Should You Buy A "Homage" Watch?

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Are homage watches worth it? In this homage watches explained video, I answer the question "what is a homage watch?" I also compare homage vs fake watches and replicas. Should you buy one instead of a luxury watch like Rolex? Hopefully, this video will help you out.
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Ben's Watch Club tends to cover affordable watches like Seiko, Timex, Casio, Citizen, MVMT, Vincero, Bulova, Orient, Hamilton, and more. We rarely feature luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Grand Seiko, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, or Hublot due to their price.

[@BensWatchClub]

Come follow me on WatchCrunch.com - a new discussion platform for watch nerds: bit.ly/BWCWatchCrunch1 Thanks to WatchCrunch.com for sponsoring this video.

[@jonash6503]

bitly link is 404 for me currently

[@neikimtv]

can you update your favorite affordable watches...

[@Tyronieus]

Hey Ben, do you know of an affordable watch that looks similar to the Cartier Santos?

[@tomleyman8441]

+1 for broken link. Looks interesting and will have a look but wanted to follow your link. I'll just have to watch another bwc video and try there

[@BensWatchClub]

@@neikimtv coming soon 👍

[@Chopperdriver]

For those who look down their noses at Homage watches, I have this for them to consider: The Rolex Daytona is a homage of the Omega Speedmaster and the Rolex Submariner is a homage of the Blancain 50 fathoms.

[@anulu-momento]

I mean the video is about more 'questionable' homages also wasn't the speedy itself a rodania homage

[@lamcbox]

🟥🟥🟥Indeed, Rolex registered the models of its brand, but the existing designs from other brands such as Blackpain, Omega, Tavannes among other brands. This video is the best example that a KZbinr does not know about watches, which is why he asks about demands from big brands, the reality is different. Greetings.🟥🟥🟥

[@ststst981]

The Nautilus is an Homage of the Piaget Polo

[@fezzes428]

lmao the sub was the first dive watch blancplain’s marketing bs has everyone convinced otherwise apparently

[@lamcbox]

@@fezzes428 The Rolex Submariner is from 1953 and other brands already had submariner watches before, such as Tudor, Seiko and the Omega Marine from 1932. Go study.

[@SuperMooMooFarm]

I used to not like homages for the same reasons you've cited, but the more I learn about watch history, the more I've realized that pretty much every iconic watch brand out there has taken at least elements of existing designs, if not straight up copied them.

[@MrAnonymoss]

this is my feeling, personally i like homage watches usually on their own merit I like the thing they're homaging but it is literally impossible for me to ever get them when I have significant financial obligations and barely make more than 20k a year I personally feel some of the hate against homages is gatekeeping, why shouldn't I be allowed to enjoy things because some rich people want that design to be exclusively theirs (often lost on them that the luxury brand producing it, was not the progenitor of that design) I do personally think it's a drop of western chauvinism/a sort of racism that has made us accept Swiss watches as the real deal Japanese watches as technically 'authentic' and Chinese as always fake

[@25557813]

true

[@rangersmith4652]

Counterfeit/fake example: A person signs someone else's name to a legal document, trying to pass as that other person. Homage example: A person closely imitates another person's appearance and/or behavior but makes no claim of being that other person and in fact openly maintains his or her actual identity. The first is illegal; the second is not.

[@williamwallace9427]

Whatever you want to tell yourself justifying wearing a fake

[@mstcrow5429]

Design patents exist.

[@rangersmith4652]

@@mstcrow5429 Yes, but breaches of patent are quite easily avoided by making a few subtle changes. No breach of patent, no law broken. It doesn't matter what you or I think of this; the fact is the "homage" companies have good lawyers who know just how far they can go.

[@mstcrow5429]

@@rangersmith4652 Wasn't trying to make a legal determination. Just OP seemed to be unaware of them.

[@rangersmith4652]

@@williamwallace9427 If a watch clearly and boldly wears the brand name "Pagani Design" or "San Martin" and varies just a bit from some other watch's design, it's legally not a fake. Your opinion on this is irrelevant; what matters is the law. Morality being subjective, legality is the only criterion by which this can be objectively judged. A year ago I was gifted a fake Rolex Daytona, and not a very good one. It bears the Rolex logo, etc. but is clearly not a Rolex. I keep it around as a curiosity, but I never wear it because I know it is an illegal fake.

[@tmargosian]

I own a pagani batman Rolex gmt homage and for around $120 it’s a hell of a watch. Good quality, good bracelet, clean markers, good sapphire, decent movement, bezel, solid end links, etc. Obviously I’d prefer the real deal but I can’t afford $10k. Good video

[@BigNAustin]

I as well own a couple of Pagani watches. I also have Rolex, Tudor, longlines, Omega. The Pagani has been as good a daily wear as any other. Any watch has its propose. I love em all. And have even turned fakes into decent daily wear watches and removed fake markers.

[@jackochainsaw]

You'd feel even worse if that $10K watch was stolen off you in the street.

[@CHMichael]

I most likely tells the time more dependable. I kept one of the "real " ones to remind me never to spend more than 1k on a watch.

[@LivePastHealthy]

Same I own homage watches because I can invest my money in better ways and also I don't mind getting the look without having to worry when i bang it all over the place.

[@Jake-bt3fc]

Those cheap Chinese GMT movements are notorious for breaking, I’d steer clear of them.

[@iam_kadhafi133]

Its a well-known secret in the watch industry. There are watches out there with serial numbers identical to the originals. Only Ziarex has the real deal, and thats no secret.

[@hillogical]

Here's the problem I have: I REALLY like my San Martin. I think I'd really like an actual Rolex Explorer as well, but would I really like it EIGHTEEN TIMES more??? I don't think I could answer "yes" to that question. I know I would enjoy it more, but over seven grand at retail is a big ask when I have other hobbies.

[@vaclav_fejt]

Tisell Explorer 36 here, same answer. It's not our fault that some of the coolest designs are with brands only the rich and/or fanatics can afford...

[@chantakzee]

Loving my Pagani Oyster, can't really say the same if its 100x more, yes its sharp on the edges but it comes with solid links, sapphire crystal, and run -6 sec a day! But at 1/100 the price of the "real" thing I'll gladly get the PD.

[@flyguy1359]

I have the same problem! I have San martins version of a grand Seiko diver. For the price the quality is insane, I can't imagine the finishing on the GS to be that much better? Spring drive would be nice but other than that is the GS really that much better...?

[@chantakzee]

@@flyguy1359 how else would you feel your superiority if the “lesser” people can enjoy the same thing the same way they do ?

[@Lobstersarefabulouz]

@@flyguy1359 The GS would be that much better. Grand Seiko has some of the best finishing in the business.

[@topwomble]

I think a reason that big brands don't often sue these companies is that they pose no threat. They raise the profile of the watch they are cloning, and people that buy these can't afford the real thing anyway. Plus, if someone who bought these then could afford the real thing, they may be more likely to as they already like the design

[@poGaymer]

I think they would utterly destroy them if they could, as they try it with fakes. The problem here is the Design Protection, by which the Design of a watch is obviously protected, if registered, only lasts up to max 25 years. The often copied watches are much longer on the market so they are no longer protected by design law. And everyone can use that design, as long as they don't violate trademark laws, as fakes do. Second reason could be that it is damn hard to prosecute some chinese backyard producers, that just pack their suitcases and off they go, protected by chinese non cooperation regarding an immaterial law violation.

