Restored watches are not fake: they are genuine watches in which certain components have been replaced with new ones that are identical in every way. In this case, why mention them in an article about scams? Well, because in some cases, restored watches can be sold as "original" models. For recent watch models, this difference may seem small, but for vintage watches, especially rare limited edition series, it can make a huge difference in price, with original watches being much more expensive.
In conclusion, while it is perfectly legal to sell refurbished watches, selling refurbished watches as originals is not and can have a huge impact on your watch collection. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to determine whether a watch is simply in good condition or if some of its components have been altered, so be careful when buying a collectible replica watches, especially a vintage model, that comes with a certificate. Its authenticity and traceability.
The growing trend in "tribute" watches is to produce watches that closely resemble famous models, rather than being fake. This practice is akin to plagiarism and is completely legal, and it is even possible to find "tribute" watch models of very good quality, which represent interesting economical alternatives to premium watch models.
The problem with tribute watches has become more apparent on the second-hand market, where some sellers with bad intentions may sell tribute watches as counterfeit models. Of course, an informed buyer will quickly spot the deception after inspecting the watch, which is why the practice is mostly done online, with buyers rarely looking at the products being sold. Likewise, the presence of a certificate of authenticity helps remove any doubts about the watch being sold.