Sugess Chronograph and Zenith Chronomaster Original: Inspiration or Imitation?

The Suges Chronograph is a fantastic option for watch enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless charm of a chronograph but may not have the budget for a high-end Swiss timepiece. Much like how people enjoy copies of artwork in their homes, the Suges offers an affordable alternative that allows wearers to express their love for horology without breaking the bank.

Every watch, in a way, is a homage to the very first timepiece ever invented. Building upon existing designs and ideas is an integral part of the watch industry, and the Suges is no exception. By taking inspiration from the iconic Zenith Chronomaster Original and adding its own unique touch with a Chinese mechanical movement, the Suges becomes more than just a copy—it's a celebration of a classic design made accessible to a broader audience.

Wearing the Suges Chronograph is not about trying to pass it off as a Zenith, but rather, it's a statement of appreciation for fine watchmaking and the opportunity to wear a beautiful, functional timepiece that fits within one's budget. It's a testament to the inclusivity and accessibility that can exist within the world of horology.

It's a tricky subject and one which undoubtedly opens me to criticism but homage is a marketing term and the watches that are referred to as homages copy the designs of other well respected watches.

Your picture above is a better example of this than could ever be put to words.

This is not new in the watch industry - and as you say, not necessarily a bad thing but when colours, dial layout, text, case shape, hand set design, crown and pusher shape etc. is copied from another watch the label we attach to it is pure semantics.

I'm with SixWatches on this. Homage is an not an accurate term for these kinds on watches. Take Christopher Ward instance. They do true homages of watch. They don't do one for one copies but the draw inspiration to celebrate certain timepieces. Sugess isn't celebrating a design, they are just copying it with cheaper parts to sell at a lower price. This is like the how the Landwind tries to copy the Land Rover.

Very close homage

"Spot on, SixWatches! At first glance, the Zenith and Sugess do seem like twins, but when you really take the time to study them, their differences become more apparent. From the dial details to the overall build quality and movement, they're far from identical. You're right—it's unfortunate that we can be so quick to label something as an homage or a copy without really considering the nuances. We should embrace our individuality and wear what makes us happy, regardless of whether it's an original design or inspired by another piece. After all, what truly matters is how a watch makes you feel when you wear it. So, if you find yourself drawn to a Suges or any other watch that might not be considered "original" by some, don't let the fear of being judged hold you back. Wear it with pride, knowing that it reflects your unique taste and personality. And remember, a true watch lover is someone who appreciates the diversity and range of timepieces out there, regardless of their origins."

Exactly

Watches are not needs, they are wants. Wear what you can afford and be happy with it ;)

Uh, that’s just a crappy knock-off. It takes some design elements direct from the Zenith, takes others and makes poor choices with them (the sub-dials), and the result is not very appealing, at least to me.

"It's a double standard we often see in the watch world—when a luxury brand like Zenith borrows from another luxury brand like Rolex, it's seen as a tribute, an homage. But when an affordable brand like Suges does the same, it's suddenly labeled as a knock-off or copycat. The fact that one is Swiss and the other is Chinese shouldn't matter. Suges is a well-respected brand in its own right, especially among those who understand that style and affordability can go hand in hand. Not everyone can drop thousands on a Zenith or Rolex, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to enjoy a well-designed, reliable timepiece. So, let's break down these artificial barriers. A good watch is a good watch, regardless of its price or where it's from. Whether you're wearing a Suges, a Zenith, or anything in between, wear it with pride and remember that your personal taste is what matters most. Let's celebrate diversity and accessibility in the world of watches."

I just can’t get over the fact that the date window on the Zenith cuts into the black dial ring. Who said „yeah that looks visually pleasing and makes for a well designed look“. Who?…

More and more quality products are becoming readily available from China. I’m totally in favor of pieces that have their own distinct character, features or image.

The hurdle for me is the PRC has blatantly violated copyright and trademarks for decades. Making everything from electronics to Gibson guitars, with little care (or consequences) to who the original product belonged.

A what point is “close” too close to the original?

A quick look at Sugess’ website gives me some concern on the originality of their designs.

I am unfamiliar with the Sugess brand and am new to the hobby, so if I’m wrong educate me.

Now that I’ve seen it, I can’t unsee it…

This is not an imitation it's an homage.

"Absolutely, the Sugess GMT Pepsi is a much more direct copy of the Rolex GMT Pepsi, right down to the iconic red and blue bezel. I agree with you that in this case, Sugess isn't just taking inspiration—they're straight-up replicating the Rolex design with minimal changes. It's understandable why you wouldn't respect their choices in this instance. However, when it comes to the Sugess Chronograph and the Zenith Chronomaster Original, I believe there's a bit more nuance. Yes, the Sugess is heavily inspired by the Zenith, but it doesn't appear to be a one-to-one copy. The sub-dial arrangement, finishing, and branding are different, giving the Sugess its own unique character. I would classify it more as an homage, paying tribute to the Zenith Chronomaster Original rather than trying to pass itself off as the same watch."