[@bcvlogs8014]

Some of you guys care so much about what other people think of you it’s insane. Buy whatever you prefer and can afford instead of what you think makes you look cool or respectable. If that’s a Rolex, great; San Martin, fantastic. Buy watches because YOU love them, not to impress everyone else. I buy watches because I like them, not because I have a chronic need to feel validated or an ego boost.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Well said!

[@miguelbr3010]

fr watch geeks sometimes take things way too serious, at the end of the day its someone else's watch and theyre enjoying their purchase no need to shame them

[@ArtyMcMuffin]

True, I've got a pagani design (PD-1731) that was apparently a Grand Seiko homage or something. I had no idea at all, I just liked the smaller size and design and the price seemed good for the movement and materials involved. I did not want to flash I just liked it that's all. Do not overthink this too much...

[@darthgiggity7948]

These are people who primarily attach or base their personality on their material possession/s. It's kind of sad.

[@williamthomas6106]

I agree. But my question is why buy an homage if you aren't looking for validation? There are an almost infinite number of affordable options that offer similar design elements, but are still original in their own right. Citizen, Seiko, Orient, Casio, Tissot, all have huge catalogs, and not one of their watches are a dimension by dimension copy of another more "famous" watch. For the money I spend on a Pagani, I got a Seagull 1963 with a real life column wheel chronograph movement that is mesmerizing to watch. It's not trying to be a Speedy, or a Royal Oak. And no one will mistake it for one. But seeing a column wheel chrono in action without spending $5,000 is a treat. No one will mistake my 1963 with anything else, but I will tell you one thing. It has more in common with the actual Speedmaster that made it to the moon than a Pagani Design Fake Speedy does. Heck, it's closer to what went on the moon than my Bulova Lunar Pilot.

[@xniorvox]

I own a Pagani PD 2720 with Seiko movement (not sure if it's a homage or clone of any existing watch, I chose it because I liked it) and Cadisen C8193 with Miyota and meteorite dial, which is clearly a homage of Royal Oak, but not a clone. I am very happy with both of these watches. Audemars Piguet have not lost a customer or any revenue, because there's no way I could ever afford their product; in fact, one service of the original Royal Oak would cost more, than my small collection of watches. And nobody claims that this Cadisen is anything else than just a Cadisen. I do not have any moral doubts.

[@suckgames]

Those are shitters bro. Save your money and buy a speedmaster.

[@In.New.York.I.Milly.Rock.]

@@suckgames no

[@mearsite]

Well said. Huge respect. After all our own experience & satisfaction is what matter mosts in collecting.

[@ItumelengS]

@@suckgames why should they do that?

[@xniorvox]

@@suckgames Speedmaster is a fantastic watch, but also above my range I'm afraid. I won't take a loan to get it; after all, it's just a watch and I have another spendings. Sure, it would be nice to own one, but there are more important things in life 🙂

[@Doctors_TARDIS]

The difference between an Homage and a Fake, to me, is intent. A Pagani Design isn't trying to trick you into believing it's an ACTUAL Rolex. It's honest about what it is. Whereas a clone is trying to trick you into thinking it's the ACTUAL thing. It's the deception that makes the difference to me. I have multiple paganis, but I would never buy an actual clone.

[@williamwallace9427]

No. They absolutely are trying to fool people. Unless you are less than 12 inches away you aren’t going to see the different logo

[@dubester1982]

@@williamwallace9427 they arent fooling anyone that can read. If someone is honestly stupid enough to think that they are getting the genuine article for what Pagani gets for a watch than that is on them!

[@MrPleers]

Honest ? They call themselves Pagani Design. But don't design anything themselves. Just stealing design's from other more famous brands.

[@jonirwin7316]

@@MrPleers 100% true

[@ABC-in2le]

@@williamwallace9427 He meant Pagani isn't trying to fool the buyer. But honestly, do you really care if strangers will recognize that you have a Rolex (or a fake one) from a distance? Many people can't even read an analog watch or list more than 3 watch brands, let alone recognize a submariner.

[@user-wr9fv7zm9n]

"Many people will see the difference?" I don't think so!😂

[@timschwarze1739]

I think Pagani Design watches make for great gifts, for watch nerds and 'muggles' alike. I recently got my father in law a Pagani 'Moonwatch' and it's stunning for about 100€! And it's super reliable with it's Seiko VK movement. Highly recommended, even ordered one for myself and a San Martin BB GMT :)

[@matyasd007]

Only watch nerds know about Pagani and other homage brands

[@harrkev]

Another advantage of clones: You might actually be able to afford one. A Rolex simply is never in my future. Even if I had that much money to blow, I can think of better things to spend it on. On the other hand, if I needed a diver, the Invicta Pro Diver would certainly not be a bad choice. But to be honest, the last time that I went diving, I had a Vostok Amphibia on my wrist. Am I still allowed to like Vostok these days?

[@Zerpentsa6598]

Not just afford one, but actually wear it most of the time. You don't wear a £15k watch outdoors in London or Birmingham or in any western city. You risk getting your hard ripped off.

[@Uchoobdood]

I love my Invicta Pro diver 1953. I work outside as a groundskeeper and would never wear a nice expensive watch. So this is perfect for me because I don’t get bothered by a scratch or scrape. It still looks nice too!

[@Jake-bt3fc]

Scratches on a vintage styled watch like that just make it look even more vintage.

[@Zerpentsa6598]

Exactly! Own a genuine Rolex and it has to stay in the box most of the time or risk getting mugged.

[@Uchoobdood]

@@Zerpentsa6598 That too! lol.

[@joostkiefte7683]

Watch nerds who might spot a clone at the drop of a hat are rife here on the internet but not in real life. Not long ago at a party I was talking to a watch enthusiast who sported a rose gold IWC and professed to know a lot about watches (he did). Then he looked at my watch and said, quite confidently, "you're wearing a Rolex aren't you?". It was a quartz Tissot PRX with mint green dial......

[@kevinwall795]

I have owned 4 Rolex over the last 30 years and just sold the last of them (stainless steel Daytona). Stumbled across homage watches 6 months ago and have 6 Cronos, San Martin and Pagani Design...and I love them. The Cronos Submariner homage is especially good. Each to their own.

[@914Rocky]

I have a bunch of Pagani Design watches. I like to have a variety of watches, and can’t imagine spending thousands of dollars for a single watch. In fact, Rolex’s De Beers’ like price gouging makes me want to buy homages. Plus, I don’t understand why so many people waste so much money on a single time piece. Who in their right mind spends over $50,000 on a Patek Nautilus when you could spend $100 and get an almost identical Pagani. Rich people have the right to spend their money however they want. It just seems absurd to spend so much on something as plain as a Nautilus for example.

