I think I know the answer but still

Definitely wait. The homage will never be the watch you want and just puts you further away from it.

I think the answer is in the price of the watch versus the price of the homage

If the watch you want is in your range of price saving for a bit (and saving the money spent on the homage) then get it

If the watch you want is several times pricier and it’s not so easy to buy then get the homage and the sooner or later you’ll get the real deal

If it were me, I'd for sure wait. And if you don't want to wait as long, buy used. For me, having a copycat version just feels a little hollow in comparison to having the real thing.

I got tired of waiting so I chose getting a good homage and haven’t regretted it.

I spoil myself & have a mixture of both. Some homages don’t come close & others exceed the original.

You’ll find something.

I think my advice is wait.

Get the genuine article. You'll appreciate it more and when time for its first service, the cost of that service will probably not be more than the cost of the watch.

There is always a sale for Seikos somewhere. Buy the real deal.

Buy the Seiko.

The homage likely costs 15% of the real deal. I usually buy the homage first to see if the watch actually works for me without shelling out the full price up front.

I think homages are useful when you're dealing with a higher price point. If you were hoping for a Doxa 300 one day I would say save $2k and buy the homage to see if you like it. But since the King turtle is (I think?) sub 400, I'd go with the real deal, the price difference isn't great enough and you will likely outgrow a homage.

Get the real thing. If you want a Turtle get a Turtle.

I would wait and save up for the real thing.

It will be an achievement and the watch will be more special because of it.

The Steeldive Willard is a good watch, its Seiko powered and its amazingly cheap. (its bezel and crystal are better as well) and its about $100. Try it and wear it a few months. If you still want to buy a Turtle after that then go nuts. I like my Willard more than my "real" Turtle.

I'd wait and buy the King Turtle. That watch is attainable. You might not want to wear the King Turtle daily as it may be an expensive watch within your budget. Then you buy the homage as a daily beater.

Good luck with your decision. Stay Thirsty My Man 🍻👊🏽

My rule is simple - I buy homage if im almost certain ill never be able to afford a certain watch and in fact even if i had that kind of money I wont spend that kind of amount on a watch - for example I got an unbranded homage watch for Cartier Crash because lets face it - ill never spend quarter million dollars on a watch but i love its design

Waiting always was worth it for me in the past

Steeldive 1970. Quality build, sapphire glass, nuclear lume and Seiko NH35. All for less than 80usd brand new. Next big AliExpress sale is in August and I know people have gotten it for 50 bucks. Solid choice.

Buy the watch that you think you will value more psychologically through the longer term. On that principle, I'd save. But if the real thing is out of reach, this is where homages and clomages work for us mere mortals.

Wait!!

Wait, brother - get the real Mccoy; that's all you'll be thinking about, anyway, right?