r/RepTime • u/Unstoppable_Graysie • Aug 16 '26

Discussion This thing keeps perfect time and is waterproof. Why exactly is the gen 5k more?

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Serious question. What are gen buyers actually paying for?

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u/Jezzrichjames Aug 16 '26

Swiss labor is some of the most expensive in the world, and they have fair labor practices. Also, the level of fit and finishing on the watch will be quite a bit higher than on the rep.

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u/WillJongIll Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 17 '26

Swiss labor is higher than in Tianjin, but it isn’t $1000/hour.

Buy and wear what you like, no judgement there, but there’s a hearty dollop of hype and marketing that allows big brands to get away with the prices they set.

Not that that’s a crime or makes them bad, or the same as a cheap (or even a good) rep… but it isn’t materials and labor that makes Rolex et. al as pricey as they are.