Do You Buy Homage Watches and Why?
Homage watches are a controversial topic in the watch world. Some people love them, some people hate them, and some people don't care either way. But what exactly are homage watches, and what are the pros and cons of buying them?
What are homage watches?
A homage watch is a watch that copies or imitates the design of another, usually more famous and expensive, watch. A homage watch is not a fake or a counterfeit, as it does not pretend to be the original watch or use its logo or name. A homage watch is usually a more affordable alternative to the original watch, offering a similar look and style for a fraction of the price.
Homage watches can be divided into two categories: true homages and clone homages. True homages are watches that take inspiration from existing timepieces while maintaining their own unique elements. Clone homages are watches that copy existing famous designs almost exactly, with only minor differences such as the logo or the movement.
Why do people buy homage watches?
There are many reasons why people might buy homage watches, depending on their personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some of the most common ones:
• They like the design of the original watch, but they can't afford it or don't want to spend that much money on it.
• They want to have a variety of watches in their collection, without breaking the bank.
• They want to try out a certain style or type of watch, before committing to buying the original one.
• They don't care about the brand name or the prestige of the original watch, as long as they like how the watch looks and functions.
• They appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of the homage watch, regardless of its origin or inspiration.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying homage watches?
Buying homage watches can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on your perspective and expectations. Here are some of them:
Advantages
• Affordability: Homage watches are usually much cheaper than the original watches they are based on, making them more accessible and budget-friendly for many people.
• Availability: Homage watches are usually easier to find and buy than the original watches they are based on, especially if the original ones are rare, limited or discontinued.
• Variety: Homage watches offer a wide range of options and choices for different tastes and preferences, as they often come in different colors, materials, sizes and features than the original ones.
• Practicality: Homage watches can be more suitable for everyday wear and use than the original ones, as they are less likely to attract unwanted attention or be damaged or stolen.
Disadvantages
• Quality: Homage watches may not have the same level of quality, durability and reliability as the original ones, especially if they are made from inferior materials or components or have poor craftsmanship or quality control.
• Authenticity: Homage watches may not have the same sense of authenticity, history and heritage as the original ones, as they lack their brand identity, reputation and legacy.
• Respect: Homage watches may not have the same respect and appreciation from other watch enthusiasts or collectors as the original ones, as they may be seen as unoriginal, derivative or inferior copies.
• Ethics: Homage watches may raise some ethical issues regarding intellectual property rights, creative integrity and fair competition, as they may be seen as infringing on the original designs or taking advantage of their popularity.
While some homage watches can be well-made and respectable alternatives to the original ones, there are also many cheap Chinese copy watches that are low-quality, unreliable and dishonest. These copy watches are not true homages, but rather fakes or counterfeits that try to pass off as the original ones by using their logos or names illegally. These copy watches should be avoided at all costs, as they can damage your reputation, waste your money and harm the watch industry.
Conclusion
Homage watches are a divisive topic in the watch world, as they can have both positive and negative aspects. Some people see them as affordable and practical alternatives to expensive and rare original watches, while others see them as unoriginal and disrespectful copies of famous and prestigious original watches. Ultimately, whether you buy homage watches or not is a personal choice that depends on your own taste, budget and values. However, if you do decide to buy homage watches, make sure you buy them from reputable sources and avoid cheap Chinese copy watches that can ruin your experience and reputation.
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Linh NGHIEM
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I have a couple. They scratch an itch temporarily and I’m early in collecting so I’m still finding what I like and homages are a low cost way to do just that.
Numbers 1 and 3 of your common reasons apply to me. And I echo what @clipse94 said.
Cool thing about the nicer ones like San Martin is they’re not bad watches in their own right.
Numbers 1 and 3 of your common reasons apply to me. And I echo what @clipse94 said.
Cool thing about the nicer ones like San Martin is they’re not bad watches in their own right.
One of mine is a Sam Martin and I’m very pleased with it.
Interesting that you put the Steinhart GMT and the Rolex 1655 on the poll.
I have the Steinhart (OLKO edition) and think it's a wonderful bargain for a sub-$600 watch. Could I buy a vintage 1655, sure. Would I, BIG NO. I'd rather spend that $25K on something that isn't a cool but increasingly obsolete watch. I can wear the OLKO and not worry about it, at least not too much anyway.
These watches (especially the quality ones) have a place and as long as they aren't being misrepresented as something they aren't. I don't have a problem with them.
Yes I did. I bough a couple and probably will do it again in the future, but it's a matter of context. I bought a San Martin 37 mm SN021-G because I was curious about the brand and this model was featured in several YT review that were enthusiast about it. It's an OK watch but it's not really an Explorer.
I also bought another San Martin the 37mm 62MAS SN007-G-X and in this case it's more a modern re-creation of an abandoned model than a homage. The funny is that the SPB line that is supposed to be the modern reinterpretation is farther from the original 62MAS.
Then there are the Mathey Tissot MT369 and Type XX. the first is a recreation of an Explorer 5500, which is a model that was rather unique and also abandoned by Rolex and the other is not a homage because Mathey-Tissot has all the rights to make Type XX chronos, being the OEM manufacturer for Breguet first production batch.
