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.