A hit: China-made watches with a fake brand tag

WHEN Priyanka Basu, a class XI student of Assembly of God Church, rejoined her school for the new session, she sported a brand new sleek Gucci watch much to the envy of her friends.

“All my friends craved to possess one and assumed that I have got it from abroad or have been given a very expensive gift. To be honest, it was neither. I bought it from a local roadside stall for just Rs 150,” says Priyanka.

Watches, now an important accessory item, have recently gained popularity among the city youths. Fake watches with brand tags areeasily available not only in city shops but also at roadside stalls.

The stretch from Peerless Hotel to Firpos Arcade, is one such paradise for those who love branded watches. Be it the humble Titan, the classy Gucci or for that matter, the sporty Tommy Hilfiger, all are available at give-away prices, ranging from Rs 100-200.

Be it the middle-class, college-goers, office-goers, or even the upper echelons of the society, all make a beeline to these stalls.

Shahid Parvez, who has a watch stall near the Peerless Hotel for more than a decade now, said, “People from all walks of life visit the stalls to buy watches of their choice. The best thing about the watches is that they are stylish and easy on the pocket. The watches can be discarded after using it for a year or so.”

Another hawker, Liaquat Ali, said that these watches can be repaired at a cost of Rs 60-70.

“But, it is better to pay another Rs 20-30 and get a new one than getting the old one repaired,” he added.

For students like Basu, it makes perfect sense to head for these shops when they want to flaunt a new watch.

“It fits into my limited budget as I still have to depend on my parents for expensive things. When I go shopping with my friends and have to spend my pocket money, I always visit these shops,” Basu adds.

Rajorshi Bose, a private bank employee, may not have to depend on his parents for pocket money, but still makes it a point to check out the stock every time he passes by the watch shops. “I possess an original Timex, but I have also picked up a couple of these watches, as now, one is not enough. Watch is now an important accessory item and have to match with the clothes I wear. Last time I wore one such watch to a high-profile party, most of the people there were all praise for the piece, assuming it to be an expensive one. Little did they know that I bought it for Rs 175 only,” laughs Bose. What makes these watches even more irresistible is that one will never find another person sporting the same watch.

Roshan Ali, who has been in the business since past 20 years and has his stall opposite to the Esplanade Metro Station said, “I sell 10 to 15 pieces regularly. The business increases ten-fold during festival seasons in the city. Most of these watches have been imported from China and they have excellent finish.”

Most of the sellers have their regular customers and publicity is usually through word of mouth.

Ironically it is not just Kolkatans who pick up these watches.

Even tourists buy such watches, says Pervez proudly.

So, next time you want to flaunt an Adidas or a Petrol, you know where to head. Make sure to pick one with a big strap as they are very much “in” at the moment.

Rolex Extends FEI Sponsorship

The Swiss watch manufacturer, Rolex, has extended its sponsorship of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) properties and will become the title sponsor of the FEI World Jumping Rankings, which will henceforth be known as the Rolex Rankings. This is the fourth FEI activity to which Rolex have lent their generous support after the television magazine FEI Equestrian World, the 2007 FEI World Cup TM Jumping and Dressage Finals in Las Vegas and the FEI World Cup TM Jumping, Western European League and the Final , beginning in October 2007.

FEI Secretary General Michael Stone commented, "The FEI is delighted that Rolex have agreed to further extend their relationship with us by agreeing to sponsor the FEI World Jumping Rankings. The Rolex Rankings combined with the FEI Rolex World Cup TM Jumping makes great sense and mirrors the involvement of Rolex in other sports such as golf. We look forward to the start of the FEI Rolex World Cup™ Jumping and the first edition of the Rolex Rankings which will become the talking point in the discipline in the years to come."

The Rolex Rankings, published at the beginning of each month, grade the performances of the international Jumping riders on the basis of a system of points obtained over a 12-month period. Currently, 1715 riders are part of the Rankings.

Replica Rolex Daytona

Model: Daytona Replica Watch #161
Description:

Thickness: 10 Diameter: 40

This is a very very nice copy. Beautiful mother of pearl dil with 18K gold plating. The quality of this watch is excellent. This is a perfect watch to wear out during the evening.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
Dial: Mother of Pearl White
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Clasp: Double Locking Security Clasp
Band: 18K Gold plated
$199.00
Purchase this replica Rolex Daytona watch.

Replica Rolex Yacht Master Video

Video from thewatchprofessionals.com

Review of the Bell and Ross BR01 92 Replica Watch

In a continuing series of reviews lifted from some of the prominent replica watch boards here is a review of the recently released Bell & Ross BR01 92 replica watch. While this watch was earlier released as an incorrectly sized 39mm replica it has recently appeared in the more correct 46mm size. This review covers this later release.

Thanks to JoeJoeJoe of the replica watch forum "The Dark Side" for allowing me to reprint his original article.

Review of the Ultimate Omega Planet Ocean Replica Watch

Hot off the press! By-Tor as usual has some of the most in-depth reviews of current replica watch models. This review of the brand new replica watch of the famous Omega Planet Ocean brings to a close a year-long series of improvements to the Swiss ETA version. Five generations of the watch have been released in that time, each an improvement over the other. Watch size has varied (previous versions were 42.5mm, too small) as has various features such as dial quality and case design.

With this final "Ultimate" version the redesign of this replica will probably come to a close. The final product is one of the most accurate replica watches on the market, and points to the level of quality that will come out of the replica factories in 2007.

Thanks to By-Tor for allowing me to reprint his original review. You can also buy one here!

Detailed Early Panerai Guide

came across this excellent and exhaustive view of pre-Vendome Panerai watches in the archives of Paneristi. This is an excellent reference since there seems to be an ever-increasing number of vintage Panerai replica watches hitting the market. Bookmark this page!