Homage, yes or no
I have done almost a full circle, and here is why. When I started this crazy hobby I bought a few homage watches, mainly Seiko look alikes. After studying the specification and reading the reviews I realised in many cases the homages were probably better than the originals. Then I got into watch forums, and was put off by watch snobs and people obsessed with brand names. I found this quite strange, as even the mainstream brands were producing homages of luxury branded watches, and still are. It is almost as if some brands have the right to copy other brands, but others aren't (how hypocritical). For a few years I avoided anything that looked like anything else, but then realised I was missing out. At this point I should mention I own a Rolex OP, a Tudor BB36, a Glycine Airman, and four Chris Ward watches. The very fact I know what constitutes an excellent watch made me realise I may have been bordering on being a watch snob, something that made me cringe. A while ago I bought a Proxima homage of a Chris Ward, which was almost as good at 25% of the price. I then bought a San Martin version of a Rolex GMT master, which is about 80% as good at 10% of the price. I have now ordered a an IXDAO 5303 which is a homage of a Selica 5303, and by all accounts it is actually a better watch that only costs 20% of the original. I would NEVER buy a fake, but genuinely believe there is nothing wrong with purchasing something very similar to the original if you like it. Like most people I don't have a bottomless pit of money, but do enjoy certain designs, and certainly enjoy a well made watch. Homaging any product is a way of life in the western world, and appears to be accepted, but for some strange reason isn't accepted by a percentage of watch enthusiasts, and I find this very strange. I am aware this the most controversial subject in the watch community, so I have lit the touchpaper and wonder what you think?
I own approximately 30 watches, ranging from budget through to Rolex. I also have a YouTube watch channel
I don't really have a problem with homage watches. I'd never buy one myself, but homages are an excellent way to achieve a certain look without breaking the bank. I'd like to share a picture of a Casio MTD-1010:
That looks exactly like any other sub homage out there. It is fairly obscure, but nobody seems to be bothered about it. If the brand name on the dial were to be different, nobody would care to love a quartz sub homage, even with Casio-level quality.
Im not to much of a fan, I like orginal designs , but thats just me
Just curious as to what criteria you used to come up with your percentages?
Tribalism forms in all human gatherings. The trick is to ignore them and do your own thing. Here the comments are watch based and personal attacks are dealt with. Have fun with any watch you want and post a pic or two.
I generally avoid homages (or mods) of well-known expensive watches just to avoid embarassment in the situation where the homage is mistaken for the original and I have to sheepishly say that it's an homage. I'd go for homages of less hyped pieces or vintage reimaginings like old military style watches. I also have a weakness for a good Cartier Tank homage (but i will lean more towards something that has a slight variation). 😆
I ended up buying homage watches after I gave up on Rolex. While I have a collection outside these, I’m not looking back. Pagani Design has made Rolex obsolete to my Watch journey.
Hi my name is Rod and I'm a homage-aholic 😂..well not really but I have owned/kept bought and sold on quite a few homage watches over the years and have come to appreciate not all but some homage models available out there, I'm always looking for best build quality and bang for my buck, I do not like getting ripped off and I want my watch to be worth what I paid for it,
I'm in sort of the under a grand camp and the most expensive watch I recently purchased was a Christopher Ward Dune, even though I have been buying collecting and selling watches for years I am not in a position to spend thousands of pounds on one watch, it would just feel wrong, I could not justify spending for example more for a watch than what my 2006 Toyota Rav4 cost to buy, it would go on another car,
What I'm trying to say is yes some homage watches can be fantastic if your on a budget, but even if you have lots of spare cash you might not be getting your money's worth but if it makes you happy then what the heck.
I don’t think there’s any issue with homages. Steinhart is doing a great business mostly copying other models and they have a solid reputation in the industry.
The only real issue I see is fakes, clones, copies or whatever else people call counterfeits these days.
Nothing wrong with well made, fairly priced homages. Nothing wrong with luxury watches, if one can afford them.
I have gone back and forth. A handful of watches worth $20K, now have 15 with a average price of $450 each. Some are homages, some are not. And have well made Swiss brands, Chinese brands and several micros (again). Will never get rid of the BB58 925 my wife gave me, not included in my total.
My tastes, plans and goals have been and continue to be schizophrenic. But I am having a blast, and after all, isn't that the point?
Just curious as to what criteria you used to come up with your percentages?
The prices are fact, the quality subjective