Homage Watches? Yes or No?!

Whoa, slow down. Don't blow all of your posts on Day One. You have to build up to the "What do you think of homages" post.

They take the original product, change it just enough to not get sued and pump them out of Chinese factories.  Not a fake but not an original design.  Im personally not a fan but in general they are pretty decent watches spec wise and can help people get into collecting and figure out what they like and dislike. 

I think they are fine - a fun way to get into a Rolex without paying for a Rolex (as one example). Only really matters how you feel about wearing one… as you’re likely only one to notice what’s on your wrist. Good luck! 🤙

I think they are fine. Until I can afford the real thing they scratch that itch, sort of. Some of them are built really well and feel great to wear too. 

No issues from me, but I prefer my 'homage' watches to have some originality to them - instead of being outright copies.  

Just like sports, business, etc., watch makers have been stealing designs/ideas for ages. 

As long as you're not selling me a faked original, I don't care. 

I really would rather have a counterfeit name on a totally non-plausible product. My main problem with homages is that they do not inspire the lazy "original" manufacturers to get off their duffs and design something new every couple decades. In fact, they tend to serve as free promotion for the "iconic" brand's old design. I hate that.

No problems here.

But I wouldn't put Steinhart in the same category as the Chinese manufacturers.

I hate how right you are. I like homages but I dislike how they perpetuate, frankly, tired designs to me. To play devil's advocate I love some of those designs but I'd like to see some originality. 

I wish it worked like that. That would be very cool.

This is the one subject that will get fighting, but here is my call on it. I am not a lover of direct homages, but don't mind them if it is of an old and discontinued model. The only one in my collection is the Steinhart Vintage GMT, which is a homage of a 1970s Rolex. In actual fact, technically it is a far better watch, albeit only worth a fraction of the price. That doesn't mean I have an issue with them. Most people can't afford luxury brand watches, so I see no problem with people wearing homages. The alternative is wearing a fake, so I see the manufactures of homage watches are doing us all a favour. 

Umm, I own a Steinhart vintage GMT, and it is indeed a very good watch. However, grab yourself a San Martin and see what you think. The overall quality is fantastic, albeit they are a bit more expensive than most Chinese homages 

And they use Swiss movements, not NH35'

I own a San Martin , Pagani,Steeldive,Tactical Frog-all fine watches.

I also own 3 Steinhart and put them in a different class of watch.

Agreed. I own both. But the Steinhart is a step ahead.