[@kennethg9277]

It IS absurd to spend thousands on an item like a watch. It's also absurd to care about "homage" watches as much as most of the commenters on watch forums seem to. But most of the people who rail against homages seem to care a great deal about the topic. I think if one is an adult, (and also if one is fortunate enough to own expensive watches as well as enjoying cheaper ones), one will tend to care less. Let's put it this way; i personally look down on people who care whether someone buys a homage watch. I DON'T tend to look down on people who wear or buy homages. YMMV.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

Here's another angle for what it's worth: It used to be (and probably still is) standard practice for people who owned expensive jewelry to have a copy made for actual use. Sometimes the copies were even made by the same jeweler, though with cheaper metals and 'paste' stones in lieu of diamonds. A lot of that jewelry is valuable in its own right today. They would wear the copy, and keep the real one locked up at home, or at a bank for safekeeping. I own a Submariner, but with the prices of Rolexes being what they are at the moment, it only comes out for special occasions now. Most of the time, I wear an Invicta Pro Diver as a 'stunt double' for the Sub, and I think this is in keeping with the same tradition

[@tacticoolgent1784]

Stunt double, love that. I'm stealing that term for all my homages/clones from now on.

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

to me the difference between a homage and a fake is that you buy the homage because you like the design of the watch, and think the build quality of the homage is good enough for you. you think it could be nice to have the real thing but know it's outside of your budget and so you get the next best thing in your eyes for fake watches you buy them to look like you can afford the real thing in the eyes of others. you buy the watch for the name that's written in it. because the average person doesn't care about what Rolex watches look like, they only know the brand name. most people won't know a datejust,or even a submariner, if the word Rolex isn't written on them. i have a Daytona Pagani design & a Steeldive Submariner homage and nobody has ever realized they were "copies" of Rolex or even pointed out they looked like a Rolex, because they don't know what a Rolex looks like. only watch guys see that and watch guys won't get fooled by cheap rolex copies either. you buy a homage for yourself, but you buy a fake for others.

[@SamWilliams78]

I think your last line nails it.

[@michaeljackson2724]

Excellent summary

[@nielwilliams4687]

Seriously, just buy a Citizen. Good price, great quality and some exceptional designs.

[@matyasd007]

Homage brands offer more and better quality and specs for half the price

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

It varies depending on who you ask, but for me personally I class something as an homage, when it's not trying to pass itself off as the original. It has different branding, as well as subtle differences in design and movements etc. They are aimed at completely different markets. People who buy homages aren't likely to buy the real thing. As they can't/won't pay that kind of money for a watch. So they just want something with a similar look, but at a more reasonable price point. Another factor that comes into play with homages of certain brands (I'm looking at you Seiko) is that some of the homages can have better specs and build quality than the originals. For this exact reason, I have quite a few Seiko homages in my collection, but no actual Seiko's. Homages are bought by people who love the originals and the brands who make them... Where as fakes are bought by people who want to try and make out that they are something they aren't. They don't care about the originals or the brands that make them at all. It's a status symbol to them nothing more. When it comes to watches with more original designs, I prefer to go for microbrands. As I feel they offer better value for money, more unique designs and also you're supporting small businesses rather than large companies who have massive markups on their watches.

[@Andrew.W75]

One issue you haven't addressed here with regard to homage watches is instant gratification. I've seen plenty of watch collectors on forums & watch crunch etc who have a couple of watchboxes full of homages yet claim they can't afford the original version. I think some of these people are not being honest with themselves & lack willpower. I saved up for over 2 years to get my Tudor BB58, should I instead have bought 30 Pagani Designs, nope not in my opinion.....

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@Andrew.W75 That is true to some extent. But I know that for myself at least, I couldn't just have one or two high end watches as my whole collection. I like to have many different options and styles depending on what I'm doing/wearing/mood etc. But each to their own.

[@kleinbottled79]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Your comments here echo my mentality exactly. I've owned approxiamtly two dozen watches over 6-7 years - none worth more than $300. Currently down to 6 but that feels a little light. Could I have saved all the money lost through depreciation etc (maybe $1500?) and bought 1 or 2 nicer pieces, sure. But what would I have picked as someone with no watch WEARING experience? Certainly not the same watches I would buy with $1500 now, because watch ownership is a journey. You have to WEAR different watches to even learn what you will actually like long term. Trying to travel down that road by only buying expensive watches will take a longer time and surely costs more. Also, after you invest so much time saving the money for a grail piece, is it even remotely possible to be objective about it's merits with all the attendant emotional investment? I doubt it. You HAVE to love it now. By the time I'm dropping big bucks I wanna be matured enough as a watch owner to KNOW what I like.

[@petem.3719]

I have a Seiko snk800 pilot watch I got 5 years ago for about $70. It's pushing $200 today. A month ago I got a Berny homage of the same watch for under $70. It's has a Seiko V31 movement, sapphire glass and titanium case. Objectively speaking, it's a better watch than the original, discounting the auto/quartz issue. Seiko has gone overboard with their prices lately. Half the homage watches out there have Seiko movements anyway and If I need the accuracy of a high end Seiko automatic mvmt, I'll buy a quartz for 1/10th the price.

[@petem.3719]

@Andrew.W75 I think "can't afford it" is a little synonymous with "I don't consider it a good value.". Kinda like that $45/lb steak that you could afford to buy, but can't afford to throw money away on. IMO, unless you're buying it to flip, lock away as an investment or designate as a family heirloom, and you're willing to eat stupidly high service costs, most modern, high-end watches are an overpriced extravagance fit only for those with money to burn on inflating their egos. I'd take a well curated collection of 10-20

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

Actually wearing my Invicta Pro Diver while watching this. I've had it for nearly 2 years and never misses a beat. I got it precisely because I like the Submariner look but I refuse to spend thousands on a watch. Plus, Invicta has legit heritage of it's own, along with the reputable Seiko movement.

[@gazzertrn]

Yeah nice watch i have one , and a big grand diver .Good price for a well made watch . And the steeldive capt willard is a classic.

[@harunayanoglu6592]

I own pd op homage. As you said, they cut massive amount of design and development cost for material quality. However, to me, watch collection is not something about quantity but quality (in every aspects). Also, it's good to see you again Ben!

[@lordcharfield4529]

I’ve just bought a Steeldive 1953. I’m fairly confident that no one will beat the living crap out of me to get it!

[@shiznuts]

Homage watches are a good way to develop taste and try variety, especially in the early stages of watch collecting. How many of us really get the chance to try check out, let alone living with, a Rolex Daytona on wrist and see what it would be like. Even if you can't afford it, it's sometimes good to get an idea of what you're missing out on. Sometimes we hold certain watches in such high regard that we overromantize the whole thing and forget that in the end 'it's just a watch'. There is times that I couldn't wait for a certain watch to arrive (mostly original designs) only to not actually be that enamored by it and it ends up at the back of the drawer. I've learned a lot of things about my preferences by purchasing many many watches. And you can't really do that if you use all of your watch budget on a single Rolex watch. And one of the most fun things about watch collecting, if you ask me, is the journey. I might have had my shared fun of reps and homages, but now I'm at a stage where I just mostly prefer Micro Brands (e.g. Baltic, Zelos, RZE, etc).

