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January 14, 2005

Replica watches

Replica designer watches have become increasing popular in recent years, thanks in large part to the ease and security of buying over the Internet.

Nearly all high-end designer watches are copied by third-party companies, and it's not unusual to find fake Rolex or other watches for 10% the cost of an authentic watch. In particular, Swiss-made watch replicas are renowned for their impeccable quality, offering the precision engineering of the world's top brands for a fraction of the cost.

However, the world of replica watches is a murky one with many risks. Before buying a replica designer watch online, make sure you understand the laws involved and the retail culture of replica products. Check out the tips below the shopping links on this page:

# First of all, copying someone else's trademarked product is against the law. Makers of replica watches have found a number of ways to get around trademark protections, but consumers shouldn't forget this basic truth: the product you buy may be illegal.

# Look for disclaimers on replica products that advise you the product is NOT an authentic brand-name model. Distributors who fail to offer such disclaimers are boldly violating the law - and so will you be if you buy their products!

# Get to know the difference between knock-offs and replicas. Knock-offs are typically cheap Asian-made imitations that look somewhat like the products they are modeled after, often with the brand name slightly changed. Replicas implies the product is an exact duplicate of the original - without the royalty or licensing fees paid to the owner of the trademark.

# Laws covering shipping of counterfeit goods are different from one state to the next, and between countries. If these laws apply to your purchase, make sure to check if your online supplier will mail or ship products to your address.

# Don't expect any warranty protection from a replica, and assume that it will be difficult to exchange or return products that are defective.

# Replica watch distributors are a mixed bunch, ranging from established, dependable retailers who operate "inside" the law, to completely unscrupulous fly-by-night operators. Get to know your retailer before buying! (does Natalie Portman wear them?)

12:02 PM in Watches | Permalink