In crazy times like these, there are always opportunities to get creative and do some good in the world. fake watch collector, television personality, chef, and, of course, friend of HODINKEE Alton Brown is stepping up and doing just that. He recently announced on his Instagram that he is auctioning off two of his own replica watches in partnership with Crown & Caliber to raise money for the Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based non-profit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers (some of the most hard-hit people right now, with restaurant closures cascading across the country). Last week, when Ben wrote about the fake watch community coming together, putting some positivity out into the world, and getting through this together, I think this is exactly the kind of thing he had in mind.
Now, before I get too far into the details, here's a brief video message from Alton himself:
This sale is the first in a series of auctions being hosted by Crown & Caliber that they're calling the Giving Time Auctions. In each of these auctions, 100 percent of the sale price will go to a charity of the fake watch donor's choice (there's no mucking about with terms like "proceeds" and "profit" here ?what gets paid is what goes to charity). In all cases, Crown & Caliber is also inspecting and servicing replica watches where necessary, as well as providing a one-year warranty too. Not a bad package, if you ask me.
Here's a look at the first two replica watches on the block:
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The MoonThis fake watch strikes me as a perfect Alton Brown watch. It's a tool fake watch with an aviation tie-in, but it's also just a little bit different and a piece that gets better the closer you look. This Dark Side of the Moon is a part of the collection of models released in 2015, two years after the OG DSotM dropped (you can check out our review of that original right here). It's the so-called "Vintage Black" model, with the matte black ceramic case, bezel, and dial complemented by warm, custard-colored Super-LumiNova numerals and markers. It's a damn handsome fake watch and one that looks just as innovative and interesting five years on as it did the day it launched. As a bonus, you get the box, papers, and manual with this bad boy too.
Bidding on this fake watch starts at $7,500, and you can see the listing here.
ADVERTISEMENT IWC Portugieser ChronographNext up, we've got another classic chronograph, but with a very different vibe. The Portugieser Chronograph (which used to be called the Portuguese Chronograph back when this ref. 3714-46 was released) is one of the most iconic modern IWC replica watches and for good reason. It's clean, it's easy to read, and it's got style for days. I particularly like this version of the steel model, with the combination of blued chronograph hands and gold numerals and main hands. The fake watch comes well-worn, but while Crown & Caliber says they'll polish it for the winner if they so choose, I can't recommend that under any circumstances ?those are Alton Brown scratches you'd be polishing away.
Bidding on this fake watch starts at $5,100 and you can see the listing here.
Also a part of this inaugural auction is a Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, though that just comes from Crown & Caliber's stock, not from Alton Brown. Bidding starts at $4,500, and you can check out that listing here. (Yes, $4,500 is above the watch's $3,700 list price, but it's for a good cause and you don't have to sit on a waitlist, so ... )
You have until 12:00 AM ET on Friday, April 3 to bid (which is midnight on Thursday night, in case you're as confused as I was when I first looked that up). Bids are closed, so you have to place your bid and wait until things wrap to know if you've won.
And, while you wait to see if you're the proud owner of a new chronograph, you can go back and rewatch Talking replica watches with Alton Brown for good measure. I hear it's good luck.
For more details and all three listings, visit the Giving Time Auctions page here.
Iwc Omega Auctions AlpinerX Outdoors Replica watch by Alpina from Basel World 1613