[@sergiogarcia9822]

How about wearing original designs from affordable brands?? I don’t believe you need to buy a copy Daytona to find out if you like chronographs or a copy submariner to see if you like divers, there are so many options available that for me it is not justifiable to wear a clone watch, since I started collecting watches I wanted a Rolex sub but started buying Seiko, orient, Tissot, mido, longines, Oris, Hamilton, Tudor and finally arrived at a point where I can afford Rolex and own 5 at the moment, no matter how anyone tries to spin it wearing “homages (straight up copies)” is never justifiable.

[@shiznuts]

@@sergiogarcia9822 for me homages are a novelty. A fun gag item. And they're sorta priced accordingly. It's like dressing up at halloween. Maybe you're pretending to be Zombie Elvis. Are you actually Zombie Elvis? No, that would be ridiculous. But you're having fun with the idea of it. To me it is similar and I didn't end up wearing most Pagani Design watches more than once even. One could argue my Seiko Prospex Speedtimer is a Daytona rip-off, it doesn't take a Pagani Design to do evoke that sorta response. Probably most watches from the same make in my like 40, 50... (+?) collection are from Seiko or Casio and I did say I like Micro Brands, which mostly are pretty unique designs. One of my favourite watches to wear on the daily is the Nodus Sector Pilot Phantom as I found out due to my irregular work I really have come to appreciate a day-date complication and the jubilee style bracelet which I had my reservations about turned out very classy and comfortable (something I also appreciate on my Seiko SSK GMT). I like different watches for different occasions, moods, outfits etc. I love my Seiko Presage Houjou Star Bar dress watch. I like the exotic dials on my Zelos watches. I love Titanium watches (etc the new Baltic Aquascaphe or various RZE models). In the summer I wore my yellow BT version of the G-SHOCK GA-B2100 a lot because I'm not afraid of ruining it during various watersport activities and I don't ever have to set it, because it's always 'go time!' when I grab it. That's what I meant... enjoy the journey. That might include homages. In my case homages can be regarded as a 'phase'. There's a very low threshold to get into. The designs are proven (albeit by other brands) with global recognition and appreciation. They're just sooo affordable. It's a good accelerator for anyone's watch journey to develop the tastebuds, get a feel for watch sizes, different styles (visually, not 'well dúh it's a chronograph (or diver), what did you expect') etc which I'm sure in most cases leads down a path far away from homages. In my case I now like things I haven't really seen before. An actual Rolex Submariner would bore me to death (in general I don't care much for Rolex; I only really like the reverse Panda Daytona and the early 50's Milgauss). My latest and biggest purchase to date was a close to $3k Ball Watch Co. 00RED limited edition (1 of 91). Which such a vast collection I probably could've had a small collection of luxury watches as well, but I honestly don't think I can argue I need a watch that is much more expensive than a Tudor BB58. Especially in this day and age where it gets dangerous actually wearing your luxury timepieces like you ought and should be able to. I get far more enjoyment from the vast variety and if getting a couple of homage watches in the beginning all lead to that, then great. Would I recommend people to skip that phase altogether? Probably. For me they've served their purpose and I now have no use for them. But I don't think it's tabu if someone still goes that route.

[@kleinbottled79]

@@sergiogarcia9822 And I personally think the price of a Rolex isn't justifiable. And I think a homage watch is as harmless as a cover song. Luckily for both of us, we don't owe each other any justifications. No matter how anyone tries to spin it.

[@Mikiel-dh4bg]

@@shiznuts Well, all the brands you mentioned are too expensive for what I would like to spend on a watch; they're all over 150€! IN my "fun" collection of around 15 watches, half of them homage watches, I have nothing over 100€.

[@brian6290]

There's a similar thing in the fashion business, too, I think, with the cheaper end of the market selling copies of designs by exclusive brands. As with Rolex copies, this doesn't seem to make those who want the real thing feel that they're getting something less exclusive (you might have imagined it could "cheapen" a design to see it being worn by loads of people). Collectors may well have watches that straddle multiple price ranges, so possibly feel more conflicted than the majority of buyers. If you might someday get the real thing, do you really want a cheap copy? Probably not.

[@MrHav1k]

I love them simply because they fit my philosophy of wearing the homage/ripoff on a daily basis without having to worry about nonsense like it getting dinged up, stolen, etc. then wearing the real thing when it suits the occasion.

[@betog.6229]

I was waiting for your take on this! Thank you, Ben!

[@Thomk121]

I own 2 homage watches. I have an Invicta Speedway (Rolex Daytona homage) and a Pagani designs GMT. I love them both. Both were between $50-$100 and they look and work great.

[@najjimohammad9124]

Wearing an homage shows u truly appreciate Watch design in my eyes

[@thomaslinton5765]

Strangely, I never thought of Seiko as a "western brand." 😀

[@ItumelengS]

Heard that, they are now homaging Seiko 🤣🤣

[@thomaslinton5765]

@@ItumelengS ... an Eastern brand.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I would think Casio G shock is the most "hommaged" watch brand, since I was a kid in the 80's you had a ton of ripoffs at the drugstore or every 7 eleven counter stand of 5$ watches...

[@iamdinkel]

I don’t understand why there is so seldom comments about the large and luxury brands copying each other for the last 200+ years when discussing this topic. The idea of original design is so weak in this space and also not protected by copyright as one person here mentioned. As they also mentioned obviously logo and branding is covered by copyright. If the watchmaker has good/excellent quality control and quality then I will skip the Veblen goods (enjoy not falling for it) for an enjoyable and good quality purchase.

[@SuperMooMooFarm]

The Swiss watch industry started with mass producing fakes of British and French watches, and this space in general as you mentioned has countless examples of large brands copying each other throughout history. Many watches from large brands also contain a significant portion of parts/movements made in China, so the quality argument is a bit illogical as well given how loose labels like "Swiss Made" actually are. The fact that these points are seldom mentioned makes me wonder if there's an underlying tone of xenophobia when discussing topics like these.

[@Lobstersarefabulouz]

@@SuperMooMooFarm Regarding "swiss made": The majority of the watch needs to be made in Switzerland. Recently the percentage has been increased from 50% to 60%. Plus Research and development needs to take place in Switzerland as well. The "Swiss made" label is one of the strictest of the world (only germany is stricter). So equating the quality of swiss watches with the quality of chinese watches for example is stupid as fuck.

[@dave-ld8mo]

The problem for me is that there are just no alternatives for 40mm divers at the sub 300 dollar market. I tried the Orient Kamasu, but I found that the 42mm diameter is still too big for my wrist. I ended up buying the Invicta Pro Diver. While I would have prefered, if they chose to go for different clock hands, a different bezel and mybe a smaller l2l distance, it is still the best option at that pricepoint. However, I went for a chocolate brown dial. A color that you cannot get at a Rolex sub (yes, there are a few vintage watches, but really rare). Because of that, Rolex experts know from a distance that I do not wear a real Submariner. I mainly wear it as a fashion piece because the combination of a brown dial with a beige nato strap just looks really nice. I can recommend this watch for what it is. Although if you have the choice, go for the Invicta Pro Diver with the Omega bezel because that version is not a 1:1 knockoff as it combines features of the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster.

