Do you still wear an homage after getting the real thing?
I got my first Grand Seiko—an SBGM221—while on a visit to Japan a couple of months ago.
I assumed that I would stop wearing my Seestern GS Homage when I got back home. After all, once you've got the real thing, why continue to wear an homage? Yet I do find myself coming back to it.
The case is very reminiscent of the modern reinterpretation of the 62GS, but takes some liberties. Notably, it's thicker (14mm instead of 12.9), but that serves a purpose: this thing has 200m water resistance, twice that of the modern 62GS.
Given the color of the dial, hands, and date wheel, it's closest to the SBGH295, though the vertical linen texture on the dial is more like that of the SBGA427.
Sure, it's only got an NH35 inside. But it's a really well-executed piece that clearly reflects an appreciation of the source material without being a one for one copy.
she/her. mom, queer trans lady, engineering manager at Apple. Member, @49Crowns.
I couldn't say I do, as I've never bought a more expensive version of any homage watch I've owned. But I've gone close, I guess. I once had a Steinhart Ocean One Vintage, because I loved the 3-6-9 layout, and after selling it, I now I have a Tudor Heritage Ranger because of the 12-3-6-9 layout, which is similar, but of course one's a diver and one's not, so beyond the feel of the dial, not much of a match. I also really like my Duro, which I guess you could say is a homage to a Submariner, and I do still wear it, however, my most expensive diver is a Seamaster, so not really a match, either. So close, but no cigar, for me.
I mean here is the thing.
I have the Roli sub no date homage from pagani
I am most likely going to get the real deal. Still where homage?
Hell yes!
I’m sure there will be plenty of situations where I won’t want to risk the real thing but have the feel of it. LIKE vacationing.
Get me? 🙃🥸
Yes the copy is for wear in situations where you'd be worried about wearing something expensive, like a busy pub in the city in the evening, or to a gig.
If I ever can afford to replace one of my three homage watches I'll let you know.
I don't have any expensive originals for which I own the original. I own an IBSO homage of a Seiko tank (which in itself is a loose homage of a Cartier tank, obviously). I still wear both - the Seiko has a slightly neater design, the IBSO is a more comfortable wear (better band, non-flat back).
I might get the original Casio to the Skmei homage I have; problem is that my main incentive wearing the Skmei these days is its countdown timer, and the Casio's module does not have one, which is the main reason stopping from getting the Casio (the other is that it's a discontinued model and ebay is awash with Casio fakes).
Otherwise, I only own two homages where I'd consider the original to be affordable.
One is Corgeut's homage of a Montblanc Star. Very good looking watch, both original and homage, but also rather big, both original and homage. The Star's RRP is too pricy for me, but one can get it a lot cheaper on the grey market, pushing it in the affordable range. Because of its size, it would always be only an occasional wear (as is the homage) and for that it is too dear.
The other is Ochstin's homage of a Hamilton Khaki Aviation - and when I bought it I didn't even know it was copying that particular design rather than being just another flieger. The Ochstin's date window was not done well, otherwise it is good value for money, as a self-winder for £20. The Hamiltion is, at around £1000, affordable - but it really is just another flieger with a modicum of originality (and no flieger heritage), and I would not splash out £1000 for that.
Yes, I do I currently own the San Martin version of the Helm Vanuatu with the white dial plus the original black dial version
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