Japan, the country of sushi, cherry blossoms and, apparently, Omega watches fake. When you are touring around Tokyo or even the quiet streets of Kyoto, it is hard to miss the glistering time pieces in the shop windows and many of them are branded Omega. But why are there so many fake Omega watches in Japan? Some people might be tempted by the option to get the luxury at a cheaper price. Join me in this article as I try to dissect the rather exciting and at times somewhat shady domain of counterfeit watches in Japan.
The Appeal of Luxury Watches
Watches have been known to be status symbols and symbols of success. It is an indication of several things about the person who owns it including his/her good taste and financial strength. But it is expensive, and this can be a great disadvantage. It is therefore not surprising that the counterfeit market thrives as people seek cheaper alternatives. These fake watches give the people an idea that they are wealthy without having to spend a lot of money.
Did You Know? In 1848, Louis Brandt in Switzerland created Omega company which became the world renowned company that has been worn by celebrities and even sent to the moon.
Japan’s Love Affair with Watches
The Japanese culture has an interesting passion with timepieces. They are not just accessories that are used to tell the time; they are deemed as a form of art or investment. This deep appreciation keeps on opening the door for both the original and the fake market to thrive.
The Craftsmanship (Or Lack Thereof)
Some counterfeits watches are done in a very professional manner to nearly mimic the exact workmanship of an original Omega. However, others are not as good as their counterparts and are easily spotted by their low quality materials and poor time keeping.
The Differences in Craftsmanship
- Real watches contain premium materials such as sapphire crystal and the movements made in Switzerland.
- Counterfeits on the other hand, tend to have mineral glass and generic movement.
The Law and Pseudo-Ownership
The copyright policies in Japan are quite stringent in a bid to protect the initial designers and authors. This, however, may not always be the case and thus, the counterfeit markets may spring up from time to time. Having a fake Omega watch might make one feel as if he or she owns the product temporarily, but it is quite meaningless.
Interesting Fact: Japan is also the host to other luxury brands that offer excellent products and are made in Japan including Seiko and Citizen.
Spotting a Fake: Tips and Tricks
It is not always easy to identify a fake Omega watch when you are buying one. Some of the tips include the serial numbers and the logo positioning to help in the verification process. If you come across a watch that is cheaper than the market value, then it is probably false because your intuition is warning you.
The Global Influence
The counterfeit Omega watches are not only found in Japan but in many other countries as well. It is an international problem where the brand is counterfeited in many countries due to its popularity.
- Check the weight; an original Omega watch is usually heavier than the fake one.
- Any flaw in the logo should raise suspicion as this is the most basic test.
- It is always advisable to buy from authorized dealers only; this will help to minimize risks.
The Future of Counterfeiting in Japan
As technology advances, so too does the ability to produce convincing fakes. The rise of digital and blockchain technologies, however, offers new hope in combating counterfeiting, potentially providing consumers with more reliable methods of verifying authenticity.
FAQ
Why are fake watches so common? This is because of the demand that is present in the market.
Is it illegal to buy counterfeit goods in Japan? Using them is not unlawful; however, selling counterfeit products are prohibited in Japan according to the law.
How can I tell if an Omega watch is real? To confirm the authenticity of a watch one has to check the serial numbers, the authorized dealers and the workmanship of the watch.
Conclusion
To be quite frank, the increasing cases of fake Omega watches in Japan have something to do with the culture’s love for watches and the desire for a luxury watch at a cheaper price. Even though it is quite inviting to get something that seems to be a good deal, it is always wise to buy original to get the right quality, joy and the real Omega experience. I thank you for reading and welcome you to visit our website for more interesting articles on watch culture and more on luxury.
