Introduction

Since ancient times, there has been a fascination of many, especially of those who have the love for precise engineering and aesthetics, classy watches or rather high-end watches at different levels of engagement. There is a country like UAE which is all about luxury and high fashion where people are keen on buying luxury watches. Unfortunately, as is the case with most of these revered luxuries, there is a thin line separating the order from the fake. The copy-houses known also as the copy-watches or the replicas have grown their way into the UAE market. This is appealing to those consumers who wish to own expensive handsets, without spending the real price. With this article, let us try to understand why copy watches have a strong market in the UAE, what are the types of Copy Watches in UAE available in the market, and finally, what are the legal and ethical issues regarding the purchase and sale of copy watches.

The reasons why Copy Watches are popular in the UAE market

UAE is a country where luxury and lavishness are displayed as lifestyle and so the temptation to wear expensive clothes with even expensive watches is defeatable. The same also apply to many expatriates and tourists who are in this region since they are attracted to brands like rolex, omega, patek philippe, audemars piguet and others. But, it should be noted that there are many people who do not have the willingness or capacity to invest tens of thousand dirhams on a genuine luxury watch. Here is where people turn to copy watches.

Copy watches give the idea of luxury, but which only costs a fraction of the real items. It is not unusual for such people to own replicas that alter them to suit their taste without considering the cosmetics. Other buyers buy it this way as fashion while other people have it and  rolex copy watches in uae  wait for them to buy the real one. The fact that there are now many replicas of the luxury touches that look like this draws such a crowd.

Classifications of Replica Watches in The UAE

Similar to other parts of the world, the UAE also has a replica watch market that houses everything from a shoddily made fake to a top-end copy that would be hard to tell from the real thing. Such replicas can be broadly divided into three typologies:

Cheap Quality Imitation Watches

This is often due to the fact that these types are the most affordable copies of luxury watches with the least precision. The bulk of the case is usually completed from plastic which is very cheap and ugly. These can be fakes without warrants of real precision as true imitation watches, because they all will have “fatal” drawbacks. These replica timepieces can be easily distinguished from original watches because of the shoddy imitation, faulty lettering, counterfeits, and other imperfections.

Poor Grade Replicas

These are a level or step higher than the low-quality versions. This is because most manufacturers often implement more quality materials like stainless steel in their replicas and they are known to in some cases have quite accurate inscribing and designs. But still, some details draw the attention. There were distinctive indications such as and incorrect letters, cheap moving parts, too light or heavy items, etc. Poor Grade replicas are the highest among other types of replicas available in streets particularly in tourist segments and e-commerce aimed at bargain hunters.

Where to Buy Copy Watches in the UAE

As the commercial centre of the UAE, Dubai has several markets where copy watches are sold. Even though high-end retail establishments like The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates are largely controlled by luxury watch boutiques and authorised dealers, replica watches are often found on more central informal retail shops in the metro area. Some popular places to buy copy watches are:

Dubai's Souks

There are many sellers dealing in all kinds of luxury imitations in the Gold Souk and other similar markets. Such markets are very much geared to tourists so you can expect to find a fascinating range of low to mid range copy watches. Prices are negotiable and standards are very variable.

Online Shopping

With the growth in e-buying, acquiring copy watches in the United Arab Emirates has become much more straightforward. Various sites and social media platforms would showcase replica watches with nice views and advertisements as well. However, caution must be taken during the purchase of such items online since most of the websites are operating on the wrong side of the law or are defrauding customers.

Private Dealers

However, some select replica watches can also be acquired from private dealers who are not openly marketing their products due to their legal limitations. These dealers usually have a high end clientele, who are looking for top-end quality super clones. Purchases usually take place in very discreet places and more often than not the strong-boxes contain no official documents or certificates for the watches.

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Copy Watches in the UAE

However, apart from knowing the merits of the copy watches, there are several legal and ethical factors that people intending to purchase such watches should comprehend. It is unnecessary to remind, that the trading in counterfeit goods, including sales of watches replicas, is prohibited in the UAE. There are severe violations of patents and registered trademarks. All the countries of the United Arab Emirates have a pretty tight regime on the sales of counterfeit items and their makers and IPR laws.

Conclusion: Weighing the Risks and Rewards

Copy watches available in UAE counters the compradors most of the times more satisfied than wearing genuine luxury watches since they give the status of high end brands at low cost. For most of them, it means being able to wear luxury without all the expenses attached to it. Thus, purchasing or distributing counterfeit products does not come easily without the legal and moral risks involved.