[@1SaG]

Save a tiny bit more than $300 and get a 39mm Steinhart Ocean One. Or try and find one second hand for less. They have a wide variety of colors and dial/bezel variants. If you're into vintage looking divers, also check out Gnomon's "exclusive" Steinharts which are all in 39mm and offer designs that Steinhart themselves don't sell. The quality and value for money of these watches are pretty much unbeatable. My wrist is also too small for 42mm divers, but those 39mm Ocean Ones look pretty much perfect on me (17cm wrist).

[@walroz87]

Another evergreen video Ben - brilliant move there is no one I would rather have doing this !

[@patricksk506]

Since your Nezumi follow up ive wanted to buy the Tonnere, sadly they're out of Stock since i've watched your Video some weeks ago. Keep up the excellent Work. Greetings from Austria!

[@teenoso4069]

One reason I would consider a homage watch despite being able to afford the real thing is the way you are treated at ADs or boutiques. You can register build a relationship, your contact leaves, you are added to someone else's list who is more interested in her phone than you, criteria later change and you are looked down at by a salesperson. Its killing the luxury experience you have worked for. If you want to buy to wear and have the look then homage is the way and use the money elsewhere more important than watches. Another reason are some of the grotesque prices for things that have a cost of production significantly lower. The above is not Rolex - as we all know the score there

[@Alias_Anybody]

When the San Martin AliExpress store gives you are more dignified buying experience than Rolex, THE watch brand, then it's no wonder people make fun of those buying luxury watches,

[@chantakzee]

@@Alias_Anybody Let's be real here, luxury watch high horsee here are just masking their monetary superiority with appreciation of horology and blah blah, not they actually appreciate paying 100x for a 99% similarity thing.

[@trinajska]

Was waiting for this topic:)

[@admaneb]

The value comparison thing is totally valid. Bang for buck is important. I would not be surprised if the blog brands actually have shares in the clone brand

[@pallu83]

When “exclusive” brands will let me buy the watch I want from their boutique I will buy them. I refuse to pay inflated prices for second hand watches.

[@Jewriffic]

I have a Rolex. I rarely wear it. But only on special occasions. I love my Pagani Homage. I can afford the "real thing" but that is not wise for most.

[@ulig12]

One thing you did not mention is the fact that most of the successful watches from the big brands only repeat their proven designs that are decades old.

[@martinkaplan1805]

Great topic! Lots of “interesting” comments. I bought a Ginault Silent Service about a year ago because I wanted the look, the feel and the dimensions of a sub, and it’s really satisfied that need. And by the way, in all the years I’ve been into watches, not one person has ever commented on one, unless I directly ask them what they think. But it IS important to me that people like the look of what I’m wearing (like my clothes and appearance in general) and I suppose that’s my problem. But impressing people is honestly the farthest thing from my mind.

[@raycolley2356]

I can only explain my own feeling. In 1966 my brother bought an Omega watch & I envied him. Now I see Pagani watches online & I now see the most wonderful watches with very good Mechanical and Quartz movements. I believe that I should try to forget that there usually is a similar watch to each one. Might I add they are usualy expensive. That way I'II enjoy each watch I buy.

[@balconybill]

Hello Ben, I really enjoy your take on things horological. You are a welcome alternative to what's on offer on KZbin..Season's greetings from Neukölln, Berlin, and keep on keeping on. Mark.

[@adamallen5691]

Ben, thanks for posting a really uesfull video. I would really like an origanal Dirty Dozen WWW but for now its a bit more of a dream and so i have been looking for a homage. Im trying to decied if the Baltany is the way to go or if there is anything else that I should consider. I have been finding it a bit of a minefield as there are so many homages its somwhat hard to know where its worth spending the your money. I would love to see a video talking about affordable alternative historical (perticuaerly ww2) watches next from Bens Watch Club!

[@aguiloco23]

Homages are not something new, you can find a lot of Rolex lookalikes from well known brands from the 60s and so on.

[@ChefTom777]

My own opinion of why I love pagani design watches & it is now my favorite brand than my seiko is that they are a joy to purchase because the price is outstanding & unbeatable... Even if I have the money to purchase the rolex I will still buy pagani design & seiko.. I love the look & design of rolex & other crazy expensive brands but I hate the price even if the time comes that I can afford to buy one I will still not... With seiko & pagani design I will enjoy wearing it & looking at it without feeling guilty of spending a fortune & without feeling scared of scratching it, losing it or braking it all the time... I want to wear things with peace of mind & just enjoy it...

[@Dialandhands]

I love what Lorier does as a micro brand. I ordered a falcon 3 from Lorier because it is a true homage of 3 vintage references, the Omega Railmaster, Seiko Aplinist, and Rolex Explorer. For me if I am going to buy a homage, it has to be referencing multiple watches and watches that cannot be obtained anymore.

[@vaclav_fejt]

I get your point and I agree, but...I found a Tisell Explorer...with tolless bracelet adjustment...and it's so thin and well-fitting...I just couldn't resist. I would have gone for it even if it wasn't a current Rolex Explorer copy, but there's no denying that the first step on my purchase was an Epxlorer video by Adrian Barker...

[@BAF605]

👍👍👍

[@Dialandhands]

@@vaclav_fejt I just can’t bring myself to buy a full on copy homage of an explorer. I’d rather save the money to get a 114270 or buy a Smiths Everest. Also, Traska has a super good looking Explorer type watch in both 36mm and 39mm that’s pretty unique compared to most homages.

[@vaclav_fejt]

@@Dialandhands Interesting options. If the Smiths was available with my local retailers, I would have considered it. Traska has just one thing that puts me off - that hour hand. We'll see. If I ever go for something better, I'll get a Seiko or a Christopher Ward...maybe...

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

For that money you can get an actual alpinist

[@ClaudeBenshaul]

You touched this point and that's the case when the homage is of a watch that is no longer in production for a long time and which design is not used anymore by the original manufacturer. In this case I prefer to use the term re-creation instead of homage and I own three such watches: An Air King 5500 Explorer from Mathey -Tissot, a 1016 from Smiths and a 37mm 62MAS from San Martin. I don't have a problem with buying and wearing re-creations of abandoned models. I do however feel uncomfortable buying copies of current watches.

[@TheBigWrist]

I have owned so many homage watches it the past 10 years I just can't keep track. I know what I like and if I am not sure it will fit have bought a homage to see what is what. It have saved me a fortune! Lots of great watches won't fit my wrist and in the case of Zenith, links are impossible to find!

[@Theo-ul8qm]

Very reasonable take on the subject! The only argument here that I don’t agree with is the idea that homage watches can serve to ‘test’ whether you like the design before you buy the real thing. Homage watches (clone homage, as you fittingly call them), feel nothing like the real thing in my experience. They look the same in a photo and that’s about it. They don’t weigh the same, if they’re rolex homages they’re not made from the same materials, the bracelets are often nothing like the real ones etc. You don’t get any of the ‘feel’ of wearing the real thing. Personally, I don’t wear them. I think much like watches in general, there are good ways and bad ways to do an homage. And the good ones are rare.

[@Alias_Anybody]

I don't know what kind of 7th sense you have that you can "feel" slightly different types of polished stainless steel just by touching, but you should consider reaching out to some material scientists and or TV stations with that talent.

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

what he means by testing it is seeing if you actually like the watch once it's on your wrist or not. sometimes you like a watch on the photos but once you put it on your wrist it doesn't look as good to you anymore and you end up not wearing it often.

