Re: Replica Watches
Yup, it's a fake. But imho so are "real" so-called Swiss watches - they are a con, too. That doesn't justify what I've done but I hope it helps explain it by providing context and motive.
Really I ought to have gone for a PRS-14 which is a high quality homage to the Seamaster 300. But I barely had the £100 for the fake, never mind the £400 or whatever Eddie is asking. (And, yes, I know it's a great watch and worth every penny.)
When sellers pass off fakes as gens there's a problem, but this is just a good looking, seemingly well-made watch that is keeping great time and looks like a 1960's Omega. I agree that fakes are a Bad Thing. And by extension I have done a Bad Thing. But nobody's got hurt, nor are they going to. Very poor ethical reasoning, I know. But there you go.
BTW, Omega sued Eddie Platts over his use of the name "Broadarrow" (the stylised "arrow" sign that denotes HM Govt. property, technically called a pheon). It's been in use since Tudor times (longbows from the Mary Rose wreck were marked thus) but for some reason Omega's legal bullyboys threatened in the strongest terms and with more money than anyone could ever hope to match, so Eddie decided to "cease and desist forthwith" without having his case heard or any judicial ruling. That sucks. For that reason alone I wouldn't buy an new Omega.
Again, it doesn't justify what I did (two wrongs don't make a right) but I makes me feel a bit less bad. Anyway, as the 300 is an old model and long-out-of-production so it's not as if Omega is missing out on any business. If someone re-issues a vintage watch it's not a fake in the same way that copying a new or current one would be.