So my own attitude is that getting close recreations to models that are no longer in production for a long time and which the original manufacturer has de-facto abandoned is fine as long as they are not presenting themselves as the original. Copies of modern and still in production models? Nah, not for me.
Yeah, will most likely find a few more I like and can afford
Cheap 1:1 copies of Rolex or whatever - no because I don't even want a real one and I think it's tacky to copy without creating anything new.
Watches that take inspiration from others - yes because that's basically all watches to some degree or another.
I respectfully disagree with the definition of homages being used here. Our community perpetuates a plain wrong use of the word and as adults we should start using other terms, such as look-a-like, design copy or direct design copy (ddc). Homage should mean something else to the extend I'm usually forced to use "true homage" as to describe some watches I collect.
We use "homage" as an euphemism to make us somehow feel better with our decisions as if we had to justify them in front of others. So insecure we are.
I don't mind direct design copies as I feel they play an important role in watch collecting but I no longer collect those watches for the most of the time. I prefer homages, but I mean, true homages because I simply like that concept much more.
Example above: direct design copy, original, homage.
But o each their own. This is a developing process and although maybe the only one, I prefer to call watches for what they really are and represent.
:)
I will only add this. Many of these “homage watches” are being made by companies in the far east that not so long ago were only making fakes. Back in the early 2000s fake watches were being made by the thousands. They’re still being made today although some of these companies have moved on to creating their own brands now. Let me give everyone a current example, take the company Tactical Frog. They came out with an “homage” of the Tudor FXD. They offer different color combos, ie dial and bezel versions but here’s the problem I have. Why would a company all of the sudden, out of the blue be able to offer a watch that looks very similar to the Tudor FXD but has none of the quality specs connected with said major watch brand? With virtually no market presence prior to its release. When you think about it it’s pretty obvious, especially coming from China, that it’s a former fake watch black market manufacturer. Always do your homework and buyer beware. If it’s too good to be true, it is! I’ve heard a lot of horror stories related to the bezel movement and even the luminosity washing off while washing one’s hands.
They're not for me. However, after experiencing a couple San Martin, Steeldive or Seestern owned by my friends, I can acknowledge the build quality is to be respected for that price range.
Besides all ethical conversations, some chinese homage brands are undeniably good value propositions that can rival the likes of Casio, Seiko or Orient at their respective price brackets in my opinion. The watch community should not dismiss homage watches as "cheap chinese knockoffs" because they make a pretty good watch nowadays.
Bias here. I think I'm tired of the diver/Rolex homages or very popular watches. I personally like what Dan Henry has done with homages. Also the Chinese company Merkur has been doing some interesting things.
(Photos are not mine)
Merkur has a Type XX
They have some deco style dials:
They also have their version of the alpinist
Yes, I have a couple of Homages ... they're affordable and they look good! Nuff said ... 😉
I may have some things that could be called homages but I certainly never bought anything because I wanted a near-clone of something more expensive. Besides, I think homages are generally half-assed. Either go all out and copy everything to include branding or give enough spin to differentiate a bit.
Nope,
Unless made by the original manufacturer ( eg my SM300 heritage, or my Willards) or the watch has been out of production for many years (like the Steve McQueen above)
Also I'm old and at that stage of life where I can afford what I want (within reason) so they don't appeal - 30 years ago when I was skint then maybe.....
I only object to fakes, clones and counterfeits. These are illegal and designed to deceive.
As long as a company puts their own name on their product, I’m good. The only real exception to this is if they are copying a patented design trademark like Panerai’s locking crown.
I will only add this. Many of these “homage watches” are being made by companies in the far east that not so long ago were only making fakes. Back in the early 2000s fake watches were being made by the thousands. They’re still being made today although some of these companies have moved on to creating their own brands now. Let me give everyone a current example, take the company Tactical Frog. They came out with an “homage” of the Tudor FXD. They offer different color combos, ie dial and bezel versions but here’s the problem I have. Why would a company all of the sudden, out of the blue be able to offer a watch that looks very similar to the Tudor FXD but has none of the quality specs connected with said major watch brand? With virtually no market presence prior to its release. When you think about it it’s pretty obvious, especially coming from China, that it’s a former fake watch black market manufacturer. Always do your homework and buyer beware. If it’s too good to be true, it is! I’ve heard a lot of horror stories related to the bezel movement and even the luminosity washing off while washing one’s hands.
I actually see this as a good thing. It appears that many of the former counterfeit makers have started putting their own name on their watches and are developing a regular collector and fan base for their legit products. I think they are seeing more profit from being legit than criminal with less risk.
I think that’s good in the sense that there are fewer companies making fakes and those who might otherwise do so might choose to go the profitable route of building a legit brand instead.
"They like the design of the original watch, but they can't afford it or don't want to spend that much money on it" sums it up perfectly for me. 😊
I actually see this as a good thing. It appears that many of the former counterfeit makers have started putting their own name on their watches and are developing a regular collector and fan base for their legit products. I think they are seeing more profit from being legit than criminal with less risk.
I think that’s good in the sense that there are fewer companies making fakes and those who might otherwise do so might choose to go the profitable route of building a legit brand instead.
Excellent point that I missed in this.🙏👍
They offer great value, justify this watch collecting hobby for most people and sort of make everything reachable for the average watch enthusiast. Homage watches are great!