I think Chinese homage watches have their place especially when needing to decide between 2 high-dollar watches and when buying both is financially out of reach. I’d buy the 2 watches from Pagani Design and wear them and see which one I gravitate toward over time and use that experience to purchase the real thing.
I don’t do this simply because it would partially take away from the joy of having the real thing. For me, part of that joy is seeing it on my wrist for the first time, the unboxing experience etc. If I have a crappier version of that experience before the “real thing” then I’m purposely taking away from my own enjoyment.
Plus, most watches (even highly sought after ones) can be tried on before buying. These aren’t cars, you’re not going to find anything surprising about it 3 days into ownership that you couldn’t 20 mins at the store.
What about all the extra links on the watch? Or have you had ADs pop them off for you? Cause I personally don’t get a good feel for a watch when it’s fitted to Andre the Giant.
Loads of things you’d find out in 3 days you’d not know in 20 mins at the store.
For example, if that category of watch even suits your lifestyle. Sure, if you buy a Submariner from an AD, you can get out of that even used, but not if you got a Daydate or most non-Rolex watches.
Very very common trend of people buying Daydates as its the cheapest Rolex and available at ADs without a wait, without it suiting their lifestyle.