[@Lobstersarefabulouz]

Another thing that debunks "hommage to try out if you like the design" is that if you spend 1000+ bucks on a watch you really really should go to the dealership and try the actual watch on. That is why I never ever understood why people buy watches over the internet. It is such a personal thing and watches usually always look different in person.

[@robh.2400]

I bought a couple Omega homages to try out the designs before deciding on which real Omega to buy. I also have a real BB58 and the San Martin homage for times when I don't want to risk losing or damaging the real BB58. I believe homages have their place as long as they're not true counterfeits.

[@williamwallace9427]

You’re wrong. They are essentially counterfeits. Which makes you giant d bag if you wear it

[@In.New.York.I.Milly.Rock.]

@@williamwallace9427 why are you so pressed about this? If anything, calling someone a douchebag for wearing a watch you dislike makes *YOU* a giant douchebag

[@LucasKellis]

Early in my journey with watches I had a sub “clone homage” and someone eagerly asked “is that a Rolex?” I said no and tried to play it off. After that I decided I was done with “clone homage” watches because I realized that all it boiled down to was wanting clout from a Rolex design but too chicken for a real counterfeit. Been much happier with original designs like the Seiko Alpinist

[@chrispekel5709]

Why let others decide what you like?

[@Lobstersarefabulouz]

@@chrispekel5709 that is exactly why they switched to a seiko. Because they want something that they like

[@chrispekel5709]

@@Lobstersarefabulouz why did he buy the sub homage in the first place then? Clearly he liked it?

[@Lobstersarefabulouz]

@@chrispekel5709 did you even read his comment properly? A person can change their mind ya know.

[@chrispekel5709]

@@Lobstersarefabulouz of course. And I interpret it to mean he got his feel feels hurties when he felt bad for bot having enough money to buy the real thing, when he should have just laughed it off and not cared. It was the direct interaction with someone else that led to his decision making. Did you not read the comment?

[@richardc316]

I think that Pagani Design Explorer looks great, and I don't mind admitting that I'm never going to be able to afford a Rolex. I'd have no problem telling people that it isn't a Rolex (no one would expect me to have a Rolex). Name me a watch that looks something like that, at that kind of price, that isn't a direct clone and I might consider it, but I'm really thinking of getting one of those Pagani's.

[@campshay19]

An Axios Ironclad is an example of a true homage it has a different dial layout, handset, date window and demensions.

[@1SaG]

Simple answer: Why not? I would stick with higher end ones (San Martin, Steinhart, etc) because you'll be getting a very nice watch in its own right - not just a look-alike to the unobtainium original you want. Personally, I prefer homages to historical designs like, say, the Rolex Milsub. That thing is so rare and has been out of production for so long and there hasn't been anything in the Rolex line-up resembling it for literally decades. So if you want that design on your wrist, your only options are homages or a real one - if you can afford to spend $100,000+ on an old wrist-watch. Sadly, with Rolex prices and availability being what they have been for the last 10 or 20 years, I can totally understand someone wanting an homage to a current Submariner. Heck, I own both a Steinhart OVM 39 and their O1 Ceramic Green 39 and I'm very happy with both of them. I could probably have gotten pretty decent fake Rolex watches for the money, but I simply couldn't live with wearing a fake. At least with an homage, you're not pretending to have the genuine article on your wrist.

[@patricj951]

I would never get a fake watch. But I have a few homages. San Martin and Steinhart. And I consider to get a Pagani. The quality is very high for the price and an option for those who cannot afford the price of a car to get a watch, but still get a feeling of carrying a luxuary model.

[@watchfinds3104]

There are also so many original design budget oriented watch brand. For example Shield watches, I have a few and they still haven't disappointed. Original designs, sapphire coated crystal and either automatic or quartz movement, depends on the model. I would glady recommend to anyone their Nitrox series and Atlantis series. And for the truly unique look there is always good old Xeric.

[@NatiiixLP]

10:03 "Western brands like Seiko" Never have I ever before heard anyone refer to Japan as being western, lol.

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

I'm not a fan of "homage"-watches. They just feel like cheap rip-offs. I rather don't own a design i like, than knowing i own a copy. It just does not feel right. But people collecting these homages rather buy 10 of these than getting 2 proper watches with an original design.

[@MrPleers]

And the excuse of "The real one is too expensive".... Yes, it is if you want one tomorrow. But I just save up for my grailwatch. Knowing very well that it will take me years. But in the end, I got the watch I really want. Instead of wearing a clone that reminds me all the time of that watch I would rather be wearing.

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

@@MrPleers Couldn't agree more. It's also beter for your money.. It is better to invest in stuff that holds it's value than buying a bunch of ripoff-watches that are just wasted money because nobody will ever give you a dollar for it. So the "The real one is too expensive" is actually not just an excuse for poor buying-habits it's also a real waste of money. I stopped buying garbage a few years ago. Clothing, Accessory... (hell i even buy books in their hardcover-format or limited editions) because when i spend my money i want some worth in exchange. Now when i'm getting rid of something i sell it ob eBay and i usually get more money back than i invested for the product i enjoyed for long enough. (Except Clothing but it's better to get a few dollars back from a quality product than throwing away your stuff for nothing)

[@londonapologetics]

What a great video! So accurate!

[@belverticale]

I claim that I have the ultimate homage...A SKMEI Nautilus homage...ten bucks and surprisingly handsome and cleanly made...only several hundred thousand dollars cheaper than a Patek Phillipe original.

[@Todd.T]

I have bought an homage to a U-Boat to test it out and I am glad I did. I got bored of the size, and U-Boat values tanked after they got caught putting low grade ETA movements in their watches that cost 5-6k. In regards to design, quite a few brands have used Gerald Genta for a watch design, but Gerald had a certain style that is present in many different watches from different brands. After a while, there are so many watches sharing the same characteristic, it almost becomes unfair to blame a brand for copying. Breguet "style" hands is an example as a lot of people use them.

[@FiremanFrach]

Last I checked, I haven’t won the lottery or came into a lot of money so original watch brands are out of my wheel house. I have a Heimdallr Captain Willard homage. I was very impressed with how well it’s made. I also have good experience with their customer service.

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

I am happy to wear a true homage such as the Nezumi you used as an example. The MT&W watch currently on my wrist could be considered a true homage of the Omega Speedmaster Pro as I can see the inspiration but it clearly is not a copy. Besides, how much variation can one do on a tricompax chronograph with a tachymeter? As for a clone homage, no thanks. And a counterfeit, absolutely not! I like to imagine what would happen if I was wearing a clone or counterfeit and someone complimented me as if it is the original. Then I would have to either tell them that it is not the real thing, or go along with it and live with the guilt. I don't like either of those options. So I will stick to original designs or true homages.

