Clone Wars IX&DAO
While browsing YouTube I came across this IX&DAO. This may look familiar and it should as to me it looks exactly like a Serica 5303. The Serica is a Microbrand Dive Watch I've been drooling over for a while.
I likely would have picked up the Serica already if it wasn't for the following:
It's kind of expensive; at least to my frugal mind
It has gotten some bad reviews
I do like the style of the Serica 5303 and I'm not against a Homage Watch so the IX&DAO caught my attention. It doesn't hurt that on paper the IX&DAO may be the superior Watch.
Price:
IX&DAO price depends on your choice in movement you can get it with a ETA 2824, SW-200, or a PT5000. The ETA is the most expensive at $600 CAD. Which is significantly less than the $1600 CAD the Serica would cost me.
Movement:
The Serica ships with a Swiss Caliber Newton which I don't know much about sounds like its has some issues. As with the IX&DAO you have some options were two are well known Swiss Movements, and the other, PT5000, is a Chinese ETA Clone that I've heard no real complaints about.
Case:
The cases look at lot alike but IX&DAO does seem to be a bit larger with a ~48mm lug-to-lug and the Serica has ~46mm lug-to-lug. Both should be fine on my 7" wrist.
Crystal:
Both have Sapphire Crystal.
Water Resistance:
Here the Serica wins with a 300m while the IX&DAO has 200m. Of course that win is likely meaningless unless your a Saturation Diver.
Warrantee:
IX&DAO seems to win with a 3 year warrantee while Serica has 2 years. Of course when dealing with a Chinese Homage Watch that 3 years may be meaningless. However, I've had good customer service with a few Aliexpress watches. Personally with the price difference I'd gamble on the IX&DAO warrantee.
Summary:
There is a part of me very tempted by the IX&DAO but I think it crosses that line between Homage and Fake or comes a little to close for my comfort. As a result for me it's a 'no' on the IX&DAO but I don't see myself buying the Serica either after this comparison.
Collector of value watches, watch modder, and vintage watch tinkerer.
I went through the exact same reasoning with these two and came to the exact same conclusion. Shame they had to put the Newton in the Serica.
TBH I don't feel comfortable with this IX&DAO. It's one thing to homage a model from a large brand, especially if it's more of a re-creation of long time discontinued model.
It's something else when you copy a watch from a microbrand whose owner's livelihood depend on selling every single model they manufacture because the production runs are small.
Yes the Serica is more expensive and yes there were reports of problems with the Soprod Newton that could maybe have been handled better by Serica. This may be a reason for me not to buy a Serica but it's sure doesn't justify getting a clone instead.
TBH I don't feel comfortable with this IX&DAO. It's one thing to homage a model from a large brand, especially if it's more of a re-creation of long time discontinued model.
It's something else when you copy a watch from a microbrand whose owner's livelihood depend on selling every single model they manufacture because the production runs are small.
Yes the Serica is more expensive and yes there were reports of problems with the Soprod Newton that could maybe have been handled better by Serica. This may be a reason for me not to buy a Serica but it's sure doesn't justify getting a clone instead.
I'm in the middle on this. If a micro brand isn't selling well to its self proclaimed target audience is that the fault of the micro brand or not?
If you want the Serica, go for it. Getting a homage will never scratch that itch, if that’s what you’re after. Every time you look down, it will always remind you that “THIS THING ON MY WRIST is NOT a Serica.” In my opinion, the bad reviews about the Soprod movement is just a small percent compared to the ones that don’t. Satisfied customers rarely go out of their way to say, they received a good one.
If you want the Serica, go for it. Getting a homage will never scratch that itch, if that’s what you’re after. Every time you look down, it will always remind you that “THIS THING ON MY WRIST is NOT a Serica.” In my opinion, the bad reviews about the Soprod movement is just a small percent compared to the ones that don’t. Satisfied customers rarely go out of their way to say, they received a good one.
I agree with many that it is all personal preference. Buy what you like and are comfortable with. So far, many homages (whether of bigger or smaller brands) have tickled my frugal (cheap) fancy but I have not pulled the trigger yet because my final test is whether I would feel as comfortable and good about wearing them out as my other (even similarly priced) watches. And the answer for me "personally" is that I would always feel a bit funny and uncomfortable wearing one which has so far outweighed my desire to pick one up.
In one respects, Serica should be applauded because as many point out, who takes the time and effort to homage (this can be used as a verb too right?) a tiny Microbrand. It speaks to the unique and interesting design which I like especially in the white dialed variants.
That being said, I am getting off my high horse because I am about to buy my first homage rationalizing that I can get the Pagani Mission to Mars variant because it's super fun for summer and I can't stand how Omega lied about (online sales), marketed (hyped), and priced the cheap plastic moonswatches. Plus, it's dirt cheap for what you get (impulse buy) and no one ever notices what I am wearing except the few who confuse my Tudor for a Rolex (discomforting in its own similar way/ ok to buy a homage if it's the sister brand of the prime company?).
TBH I don't feel comfortable with this IX&DAO. It's one thing to homage a model from a large brand, especially if it's more of a re-creation of long time discontinued model.
It's something else when you copy a watch from a microbrand whose owner's livelihood depend on selling every single model they manufacture because the production runs are small.
Yes the Serica is more expensive and yes there were reports of problems with the Soprod Newton that could maybe have been handled better by Serica. This may be a reason for me not to buy a Serica but it's sure doesn't justify getting a clone instead.
100% agree.
If you want the Serica, go for it. Getting a homage will never scratch that itch, if that’s what you’re after. Every time you look down, it will always remind you that “THIS THING ON MY WRIST is NOT a Serica.” In my opinion, the bad reviews about the Soprod movement is just a small percent compared to the ones that don’t. Satisfied customers rarely go out of their way to say, they received a good one.
Precisely why I'm a 'no' that IX&DAO. Although, I like the look of a Serica I don't see myself buying one unless I see a used one for a good price. I typically don't buy watches over $1000 CAD. For me the enjoyment I get from the watch never exceeds the regret I from spending that much money.
I agree with many that it is all personal preference. Buy what you like and are comfortable with. So far, many homages (whether of bigger or smaller brands) have tickled my frugal (cheap) fancy but I have not pulled the trigger yet because my final test is whether I would feel as comfortable and good about wearing them out as my other (even similarly priced) watches. And the answer for me "personally" is that I would always feel a bit funny and uncomfortable wearing one which has so far outweighed my desire to pick one up.
In one respects, Serica should be applauded because as many point out, who takes the time and effort to homage (this can be used as a verb too right?) a tiny Microbrand. It speaks to the unique and interesting design which I like especially in the white dialed variants.
That being said, I am getting off my high horse because I am about to buy my first homage rationalizing that I can get the Pagani Mission to Mars variant because it's super fun for summer and I can't stand how Omega lied about (online sales), marketed (hyped), and priced the cheap plastic moonswatches. Plus, it's dirt cheap for what you get (impulse buy) and no one ever notices what I am wearing except the few who confuse my Tudor for a Rolex (discomforting in its own similar way/ ok to buy a homage if it's the sister brand of the prime company?).
Pretty much nailed my thinking on the topic. Although, there may be a part of me hoping someone on here convinces me to change me mind lol
Here's the answer, all those with plenty of spare cash buy the original Serica and feel good about it,
All of those who just like the design and want a great watch get the cheaper homage and feel good about it,
Save your money 💰 💰 Lazer eyes on what will really scratch the itch …… my 2 bobs worth . I agree with Catskinner’s sentiments also ….