How passionate people get about fakes shows why Rolex IS about status. Fakes diminish how 'exclusive' Rolex is and undermine its reputation. At this point unless you are over 35 and look white collar most people will assume it's fake (chances are it is..) This is the only and true argument, your investment of 5k or 20k is being compromised by people who gain the same utility (in an economic sense, an item projecting a certain reputation or class or w.e you call it.) at a fraction of the cost, as supply rises, price falls. No, maybe not real price, but value certainly does. Let's look at other arguments, they all stem from how people feel about the first part of its post because otherwise they are plain silly. Fakes don't last as long. - first of all this is questionable, but even lets say it is not. A 200$ fake will surely last you at least a few years (ask any owner of a non-shit fake.) A real watch can last you say 10 years + . If you simply replace your fake a few times you will not only save money per times used (240x4 vs 3k ), dents and damage accumulated will also not scar your watch for life. This arguments provides NO rational logic, only emotional anger. Fakes don't look as good - Most fakes probably don't. Look on any popular news website and you'll find a ton of links of fakes that nobody can tell apart short of Rolex itself. Good fakes DO exist (look it up,) so anyone willing to look can find one. You have to lie to others and yourself - First of all anyone who asks such a ridiculous question as 'is this real or what' deserves to be told to go to hell. Really though why should you or anyone else care about how other people feel? If the feeling of others on the subject offends you it is not their problem. Just as we all have irrational beliefs and different (often unjustified) religious views, someone not prescribed to advertising incited ethics should not concern you. Can't afford it don't wear it - this is a good one since it's basically an argument by those who are angry but can't find a half-ass argument to put forward. Cliche much? You are not saying anything, or contributing to the debate. You just don't like fakes. Kudos. Good watches are worth collecting, and are much better - probably true, enjoy collecting great (and expensive watches.) There is no reason you should feel anger at anyone not sharing your view since you are in it for the quality, and quality is not affected by others buying fakes (if you buy retail.) You know what is affected? Reputation, but it's not about it right?