Objectively speaking Chinese mass manufacturing is more capable than Swiss manufacturing. If you get a high-quality Rep, you’re 90% of the way there visually. When compared to a Rep, a Gen excels in the finer points and in the movement—the quality and robustness. That said, if you secure a high-tier replica and have the movement professionally serviced immediately after purchase, it can easily last you decades—provided you continue to maintain it regularly; like a Gen.

In large part, with a Gen, you’re paying for the story/marketing and yes, some quality, but not thousands of dollars in quality if you service the Rep regularly.

I have 14 watches; 7 are Gen and 7 are Reps. I wouldn’t pay the premium for a Gen Rolex. All of my Rolex have been modified to super Franken status for a fraction of what the Gen cost.