[@miguelbr3010]

No one cares about what you got on your wrist, only watch nerds will notice and there are not many geeks as the internet makes you believe. Wear whatever catches your eye, experiment and have fun while you're at it, don't let a couple of gatekeepers stop you from getting a homage if that seems interesting

[@JRudd]

Thanks for the breakdown. I’d love to know your opinion on resurrected brands. I’ve positioned them above homage brands in my head, but below the storied brands that have been in continuous operation. I’d be interested to know your thoughts.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

When I was 12 years old I wore one of my dads old watches to school and broke it. He wasn't too mad, it had been in his watch box for 30 years and he never wore it. However, it was a mid-50's Blancpain that he bought brand new in Miami when he had a boat down there. Two years ago I told a friend that story and he suggested I could find one online. That particular model is listing for about $30K so thank you very much STEELDIVE- I'll have that one, please. Almost two years on and that little 'homage' is running great. It's one of the only watches I own that draws an occasional compliment too. We all know how nice THAT is! It's not an exact copy either. It's probably better than the original... sapphire, ceramic etc. It keeps to around +2 per day Finally, regardless of what a vintage "FF" goes for today those watches were $65 US dollars when they sold brand new. I paid 4X that for a Chinese made "homage."

[@tinyman392]

I wonder if a channel like Wristwatch Revival would feature something like this on his channel. He does do people’s watches from time to time, but I’m not sure if it’s exclusive to Patrions. You could also try to find a watch maker to see if that watch is repairable and for how much.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@tinyman392 Not for anything even close to the price of even an excellent homage.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

@@tinyman392 -I did not inherit that watch because my dad sold it at a yard sale in the 1980's. I hope whoever bought it brought it back to life, but the closest i am going to get is a homage. I have a local watchmaker I've taken a few pieces to for repair. I got a good deal a year or so ago on an old Rolex that wasn't running and he brought it back for $150.00 but he told me the '3rd. wheel' might be a problem in the future. besides the fact it's radioactive.

[@tinyman392]

@@swilkobarfingtoniii1642 Oof, that's too bad; I was still hoping that either your dad or you still had the watch. Glad you found a watch maker that gives you a good deal though :) As long as you don't lick the dial, I think you'll be fine from the radioactivity :p

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

@@tinyman392 Now you tell me? Watchlicker sounds like an Aphex Twin track! Or maybe a KZbin channel... :P

[@MrDanielmahaniel]

I think a lot of people have the wrong idea about homages. Homages are typically bought when one really admires a design-dial,case, bracelet, or maybe the entire design of the watch, but can’t afford the big brand offering of that particular design. Whereas fake copies are bought to fool people into thinking you have the big brand watch, and that you are rich, or to fit a certain status group. If I buy a homage Day-Date, it’s because I like the presidential bracelet and fluted bezel, but I don’t care/expect people to think I have a Rolex. If I wanted people to think I had a Rolex, I’d buy a fake one. Simple as that for me at least.

[@faruk3380]

Nice video Ben 😊

[@Ba_Yegu]

I once for a modding project ordered from AliExpress one "Clone Homage" as You put it. According to the images it was supposed to be "Sterile", ie. with no markings of the manufacturer, but the watch I received was a full blown fake! I was screwed royally as nowhere in the sales text they used even the "codewords" for a fake, like "With LOGO". The fake logo was everywhere: on the Dial, Case and the Bracelet. Even the Crown had fake logo. Quite a bust.

[@JT-32]

the reason why I will never crap on replicas or homage watches, is because I grew up in a dangerous part of the world where, you would end up dead if you had an expensive watch on your wrist, but it was also the fact that most luxury watches cost more than a car or even a house in some cases. So my mum would buy me replicas or fake watches for 100ksh( around a dollar) and I still remember the smile on her face when she would see me wear my Adididas or Radid watches to school or social functions. we all knew it was fake and a cheap replica, but it was all she could afford and to me they were like the real deal, and in turn made me love watches. And for that reason they will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@Watchmade]

Great video!

[@dylanadams4484]

Ben I'd love to see a review on Selten watch Co and their first line of watches which feature 3 meteorite dials and one aventurine dial to choose from. They are a Kickstarter brand that were very successful in their launch. any chance?

[@TomasWatchReviews]

great video, agree on everything.

[@spgk6470]

It is a subject of where any of us drows the line really. I personally would not wear a watch than mimics a luxury watch that is on sale today. Wearing a rolex homage would make me feel cheap. I own an air king and i can appreciate its overall greatness and originality. But i am on the verge to buy a steeldive sd1970 and use it as a daily beater . I mean its a great watch for the price specwise and on the finishing part and it mimics an old 70's seiko which was a beater watch itshelf. The new seiko costs 1200 euros which are a hell lot of money for a turtle. Even the lowest turtle seiko is at 400 euros, give me a break! If i want to spend that money on a watch it would be something more special like a PRX or a Hamilton, not a turtle diver - beater. I'm not saying these are bad watches but if they would charge 250 - 300 euros i would consider it, but 400 for the cheapest one feels like a scam. In that instance i prefer the 100 euros steeldive.

[@PaulewingStHelens]

I’ve bought two homages from Ali Express, a submariner and the captain Willard. I couldn’t fault the watches to be honest, great quality and great value but I just don’t enjoy wearing them. They sit in my collection and I never wear them. It’s a hollow feeling to be honest. Compared to when I wear my Seikos, citizen vostoks or Gshock (which are not high end watches) I really enjoy them. They’ve got character, just something about them. The homages are just pale shadows of the real thing but it’s each to their own,

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

i kinda get you, i abolutely love my Casio, but i'm not as attached to the homage watches, i have a pagani daytona that i think will sell. tho i still like my steeldive submariner mainly for the lume. an advice i could give you is to change the straps. i put my submariner homage on a leather strap and it felt like a completely different watch. maybe that can make you see them as their own thing and less as a copy of another watch

[@Hrethgir]

I have a Pagani Design Daytona homage, great value. Sapphire crystal, stainless case, ceramic bezel, 200m WR, and I got it for around $85. (Why did that sound so familiar...?) Anyways, as nice as it is, and with the white Daytona being one of my favorite unobtanium watches, I just don't wear the PD much except around the house. It feels like a little lie every time I look at it, even though it doesn't say Rolex on the dial. At least I know the Daytona would fit my wrist well!

[@ragr5133]

I do own a Prospex Land Turtle and I also own a Steeldive Captain Willard homage. So here's my two cents of experience. I don't usually buy watches to store them in showcases. But with the prospex I am tending to do exactly that... and I'm not proud of it. The prospex is a grail watch for me, and I am afraid of my grail watch getting bruised and scratched (or in worst case, robbed) while I'm outside wearing it. On the other hand, the Steeldive is the companion that is finding the most of my wrist time. Not because it's a homage to a 1000$ watch, but because I won't worry if it gets scratched or bruised. Also it's an outstanding watch with qualities that even the prospex can't deliver (outstanding lume for example). Above all, enjoy what you have. It's a game of hunt and looking back at your trophies with pride. Happy hunting :)

[@jb678901]

Watch Clones or Replicas...if they are usurping a brand name, this is illicit trade and a form of counterfeiting. However, properly branded homages that take non-patented functions and design elements (excluding brand design elements) from existing product in the market...no IP infringement. Watches are utilitarian by definition (therefore, they are excluded from design patents) and there is tons of prior art that is well-past patentability for method/function. IMHO.

