What's the bigger rip off

[TiggerBits]

Hope I am not breaking any rules here, and if so, I am sorry. I do a days voluntary work every week, and somebody who works there told me about someone selling a fake well known branded watch on Facebook for £75. I told him never to consider it, as fake watches are a rip off and morally wrong. He replied, in so many words, "surely, charging someone thousands and thousands of pounds for something that cost a few hundred to make, just because they want to be seen with a label on their wrist is a bigger rip off". Of course, I am aware of the arguments behind both sides, but he had a point

[TiggerBits]

soad said:

Neither is a rip off, you make your choices.

I think your right. If you are aware of what you are buying, it can't be a rip off. Perhaps my choice of words was not correct. To late now

[TiggerBits]

ZesPak said:

I agree with this.
BUT actually neither is a rip off. Pay your money and be happy with what you have.
What the fake is though is illegal.
But, it'll offer most of the quality and all of the "look" for a fraction of the price.

I'm always amused to see how the watch community responds to some things. For example Invicta make a very convincing submariner copy hommage, which is generally looked down upon.
But slightly modifying a SNZH55 to make it a "blancpain" is generally accepted.

Some people care too much what others think of them.

Seiko and a few other manufacturers make a very close homage to a Omega Speedy, and that is accepted, but when Parnis make a homage to a Panerai it's considered a sin worthy of execution. This is just one example, and to be honest I just get the rules ?