India, Aug. 5 -- A story about a high-net-worth individual opting for a replica over an original luxury watch has ignited an online debate. Despite having a net worth of Rs.500 crore, the businessman chose a first-copy timepiece, arguing that his status naturally convinces people it is real without wasting significant capital.

"Last week, I met a man whose net worth is close to Rs.500 Crore. Something on his wrist was shining bright. It was a Rolex Daytona, the two-tone one that retails north of Rs.25 lakh. I complimented it mid-conversation, told him it's something I've been wanting for years myself," Delhi-based founder Rohan Dhawan wrote in a LinkedIn post.

However, the man's response surprised Dhawan. He told the founder, "Rohan, I'...