First things first, forget about finding “high end” replicas. I mean, yeah, some are better than others, but at the end of the day, it’s still a fake. Don’t expect to pass it off on a seasoned watch collector. You *might* fool your grandma, though. *Maybe*.
Okay, so where do you go? MBK. Period. MBK is like the Disneyland of counterfeit goods. It’s a freaking labyrinth, man. You’ll get lost, you’ll get overwhelmed, and you’ll probably end up buying a fake Gucci belt you didn’t even know you wanted. But that’s part of the fun, right?
Now, I’ve seen people online saying you can snag a “decent fake” for like, $25-$45. Listen, that’s probably scraping the bottom of the barrel. Think about it – what kind of quality are you *really* getting for that price? Probably something that’ll fall apart after a week. I’d aim higher, like maybe $50-$150, depending on how good you want it to look and feel. But honestly, it’s all about the haggle.
Speaking of haggling… get ready to work for it. These guys are pros. Start low, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to walk away. They’ll probably call you back. If they don’t, there’s ten other stalls selling the exact same thing anyway. Seriously, it’s nuts.
I remember this one time, I was trying to buy a fake Omega for my brother as a gag gift (don’t judge me!). This guy started at like, 3000 baht. I laughed in his face. I offered him 800. We went back and forth for like, half an hour. Eventually, I got it for 1200. Still probably overpaid, but hey, it was a good story.
Now, some people swear by these cab drivers who take you to “secret” shops in Sukhumvit. Look, maybe that was a thing 5-6 years ago, but honestly, I wouldn’t bother. It’s probably a tourist trap and you’ll end up paying more. Plus, you’re relying on a random cab driver who might be getting a kickback. Just stick to MBK. It’s easier.
A word of warning, though: buying and selling counterfeits is illegal. Are you likely to get arrested for buying a fake watch? Probably not. But just be aware of the risk, y’know? Don’t be waving it around at customs when you get back home.
Honestly, and this is just my opinion, I’m kinda torn on the whole fake watch thing. On one hand, it’s kinda fun and a cheap way to get the look you want. But on the other hand, it’s kinda… shady. You’re supporting illegal activities, and you’re contributing to the problem of counterfeiting.
