audemarsdan Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 For those of you new amongst us, the Replica Watch Report (http://www.replicawatchreport.com) is an independent web site focused on being a clearing house for information on replica watches. Learn to spot fake watches through articles and photographs. It is also the home site for a book of the same name. Added today: An article on the Myth of Replica Watch Grading. Ever wonder what "Grade A+++" actually meant? Read on! The site is growing by leaps and bounds every month. In April we added the Replica Directory and the Real or Fake category. The site format has changed a bit to a more blog-like style. Look for more frequent updates. Subscribe to the RSS feed to get up to the minute updates! Stop by and visit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tracy Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 This is my personal opinion, ... which I will not change so flame away at a waste of time.. This book was compiled with information from our forums, and is against us,... exposing our secrets to the outside world...for financial gain. I don't see the sense in promoting it here.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwai02 Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 The report is a collective information of the replica forums that you used to make a profit. It makes no sense to me if you want us to buy it. Maybe we deserve some free copies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcher71 Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 I dont understand your comment Richard. How is the book being used against us? It is a great publication that educates people so they dont get suckered into buying a rep advertised as real. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBombadil Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 This is my personal opinion, ... which I will not change so flame away at a waste of time.. This book was compiled with information from our forums, and is against us,... exposing our secrets to the outside world...for financial gain. I don't see the sense in promoting it here.. I am curious, how is the book against us? I have read it, and never had that impression. Does he bad-talk replica owners? It may have changed since I read the first version. I think this is a good book for people who want to learn about the rep world. There are way too many scammers on eBay selling rep watches as gens. And, there are a lot of people who do not have time to keep up in these forums. The book fits a good market. None of us appreciate the scammers who are passing replicas off as genuines. That to me is what this book is all about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 I think this is a good book for people who want to learn about the rep world. This is, as far as I can tell, the only way a Rep fan can actually write a book about Reps and not get sued from here to Timbuktu. As for the fact that it was written by people on these forums, that is a legitimate complaint, but not one I have a strong opinion either way about. Still, if he ripped off my photos or articles, I'd not be happy at all, so I can understand the gripe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertk Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 " the gripe" is not coming from someone who was ripped off. It's just someone with a personal opinion. Richard's book helped me early on. Great material to learn from. If in fact, he got it from these forums, so much the better. Who better to get it from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Richard isn't hanging around and stealing pics or so... if you haven't noticed he's a longtime Co-Admin at TRC... I would recommend his book to all newbies... it's an great read at the beginning... i'm sure most of you haven't an idea what's inside the book... firts of all it helps to educate people about the difference in watches... Click here for a free preview Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJFlash Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I like his grading system: crap better crap passable decent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tracy Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I know all about the writer, the history of the book… I was there, and immediately felt the conflict of interest. What is the purpose of this book ? Accuracy Tool for the replica enthusiast ? - vs - Spotting a Replica Guide for genuine watch buyers ? If you say both,.. please enlighten me on how you make the opposing ends meet, and while you’re at it,.. justify the actions of replica site members who find it amusing to jump into genuine watch forums, reveal our secrets out of misguided loyalty, or just for the fun of stirring up the hornets. This author, as both a buyer and seller of replicas, and as was pointed out, co-admin of a replica lovers forum, has no need for his own book, when he has access to the source of the book, and many more to come, by having a front row seat to the genius of our membership. So the question is,.. by giving the outside world a guided bus tour of our trade secrets and forums a friend to us, benign to us, or traitor,...or is this writer hypocrite to the marketed to 90+% who find our hobby reprehensible ? Since I am evidently in the minority on this issue I won’t post any further comments {in this thread} but I reserve the right to an individual view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcher71 Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 richard, I couldnt disagree more. there are no trade secrets. we are not trying to fool the world, but if people are, then that is sad. far more important in my eyes than whether you, me, or anyone else gets called out on the fact that we are wearing fake watches IS whether the book could help one person avoid being ripped off on ebay or anywhere else. For that, the book is a comendable endeavor in my eyes. Where the author received the info? I do not know or care. But if you are insinuating that he is plagerizing, then that is pretty serious and you should back those kinds of allegations up with facts IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertk Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Holy [censored], richard. you're right. People are gonna know I'm wearing a rep, all because of his stupid book with info pirated from these forums, while I've been trying to fool people all this time. We've all been had! