth far more than $600 dollars.

you're going to have a hard time finding details in such low light conditions - can't even see the difference between the mirror finish and the satin finish surfaces. Things that stick out to me from the top of my mind is that date is obviously too big for the frame, and the glass is curved. the numbers shouldn't distort when you look at the dial from an angle. Good for you for passing up on the watch. Reality is that the movement in the back won't look anywhere as nice as the real one, the dial will look like a aquanaut from a distance, but the insides of these watches often have dust, metal flake specs, all kinds of nasty things. People like to say, "oh I got this watch for $500, that means Rolex sold me overpriced..." That is completely nonsense. The people who try to justify buying a fake watch have only one actual truth - they just want to appear rich. They just want to look like they have something that they wished they had. For the price of a fake watch, you can buy a genuine good quality swiss watch. A $800 Tissot will guaranteed be better quality than any $800 fake watch.

My final comment. Do you wonder if your emotions being played by professional marketing men who exploit your feeling of self worth by bumping up prices just because they can. (ALS recent 20% price hike for example) So not being a mug to buy a fake means you get mugged off by the genuine manufacturers Its a funny old world 😂

The rabbit hole gets much much deeper. When I arching, i found a whole enthusiast community. Its people who love the brands but cannot afford them in most cases. However there is a cottage industry of Mods who then add genuine parts. Like a dial, or a new date wheel. Some go as far as getting the gold plating on them. Personally i have long considered this for my grail watch that I know I would 100% never be able to get. However would like to have. The other part of me is saying, Its just a watch. I have been in these forums now for two years. Always the same watch. Always the same desire. Always the same question. After all women wear fake designer bags all the time. Why should i not be allowed to enjoy a close approximation of these fine time pieces.

If fakes are so good, how can someone buy a second hand Aquanaut from a private seller? Do they forge box and papers as well? This must create a huge headache for the secondary market.

I love you sharing your entire thought process which was similar to mine when I first encountered really good fakes. Excellent video.

You have to ask yourself who the biggest scammers are, the replica watch industry or the snobbery infected watch industry with their inflated priced and artificially created shortages ... but I would feel a lot better with the rep on my wrist, sort of giving the finger, even if it would die at some point .... you just buy another even better version :-)

Sign me up for the fake! Heres the thing... The original needs something to keep it special. Like a vintage rolls royce. Hand made, stitched leather, wood veneer, hand polished, hand tuned. You are paying for something of value even if a much cheaper new

Just rock the rep. Dun think about it too much. Life is too short to consider everything.

This is why I don’t purchase used watches even with EBay authenticity ,only AD or Boutique

I'm unfortunately not in the position to purchase a high end luxury watch, however I'd rather feel authentic and not have it than go through the theatrics of pretending I did. I've looked at replicas but they just look soulless and without grace. If i ever own a Patek, it will be finished by hand and polished to shiny perfection. Otherwise its just a lump of mass produced junk. You absolutely made the right decision for all the right reasons. To those that say buy a replica to wear instead of scratching the original, why buy the original in the first place if not to wear it, albeit in a safe and suitable environment. I do like the idea of a safe full of fakes to deliver to would be thieves and rapscallions.

Great video but so hold on a second, you said you didn’t buy it? So how are you filming it in detail and for that long, did you borrow it? Lol

If you get a simple super-clone Rolex lets say. You make it your daily driver, day in, day out. You start giving it subtle wear marks, etc. Fast forward a few years, and the patina would be amazing. It's tricky to do.

That might be an AAAAA replica, but it doesnt even come close to the excellence of a Ziarex Swiss replica. You can spend less in China, but quality is worth the investment.

I could wear a St Martin Pepsi or my Rolex date just with equal enjoyment but would not wear a watch with a false name attached

Well said. Thank you.

from what i have gathered, they are exact replicates. Not just some cheap movement in a shell. chinese replicas definitely replicate the actual movements in each model, and they have specialised productions to supply these movements to them. For say $600, I ask myself what do i want to buy. A seiko? a microbrand? 2 casios? or a fake rolex explorer, for instance, for an everyday rough usewatch? THere is a chance that i will get the rolex, simply because it gives me the most enjoyment and in a weird way, value, for $600. Personally I will never buy a fake watch to pretend that it is real and show off to others no less. It is ironic but i think i will enjoy wearing a fake watch, and truly enjoying it as it is, constantly aware it is a replica. It is like people buying replica paintings and hanging at home i guess. If one buys a fake Patek to wear to a party and pretend it is real, then it is a different story and that gives me no enjoyment. I will be so nervous LOL

I find myself in a similar predicament. A friend is trying to sell me one of these replicas and at first glance, it seems to scratch the itch I’ve had for years for this watch. But it’s not the real deal and no matter how convincing it looks to others, I will always know that it's not a Patek watch :(.The "fake" scarcity around these watches created by the brands and the exaggerated second-hand prices is unfortunately the reason why replicas are now being considered by people like myself who own genuine watches.

Remember when you buy the real watch you will lose money when you try to sell its like buying cars i would buy the fake keeps the same time i got many

Never herd of the brand "Saint" but that watch is a rebadged san martin sm0031. The exact same watch. San martin will put any logo you want on their watches.

It's an interesting dilemma & one that questions the soul. Are you really a watch lover or do you wear a watch to impress? I think we all find ourselves somewhere along this sliding scale. For me, I buy watches that I love the look of first & foremost. I do however love finding a watch that's unusual, unique & not on the radar of those that aren't watch enthusiasts. Why is that the case? I'd be a liar if I denied the fact that I do like when people ask me what's that watch you're wearing? Most of these watches in my collection aren't expensive. Unimatic, Studio Underd0g, Christopher Ward. I do still take pleasure in people taking notice of them though. So although the motivation isn't one of "look what I can afford", it still puts me on that sliding scale somewhere. Would I buy a fake Patek Phillipe? No, is the answer. The reason, I couldn't admit to people that it was a fake. There's a sense of shame that goes with it & that's not for me.

The Aquanaut is my grail watch by far, and it is, of course, astronomically out of my budget range, but I could also never buy and wear a fake one willingly, as it wouldn't feel earned. Love your videos, your insights, thoughts and reflections. Looking forward to the next one!