But let’s be real, who’s got that kinda cash lying around? Hence, the allure of the… *ahem*… “inspired” versions. Replicas. Copies. Fakes. Whatever you wanna call ’em. Listen, I’m not gonna sit here and preach about authenticity and ethics. We’re all adults here (hopefully).
I’ve seen some pretty convincing Tread 1 replicas out there. Like, from a distance, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Up close, though? That’s where things get dicey. The devil’s in the details, ya know? The finish, the weight, the smoothness of the tread movement… It’s just never quite the same. Plus, the longevity? Forget about it. You’re not getting the same build quality, obviously.
And then there’s the Tread 2. A lot of people are after this. From what i’ve seen online, you can find a Tread 2 for about 10k, maybe? I personally haven’t seen one in real life, but I’ve been told that they are produced by an American company (not Swiss).
Now, are these replicas worth it? That’s a tough one. On one hand, you get the look, the conversation starter, the “wow” factor, without having to sell your car. On the other hand, you’re basically wearing a glorified paperweight that might break down in a week. It’s a gamble. A cheap gamble, but a gamble nonetheless.
Speaking of gambles, I saw someone asking about dealers who carry the Devon Tread 2. Good luck with that, honestly. Finding an *authentic* Tread 2 is gonna be tough enough, let alone a replica. You’re probably better off scouring the forums and crossing your fingers. I’m talking about forums like RWI, but good luck getting past the adds. Might just have to subscribe to get rid of them.
Anyway, back to the replicas. I’ve seen some videos online of replica Tread 1s, and honestly, they’re pretty impressive for what they are. But keep in mind, a video can hide a lot of flaws. What looks good on camera might feel like cheap plastic in your hand.
So, what’s the verdict? Should you buy a Tread watch replica? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you just want the look and don’t care about the quality or the longevity, then go for it. Just don’t expect it to be the real deal. And don’t come crying to me when it breaks down after a month. You were warned!