It really depends on what you're after.
If you just want a status symbol, is not a watch nerd & buying the real thing will cause hardship - then I support bro pwillie pov:
Before anyone unfamiliar with bro pwillie say anything against him, let me say that his horological credentials are
impeccable. His well-curated collection of genuine cult favourites and sought after vintages is a sight to behold and bears testimony to his good sense, tenacity (and dare I say deep pockets
) in hunting down & snagging good quality elusive vintage classics.
While true watch lovers/nerds will baulk at fakes/replicas, people that brand seekers want to impress who lack the finer appreciation of watches won't know / can't tell the difference anyway. So buy a replica, pocket the savings and go on your merry way.
If you want respect from the hard core watch nerds (some of whom are known to be able to spot a fake from across the room
), than better stay clear of the replicas - and get a Seiko/Orient/Citizen instead - at least with those watches, you get to maintain your integrity & dignity.
Citizen's Miyota 9015 is a very respectable movement powering some decent watches today, going head to head with ETA 2824-2.
If you genuinely love watches, you'll try to learn as much about them as you can. Give thanks to the internet for that! Start slow. More knowledge means better appreciation & discernment. (Warning: that's how we watch nerds got poisoned. And leads to "there's never enough watches". Don't say I didn't warn you first, hor!
) That will translate to smarter watch ownership, too, by avoiding the pitfalls and saving money otherwise spent on watches that are just
.
There's room enough in watch appreciation to embrace more than just mechanical / automatic watches. Believe me when I say High Accuracy Quartz, retro but groundbreaking Tuning Fork movements from Bulova of the 60s, Seiko Spring Drives, heck even JLC's Atmos clock, etc each has a place in every true watch lover's heart.
While it's good to buy a watch for the "right" reason, at the end of the day, just buy what YOU like. It's your money after all. YOUR enjoyment matters most to YOU!
No reason why owning a Rolex Day-Date 40 means you can't enjoy a G-Shock Rangeman, right?
Cheers, one & all, and wear your watches in good health!