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exper Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 (edited) I have always enjoyed the RWR and found it useful at times, although I have to admit I can totally see where Richard is coming from and at times have thought the same thing and felt that anyone stupid enough to buy a watch on ebay or other online without havnig int properly authenticated deserves what they get but then at the same time I also feel that RWR does a great job too in educating people as there are too many con men out there and at the same time a great tool for the new replica collector - I guess depends on my mood ? One of the reasons I stay out of such threads usually. The one thing that does amuse me more then anything is when people talk about not buying replica's to fool others into thinking they are such and then calling those who do, sad. I am sorry but why else would we spend hundreds and buy replica watches if not to give others the impression we are wearing a genuine ? If its only to get a feel for the watch I don't think that 90% or such of fake owners go on to purchase the genuine article. Have I missed the point of replica ownership ? Edited May 16, 2006 by exper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gran Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 The replica repport can not possibly contain everything there is to know about replica watches so no worries guys...... and BTW replicas is all about the money for a lot of people anyways. Good thing is that the rapport allows some customers to avoiding buying "fakes". g. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 It was thru Richard Brown that I found out about this (actually RWG1) website and TRC and all of the good dealers out there selling decent reps. Thank you Richard. It saved me a ton of money and frustration. By reading his book, I was able to learn more about what the key features of a good rep are and of course, since then, I have increased that knowledge many fold by learning on this and the other forums. And like many people here, I still hang out on gen forums, pretty quietly, but to learn and enjoy and I do collect gens, reps and knock-offs. And what about a fifth category of rep..., beyond decent. Modified and improved, we see them here all of the time. Ubi refers to them as clones! Others call them Frankenwatches. I just like to think of them as custom watches. Cool. And at one tenth the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 And what about a fifth category of rep..., beyond decent. Modified and improved, we see them here all of the time. Ubi refers to them as clones! Others call them Frankenwatches. I just like to think of them as custom watches. Cool. And at one tenth the price. Frankenwatches aren't reps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 The one thing that does amuse me more then anything is when people talk about not buying replica's to fool others into thinking they are such and then calling those who do, sad. I am sorry but why else would we spend hundreds and buy replica watches if not to give others the impression we are wearing a genuine ? If its only to get a feel for the watch I don't think that 90% or such of fake owners go on to purchase the genuine article. Have I missed the point of replica ownership ? I think this totally depends on the buyer... in general i'm only wearing Panerai watches... in general 99% of all people have no clue what a PAM is... so they also have no clue about the money a gen would cost... I personally like the Panerai-style and in general you get an very good watch with an great movement for the money... compare the prices we pay for an watch with an swiss 7750 to the money you have to pay for an noname brand with the same movement... in general you have to pay less for the rep... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcher71 Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 The one thing that does amuse me more then anything is when people talk about not buying replica's to fool others into thinking they are such and then calling those who do, sad. I am sorry but why else would we spend hundreds and buy replica watches if not to give others the impression we are wearing a genuine ? If its only to get a feel for the watch I don't think that 90% or such of fake owners go on to purchase the genuine article. Have I missed the point of replica ownership ? Well. I think it is sad. I have been asked about my watches on about 10 different occassions and have always identified them as replicas right off the bat. I buy them because they are sweet ass looking watches that I derive pleasure from. It is a hobby that would not exist for me if there were no reps because I would NEVER put my money into a genuine. So yes, some of us are not trying to fool the world. If you are telling people that your replicas are real, then you are just lying to yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tracy Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Keeping my word... I'm going to side-step the 'twisted perceptions' of my previous post,... On the subject of why people buy replicas,... Saying...." I buy replicas for the 'Style' or looks, and don't care if anyone knows they are fake" If that were the case,.. there are many legit companies that sell the exact look, different name watches..for prices, functunality, and reliability that make heck of lot more sense than replicas.. I'm not one to lie to people, that is if they deserve an honest answer to an insult, which means friends and family only... As for 'Fooling' people,... who want's be be called out by some idiot in line at the grocery store.... or some sales guy at the car dealership... or a woman that you are flirting with....