The replica watch world has long lived in the shadows, dismissed by purists and shunned by luxury enthusiasts. But as brands like Clean Factory elevate the quality of replicas to nearly indistinguishable levels, a growing number of buyers—and even collectors—are revisiting the ethics of buying a high-end replica watch.

The Traditional View: Replicas Are Wrong

Historically, replicas were seen as dishonest. They carried the stigma of deceit—cheap products worn to pass as something more expensive. Critics argued that buying replicas undermined legitimate watchmakers and violated intellectual property laws.

And to some extent, that criticism holds up… when we’re talking about low-quality knockoffs designed to trick people.

A Shift in Perspective: Appreciation Over Deception

But Clean Factory is pushing a new narrative—one that focuses on accessibility and appreciation, not imitation. Buyers today are more informed. They know the watches are replicas and purchase them not to fool others, but to enjoy…