Which is Much Better? A fake Rolex or Replica Patek Watch?
There is a serious argument about which is the better luxury watch brand? Apparently, the fake Pateks cost more, but that doesn’t necessarily make them “better” in the grand scheme of things. “Patek has been making watches for 180 years, while Rolex has only been around for 110,” notes “But in that time they’ve eclipsed any other luxury watchmaker. The Patek may still be tops in terms of pure prestige, but Rolex is more iconic and much more popular. Picasso wore a Patek, but everyone from Sir Edmund Hillary to James Bond and Steve McQueen wore a Rolex – men of action, with effortless style and lethal charm. The watches have rugged masculinity to them, and they’re totally capable tools as well. There’s really no other watch that measures up.” 
Replica Rolex fans would agree that surely, but what about other industry experts with a more objective point of view? By chance, the New York Times just became curious about the very same question and convened an impressive panel including Saori Omura, director of Antiquorum New York’s watch department; John Reardon, international head of watches at Christie’s. 
Patek replica fiercely guards its reputation and does not cater to market whims, as Patek President Thierry Stern made clear in our article recently. Schnipper notes that the Patek takes very good care of its customers and supports its pieces with archival extracts and other material. “That’s a hard thing to get from other brands,” Schnipper tells the paper. “There’s that comfort level if you’re going to spend a lot of money: You have a lot more information about the piece. It’s very hard to have a Patek, an out-and-out watch.” While it is more common to fake Rolex, there are still some ways to counteract it. Patek “invested a lot more into the brand,” Bin adds. “Rolex does, with advertising, and so does Patek, but I think Patek invested in the heritage of their brand more than Rolex has.”
There was an interesting response when The Times posed the question, “Let’s say someone had $10,000 to invest in a vintage watch: What would you advise them to buy?” The three auction house bigwigs all answered Patek without hesitation. But Bain dissented: “I’d say a replica Rolex sports model would be a great investment.