{all because of a certain member sold us out} ? I want my watches to be as close to gen as I can get them... not because I'm playing a role.. but because... the prices of genuine are not justified and I don't have time to get into deep discussions with people who waddle along with the shepard's stick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I perfectly understand RT's view. It's a two-way sword. It's kinda the same thing when people go to the genuine watch forums bragging about how good the new replicas are, posting pictures and information. Or invite here all possible jackasses they know who aren't really interested in watches... but just want to impress their friends with the bestest Grade AAAAA++++++ Swiss Rolex. One reason why high end reps are so fascinating is that (so far) they're very much an "underground" thing. This kind of book is very educational but it also helps bringing this hobby accessible for the general public. If the high end reps become mainstream it's not good for anyone. Not for us, and not even for the genuine watch owners and companies. We had a poll about that in the old RWG and according to that one the majority of members _never_ portray their reps as genuines. Give me a break, that's just utter crap and a load of pretentious [censored]. It's just too hypocritical to even claim that. Some people might do that (I believe Watcher and Thor) but "most"...? I just don't believe it. Like I don't believe those people who never download porn or masturbate, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tracy Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I perfectly understand RT's view. It's a two-way sword. It's kinda the same thing when people go to the genuine watch forums bragging about how good the new replicas are, posting pictures and information. Or invite here all possible jackasses they know who aren't really interested in watches... but just want to impress their friends with the bestest Grade AAAAA++++++ Swiss Rolex. One reason why high end reps are so fascinating is that (so far) they're very much an "underground" thing. This kind of book is very educational but it also helps bringing this hobby accessible for the general public. If the high end reps become mainstream it's not good for anyone. Not for us, and not even for the genuine watch owners and companies. We had a poll about that in the old RWG and according to that one the majority of members _never_ portray their reps as genuines. Give me a break, that's just utter crap and a load of pretentious [censored]. It's just too hypocritical to even claim that. Some people might do that (I believe Watcher and Thor) but "most"...? I just don't believe it. Like I don't believe those people who never download porn or masturbate, either. Finally... someone who gets it ! There they were,....Dancing around the Trojan horse... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcher71 Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 This hobby is not that underground in my opinion. Replica watch sites (the one's we call scammers) advertise in Rolling Stone magazine. And I believe that the average joe who sees someone wearing a rolex automatically thinks "fake". This hobby of ours is part of a multi billion/per year industry...so definitiely not underground IMO. But again, I go back to my original point. Even if maintaining our "secrets" was important to me, I still think that "secrecy" is trumped by putting out a product that helps people avoid getting ripped off. just my .02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 (edited) @watcher71: I see your point, but IMHO all illegal activity is "underground". Or at least it SHOULD be underground. Someone posted a great analogy a while back. If you smoke a joint, or sell a joint to your friend it's all ok. Nobody really gives a shit because it doesn't affect the "big picture". Let those hippies listen to their old Doors albums and have their fun. But if you sell 20 kilos of grass and advertise it publicly... eventually someone will come and end the party. If the rep sites really advertise in the Rolling Stone magazine I'm sure the end is near. Actually I think it's just around the corner. Edited May 16, 2006 by By-Tor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tracy Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 But again, I go back to my original point. Even if maintaining our "secrets" was important to me, I still think that "secrecy" is trumped by putting out a product that helps people avoid getting ripped off. just my .02 I agree 100%... and if were not for the fact that this Richard is a member of our group, I would not have an issue.... As for the information being of use to us... ? Our forums are the source of this booklet... we don't need it... it feeds off us.. and in return feeds his pocket,.. which is why I agree with Roy... he should give every nubie here a free copy.. that way at least he's giving something back.. though in my opinion, even that would not be enough. Okay I have broken my word... no more on this.. unless I see an advertisement thrown in my face again.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Okay I have broken my word... no more on this.. Why not? I thought this was an interesting discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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