It's a copy. The word "homage" is too nice to be used in this case in my opinion.

I think that's a hell of a lot of money to pay for a derivative, Chinese watch. While it's not a copy, but is certainly a homage - and there's nothing wrong with homages, otherwise we'd be criticising half the industry in one form or another - it's just a lot of money for a watch that's likely made for pennies on the dollar, with zero heritage or cachet to speak of.

This is a copy not a homage but that is fine, the important thing is that it's not a fake

Your original post came across to me that, I have to justify my purchase of a copy, and pretend it is not a copy.

I have no problem with copy or homage, in fact I do own one. But I won't try to label this purchase as "inspiration" of ranger. I know I'm buying a copy or clone and that is okay for me.

Like you said, not all can afford inspiration watches. And I do not need purchase it either since watches are luxury items anyway.

No snobbery here, and i don't need to justify my purchase of copy too.

It’s a direct copy; the only reason the subdials aren’t positioned as per the Zenith is because the movement used within the knockoff wouldn’t allow for it. This is not an homage, and there’s nothing “unique” about it. Unimaginative plagiarism, no matter how many hoops cats twist themselves into to justify these ‘brands’; just get a Seiko, any number of gorgeous affordables, or an actual homage.

"Hey, I see you're sporting a San Martin! They've certainly made a name for themselves lately, and their build quality seems to be on point. However, I have to say, their logo really isn't my cup of tea—it comes across as a bit cartoonish and not mature enough for my taste. I appreciate their name and the effort they're putting into improving their build quality. It would be awesome if they started branching out into more original designs, though. I know many brands on AliExpress toe the line between homage and copy, and San Martin isn't immune to that. But as someone who also owns homage watches (and luxury watches, too), I'm not here to judge. If you're curious about the homage watches I've picked up, you can check out my page. I'm not shy about my collection, and I think it's all about finding the watches that speak to you, whether they're homages or luxury pieces. 🤷️🕰️"

Using AI to create content about imitation watches is a perfect match.

I actually like the San Martin logo, isn't it the only truly original thing on 90% of their watches? San Martin would be disappointed to hear that the #1 thing they came up with on their own isn't appreciated.

If it's pretending to be something it's not, that's disingenuous at best.

It'll scratch the itch for awhile. If you resell it later you'll only get 40-60% back. Try and find a used one to minimize the loss.

What does it matter, if this watch is a hommage or a copy? For those that like to have a mechanical watch and the Chronomaster and dont have 10000 chf to spend, this is a gift. Sometimes I think, people forget how much money that is.

I would certainly go for the Suges, before considering the Zenith.

Exactly. Homages celebrate a a design by using design language, not by simple "copy/paste" like so many of these brands do.

There is a problem with your example is that it's a field watch. Field watches and Fliegers have an archetypical design that is shared across several brands. Outside of the hour hand, I can't call this a homage or copy, just a typical field watch

"Haha 😂"

It’s about authenticity, not “pretentiousness”, “snobbery” or “cost”, that’s a weak argument that wouldn’t hold water in most other enthusiast communities, be it art, sneakers, music or cars. Most of us who own more expensive watches also own and love our Seikos, Casios, and micros, again making the ‘pretentiousness’ argument a weak one. And speaking of celebrating ‘diversity’, that runs counter to what these Chinese clone houses do when they simply knock off everything from expensive watches to affordable Seikos. Homages are fine, affordables are great, authentic Chinese brands (there are many) are applauded; copies, replicas and fakes are not. And while I personally don’t judge anyone for choosing how they spend their own money, as both a designer and enthusiast I’m strongly against these factories that capitalize on the work of others, not for the love of horology, heritage, or design, but simply to turn a quick buck because they think that by simply swapping out the logo and wrongly co-opting the term ‘homage’ they can simultaneously avoid the stigma of being classed a mid-grade replica and also rope in newbies who don’t understand the meaning of the term ‘homage’.

Notice I didn’t use the word ‘brand’ in referring to them. A brand has an identity — these factories’ identity is everyone else’s. Have a great day brother 🍻

¢2

Doesn’t matter if they “borrowed” some cues or styling from a more expensive watch like that Zenith. Nothing in this world is “original” anymore and anybody who tries to tell you that is lying.

Fake watches and especially buying fake watches is a crime. It’s a giant $h*+ stain to real watch brands and their products. I find it’s the best to snag a “homage” or look-alike watch if that’s what suits you and if it will make you feel good rather than buying a complete knock off pretending to be.

It’s your watch, you’re going to wear it everyday. Doesn’t matter what other people’s ignorant opinions are. If you like a style and you can afford it in either variant, more power to you! 💪🏼

I have nothing against Sugess. Actually some of their tourbillions looks pretty good. Just don't buy copy of shitty Rolex and forever boring Zenith.