Alibaba Homage to be sure?
Later in the year I was thinking of ponying up for a more expensive watch. I see on Alibaba Express you can buy an imitation version of just about all of them for around 100. Same style and exterior sizing. They have homage panerais, that would really give me a chance to see if I like the size and look for a while before buying the real deal. Does anyone else do this, and what Ali brands have you done it with?
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Brandon T
Always on the hunt for the next watch, never ending itch to scratch.. Strapaholic. May need real therapy for watch addiction
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
7.95” / 20.19 cm
I think a lot of folks buy and trust Pagani Design, though it’s not for me. If I end up getting the genuine article, what do I do with the homage watch?
I bought a San Martin Submariner homage to see if I liked the aesthetic of a diver, knowing I wouldn’t buy a Submariner. It’s a great little watch at a minimal investment.
I'd say for Panerai it's a good idea. It's a percentage point of the real thing and you get to live with it for a while. The real deal is a big outlay if you get bored of it after a month, or if you realise that it's just not your style after all.
I did the same thing with a PD Daytona as I thought it might be too flashy for me. Obviously the finish and movement aren't anything like, but it did teach me how ridiculous screwdown pushers are. Also it allowed me to try with some straps, when I'm sure 90% of owners wouldn't dream of doing.
I think there was a comment on what you do with the copy if you buy the real thing. Well there are places you might want to wear the Panerai but it might be foolish to do so - use the $100 piece as a stand in.
I've recently done this with a Panerai clone. Paid $17 and got a reasonable facsimile. Gives an idea what the real one would look like. I couldn't decide until I got it on my wrist. I love it. Even the lume is pretty good. These AE watches are ridiculous. 44mm 7.3" wrist
I think a lot of folks buy and trust Pagani Design, though it’s not for me. If I end up getting the genuine article, what do I do with the homage watch?
You gift it to someone?
You gift it to someone?
That’s a whole different thread. “Would you gift a second hand homage/clone to someone?”
I would not. For one, watches are personal and everyone has different tastes. So instead of me having a watch I don’t want, I’ve now potentially saddled someone else with the same, and they don’t want to be rude and say no thanks.
That’s a whole different thread. “Would you gift a second hand homage/clone to someone?”
I would not. For one, watches are personal and everyone has different tastes. So instead of me having a watch I don’t want, I’ve now potentially saddled someone else with the same, and they don’t want to be rude and say no thanks.
That's deep
That’s a whole different thread. “Would you gift a second hand homage/clone to someone?”
I would not. For one, watches are personal and everyone has different tastes. So instead of me having a watch I don’t want, I’ve now potentially saddled someone else with the same, and they don’t want to be rude and say no thanks.
All the watches I don't end up liking I give to my nephew and brother. It's easy for me to find people to give cheap watches too
My response to your inquiry in sum is, yes, I have done this. More details here: https://www.watchcrunch.com/JBird7986/posts/nwa-the-other-other-moonswatch-alternative-the-speedmaster-homage-by-phylida-20315
I guess it depends on whether it really is an homage, or whether it's a straight copy, which are also found on such sites. In the case of the former, it's borderline, but in the case of the latter I do see people who think the "just trying it out" line justifies buying a counterfeit watch. Like, sure, I know this is illegal... but I'm just trying it out, honest! I do wonder how many people go on to actually spend thousands on the real thing or, if they decide it's not for them, take a hammer to the illegal good? Your intentions may be above board, but remember the copy stuff is illegal and just because people increasingly use it as an excuse these days, it actually remains an illegal act, and supports crime. And yes, I know this is a serious answer and you're thinking, "I bet he's fun at parties..." but it's also reality and I guess someone had to say it.