And then I forgot about it. Life, y’know? But recently, BAM! It popped back into my head. Maybe it was a YouTube video, maybe a weird dream involving gears and belts… who knows? But the Tread 1 was back, taunting me.
Of course, immediately, the reptilian part of my brain whispers: “Replicas, dude. Replicas are calling your name.”
But here’s the thing, and this is where I get a little… conflicted. I *want* a Devon Tread, specifically the Tread 1 or even the Tread 2 (the Ghost one looks kinda sick, gotta admit), but I want it to, you know, *work*. Like, reliably. None of that “looks cool for five minutes then the belts snap” nonsense. I’ve seen some listings online, even saw one claiming to be a “Devon Tread 1 Steampunk Watch Replica” being sold as pre-owned for, like, thirteen grand! Seriously? For a replica? That sounds… dubious, to say the least.
Then you stumble across these sites – you KNOW the ones – that are selling Devon Tread 2 Ghost *Replica* Watches for, like, $190. “Sale! 50% off!” Yeah, right. I’m sure that’s legit. (Heavy sarcasm intended, obviously). That kinda screams “buyer beware” in flashing neon letters, doesn’t it? I mean, come on. It’s tempting, sure, the price is right, but the potential for disappointment is HUGE.
And then you get into the whole ethical thing, too. Is it okay to buy a replica? I mean, you’re not supporting the original designers, but at the same time, who am I kidding? I’m never going to afford a real one. It’s a moral quandary, a horological headache, if you will.
Then there’s the Devon Tread 2 Motor City. I kinda dig that one, too. But again, the replica rabbit hole beckons. I saw some listing saying something about “TREAD 2 MOTOR CITY Replica Watch” with a bunch of technical jargon. Honestly, half of it just looks like they’re trying to sound impressive. I’m no watch expert, I just want something that looks cool and tells the time (mostly tells the time).
