For the response from the European watch industry, see Haute Horology. While true that the replica manufacturers have become really good at making some of the m

For the response from the European watch industry, see Haute Horology. While true that the replica manufacturers have become really good at making some of the most popular mass-manufactured watches out there (submariners, base PAMs, APs), they do not have the skill or craftsmanship to make the types of grand complications and finishing techniques that these artisans possess. A lot of Haute Horology brands also make their watches only out of precious metals, and this is something that cannot be cheaply replicated. Of course, these watches end up costing much more than most people's cars (A. Lange & Sohne being maybe entry-level haute at 25-30k). I'm basically agreeing with you but just adding that I think the replica market has actually pushed the Swiss/Germans into even more amazing feats of engineering and finishing. I'm not sure that the business side will work out but here's a sample of some of the insane beauty and craftsmanship that has resulted: FP Journe: https://youtu.be/0nJ0_TVdkmQ https://youtu.be/0nJ0_TVdkmQ Greubel Forsey: https://youtu.be/ShtL3rKPhQA https://youtu.be/ShtL3rKPhQA