Keepin' it real fake, part CXCVIII: TAG Heuer Meridiist gets way-too-low MSRP

You know how we know this here TAG Heuer Meridiist isn't the real deal? Not because it isn't sexy, and not because we don't really, really want to believe. No -- it's because the authentic handset can't be found for under five or six grand, while this little impostor can be had for the unfathomably low price of just $290. So yeah, you'll miss out on the fancy box and veritable bragging rights, but you will get twin SIM slots and a choice of black or red "leather." You know, come to think of it, maybe we would be willing to deal with a fake in order to save a few mortgage payments...

[Via Tehnozona]

[Pontro Posted Apr 16th 2009 2:31PM]

Looks real to me, Vertu Kirf looks real too, maybe the one I'm seeing in the Vertu boutique is a Kirf too?

[ZSX Posted Apr 16th 2009 6:16PM]

I love their KIRF version of the Moto Aura which has the big gears of the original, but as a decoration on the battery cover!

[PhotoGuru Posted Apr 16th 2009 2:28PM]

I have a TAG Heuer bridge I'd like to sell anyone- it's got the name in large letters and will last for years.

[Pontro Posted Apr 16th 2009 3:10PM]

DUAL SIM ??

[davr Posted Apr 16th 2009 5:16PM]

Yeah most phones these days in china have that for some reason. Basically it allows you to get two lines on your cellphone, can even be from different carriers if you want. Eg one business and one personal number. Or maybe you travel a lot and one provider gets better coverage in the north, and one provider gets better coverage in the south.

[NickNick Posted Apr 16th 2009 2:38PM]

Keepin it real UGLY.

lol

[Wolfticket Posted Apr 16th 2009 2:43PM]

Generic phone hardware crammed in stupid over the top body for 5-6 grand.
Generic phone hardware crammed in stupid over the top body for $290.
Which is the real fake?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 16th 2009 2:50PM]

Actually yall,

I like the look of this phone..real blocky

[Raul7 Posted Apr 16th 2009 3:12PM]

That phone really needs a diet...

[Zhurrie Posted Apr 16th 2009 3:35PM]

umm, yeah... looks like my old Nokia from about 5-6 years ago. No thanks at any price or branding. I love how we as consumers are always supposed to laugh at knock-offs here at Engadget, often the knock off is made in the same plant and it is the morons who pay exorbitant prices for a silly logo or name that should be laughed at.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 16th 2009 3:36PM]

Tag Heuer makes beautiful watches, they should stick to that. Even the real one from them is ugly.

[Nick de Plume Posted Apr 16th 2009 5:19PM]

This reminds me of the genuine Porsche Design eyeglasses rims (or frames, whatever) I was shown when I was shopping for a new pair. They were made of some titanium alloy - really light but strong, minimalistic and expensive looking. Good stuff, was expensive too.. Anyway, it said inside the in proude etched cool-fonted text: "made in Japan". I admit I let out a guffaw when I saw that (and no, I bought some other brand).

I am underlining the power of brands here, not undermining the admittedly good design and good workmanship. If the rims did not have that particular brand on it, probably it wouldn't get manufactured because of the risk/cost. There may be a slim upside to this brand business after all.

Unluckily, it's usually the reverse. Mostly I find it fitting knock-offs of these ultra-expensive things are made - be it handbags, or vertu handsets. It's ok to charge a just premium for good design or better functionality. It's not ok (or in good taste) to try to push something that's only selling point is its hyperinflated price. The only helpful thing those brands do is to brand the owners as genuine prats.

[(Unverified) Posted May 12th 2009 1:21PM]

I can´t stand when people make fake products like this. I love www.tag-heuer-monaco.com