Replica watches—what exactly are they? And are they worth buying?
“Replica watches” is just another term for copies or duplicates of famous originals. These watches are actually fully working models and can be of high quality.

Before purchasing any watch, it is important to know the signature traits which define the original so that the replica you buy truly looks like the one you admire. Don’t be fooled! A SeaMaster carbon copy watch with a skeleton back is a poor copy: the original company does not use skeleton cases. Or you might be interested in a replica of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph from the Olympic Timeless Collection that Apolo Ohno wears. Just be sure, before you spend hundreds of dollars, that you know the specific characteristics of the original. Find out, for example, what specific traits make Ohno’s model different from the rest of the Seamaster collection?

In recent years the quality of replica watches has improved and professional jewelers often must perform certain tests if someone thinks they have an original piece. However good they are replicas still need to be purchased with guidelines in mind. A good quality replica has to be worth the hundreds of dollars being asked for it, so it must be correctly marked every where, have a quality solid stainless steel case, and the dial and sub-dials must be functioning and accurate. The hour and second hands must be properly formed, and the numbers/numerals clear and authentic in design. The face should be covered by a real sapphire crystal, the bezel fitted tightly. Threaded screws should be used in the band links. Replica watches will NOT be more than water resistant; they run on quartz or automatic movements.

Before you buy, check the warranties and use instructions for the specific replica watches you’re interested in. When you’re satisfied that you have found value for the money, you will enjoy the quality, fully-functioning timepiece of your choice.