They create fake "review" sites that tout their own sites and products, and claim their competitors are open thieves.  Sites like hxxp://www.replicacenter.com and hxxp:www.replicainsider.net (I will not honor them with a link) for years have been misleading the public with claims that certain dealers were the next thing to Satan.  In reality the sites they proclaimed as being the "repliable Grade 1 replica dealer!" were really their own sites.  It's a sickening practice that has become a necessity for these dealers if for no other reason than that their competition is using it.

The concept of "Grade 1" or "A++" replica watches is also a horrible crime against the community.  There are no "Italian" replicas, or "Swiss-made" replicas.  The fact of the matter is that 99.95% of all replica watches are made in Asia using Asian parts inexpensively in small factories or even on people's kitchen tables.  There are no "Swiss craftsmen" making these watches.  No one should pay a premium of $900 just because some dealer blows smoke up their asses about the quality of their product.  NO replica watch is worth that much.

ALL replica watches have flaws.  I've yet to see one that doesn't.  These flaws range from serious (bad dials, cheap gold plating) to nearly-invisible (slight off-printing of text, wrong fonts), but they are there.  Don't pay $$$ for the "perfect" or "ultimate" replica watch.  No matter how "ultimate" that watch may be, 10-to-1 that same dealer will be offering a newer version in a couple of months that is even more "ultimate" that fixes the flaws of the older generation.  We've seen something like 5 or 6 generations of improvements on Panerai watches alone.

The point of this post is simple.  Don't get caught up in the chicanery and sideshow salesmanship that alot of replica watch web sites will throw at you.  Step back and be realistic.  Is $900 a reasonable price to pay for counterfeit goods from some random web site that you've never dealt with before?  Honestly, if you met some guy in a back alley would you fork over nearly a grand for something they'd deliver to you a week later?  Spend your money wisely and use common sense.  Step back from the keyboard before you purchase and consult your wife, girlfriend, or spouse.  Generally when something sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

Beginning in March I expect a variety of new models to come out.  The factories HAVE to have exhausted their supply of Hublot Big Bang cases.  Look for more accurate Rolex sports watches (more accurate cases, and properly shaped crown guards I'm seeing) as well as new brands such as the Graham mentioned before.  Each generation of replicas is getting more and more visually accurate.  Still, they are fakes, and do tend to suffer from horrible quality control in a lot of instances.  One watch may work perfectly, and the exact next watch on the assembly line (well, that's a stretch. Some of these watches are assembled on people's kitchen tables) may be an absolute piece of shit.

Some dealers, like TTK, spend time testing each watch they get before they ship them out.  But many are under pressure to get inventory to the masses (by the buyers) who will brook no delay in getting their goods, even if it's in their best interest.  This makes second-hand replica watches an even greater hazzard.

While it's easy to spot many fakes sold through eBay, some of the more recent high-end replicas are difficult to spot from grainy photos.  My recommendation as always is to "buy the seller".  Don't buy a watch from someone who doesn't have a history (check feedback) of selling watches and has at least a feedback rating of 50.  If possible pay with a credit card or Paypal in order to have an avenue for getting your money back.

There have been some new models to show up, like the new Chopard Chronographs and some updates of old standards, like the new Rolex Seadweller replicas, but nothing really exciting.

I'm wondering if 2008 delivers on the promises that 2007 made.  There have been several updates in technology and capability in the replica industry.  We'll see how that translates to product in the new year.

Soon I'll be putting out a call for photographs as well.  If you have some good pictures of replica watches and you'd like to receive a free copy of the final product I'd love to use your picture in the book.  Stay tuned as I update this site on the progress and development.

I appologize that on this site there are links to TRC that now do not work because of the closed-door policy.  I will try to police these links and move the content to local storage.

And no, I don't have any invites to give for joining TRC.