[@erwindewit4073]

To be honest, I did have a cheap Rolex knockoff, and after wearing it for a couple of years, I found I just don't like the Rolex look. Well, perhaps the Oyster Perpetual with Rhodium. So I do think it was worth it. And indeed, if I were to get robbed, well, who cares, it cost me 10 euros from Turkey... Still, today, I only have originals. I prefer to get a used Citizen or whatever watch I like than get a new fake/clone. A hommage could be nice. The problem is that the watches tend not to perform very well. And if a cheap digital Casio (original) DOES work properly for, say, 50 euros, why accept a 'hommage' that doesn't for more money? But, I think everybody should choose themselves. I do have a Omega too (pretty bad service they provided from new) and a Tag Heuer (the Bourne Link Chronograph), of which one of the buttons broke off after 10 years of normal use. That's pretty crappy for a pretty expensive watch I think. None of that ever happened to my Seiko/Pulsar/Casio/Citizen watches so far... So I don't always see where the money goes with the expensive stuff. The Omega was much better in that respect than the Tag Heuer. So I think a good quartz clone could be comparable, even in quality...

[@InitialG1]

I will probably receive some flack with this, but... U said it yourself... Some "high end brands" sell watches that cost a couple hundred for a couple thousand. My question then is... How much does marketing and design cost ? AP for example has been selling the Royal Oak since the 70's with minor changes. Do does minor changes really validate the up-price U are paying ? In my humble opinion, al these luxury brands, like AP, Rolex and the like are bought because of their names, and status they give. Ah yes, and of course the "swiss made" tag on the dial, of which no'one actually knows what that stands for, but for which U can be sure, only a percentage is actually "swiss made" Am I endorsing buying copies ? Nope. But for me, buying a big name watch brand for status ? Sounds kinda the same as buying certain cars to "compensate" for a lack of other things...

[@Tom_H327]

Oddly enough, it was a submariner homage that got me interested in watches again. So, in that respect, I can't knock'em too much.

[@zillsburyy1]

san martin, heimdallr and helm make great homage watches. zelos are good in a way that its their own design

[@andrewrobertson3894]

Agreed

[@ceja1500]

Great video as always Ben! A quick note on the legal aspect of homages (at least in the U.S.). Under trademark law you cannot trademark "fashion designs" since trademarks only protect brand names, logos, and phrases. Fashion design is also not copyrightable. So it's not necessarily a grey area, designs are just not protected under the law. Same goes for clothing brands that copy the style of luxury brands (except the name/logo).

[@victorvelazquez]

How about car designs? I was wondering why we don’t see Ferrari homage cars.

[@ceja1500]

@@victorvelazquez I believe a car's design can be protected through design patents. A design patent covers the ornamental aspects of a useful object. So these design patents are meant to protect aesthetic and not functional elements; in regards to watches I believe shape, size, crowns, etc. can all be considered "functional" which is why I don't think many (if any) watches have design patents.

[@victorvelazquez]

@@ceja1500 Thanks. That makes sense!

[@Sar0]

I love homage watches. Because it gives the look you like and the price you love. If homage companies like PD San Martin were copying 100 percent i would think a rolex or any other company would sue for counterfeiting.

[@marcusofranz1102]

If they sue for counterfeiting that would be kind of like acknowledging that the homages are good enough to convince people not to buy the real thing. I think companies like Rolex which makes a great product that certainly costs more to make market and sell than a San Martin does not want to let the thought creep into people’s minds that maybe just maybe the cost of making a Rolex is closer to the price of a San Martin than to its MSRP, and a lawsuit would basically have to argue just that, because if Rolex is doing something magically with stainless steel (which is what they want you to believe) then San Martin or whoever should be no threat to them so long as they don’t use their logo because it should be obviously inferior because you couldn’t possibly make a Rolex for that price.

[@johanbertilsson2213]

My Addiesdive MY-H3-2 200m Submariner homage(quartz), and my Tactical Frog H5 Captain Willard homage (NH35 automatic) are my mostly used go to watches. I have hold a real Rolex Submariner and tried it on, i did like it very much, but to buy a watch that costs more money than my car when it was new is not on the map. So i bought the Addiesdive instead and enjoy it. I have never hold a Seiko Captain Willard, but to pay over 13000 swedish kronas for a watch is also out of the map. So i watched reviews of homages on youtube and bought the H5 wich i also enjoy. The maximum i can think of to pay for a watch is about 5000 wich my Casio Mudmaster triple sensor did cost, so of my 3 favourite watches one is an orginal and two is homages. My next watch will probably be an Pagani Design GMT with the NH34 GMT movement. My 4 cents in this topic. Thank you for a good video.

[@rafaelribeiro404]

I used a casio quartz submariner for years, it was a 1 to 1 copy of the sub and my favorite watch until it broke. Now I have a pagani submariner and I Love it even more. I think Dave from just the watch made a similar video about the steeldive willard (which I also have btw). I agree with almost every point You guys made, but my conclusion is the exact opposite! The cons are just too minor to care IMO.

[@fLaMePr0oF]

Some brands are big enough that they do homages to their own more expensive watches; Seiko being the best example with the massive Seiko 5 range with models like the SNLK41

[@snowatom]

All I know is, I’m never buying a watch where the only reason for the high price is logo and history. I buy for the look, don’t care about anything else.

[@megamind_yt]

Does pagani design have an official website? There are many pagani websites but I am not sure which one is the official one. Please help

[@stuofthepots]

I love the Homage watch idea and have owned a few. But tend to opt for original designs a bit more even though some of them have probably taken inspiration from older watches anyway 😂

[@oweng7987]

I couldn’t decide between a Submariner, a Yachtmaster, Explorer 1, GMT Master 2, Explorer 2 and didn’t have 70 grand spare to try them all out, but managed to get close enough for £600 for the lot. Now I can spend a bit of time deciding which I like best and whether I really want to buy one.

[@user-yg3ne2nd9j]

A Toyota costs USD 20K. A BMW, 60K. A super car costs 1 million. If you could have a car with almost the exact look of a super car (80% of the looks), with the materials and performance close to the BMW, for the price of a Toyota, would you buy it?

[@EricNassau]

J’en ai achète une et franchement rien à redire. Pour le prix la qualité est là, question rendu au poignet, aucune différence avec l’original, le fonctionnement est tout à fait correct… en plus pas besoin d’être sur une liste d’attente pendant des années et de dépenser une fortune. Moi je dis un grand merci à Pagani.

[@WATCH-4U]

Ive a few homage watches steel dive heimdallr n san martin n wow the build quality is very good indeed... but very good discussion on the homage as some are a direct clone less the branding...

[@JoaoFrancisco-cd2mu]

I have been buying some Chinese automatic watches, all under 100 Euros (some even less than 50) and I am surprised with the quality they present. In fact, I buy watches just because I like the way they look and I don't even know if they are based on expensive brands. There are models from expensive brands that, even if I could, I would never buy and use because I simply don't like the look. There are people who buy watches just because they like these pieces, to wear and see the time; there are others who buy them as an investment, and they hardly use it to not damage, which is totally different. For the first, which I include myself, it doesn't matter if it's similar to a Rolex, Omega or Oris, it's just a watch, beautiful and that fulfills its function (showing the time). If Pagani Design and all the other Chinese brands put the words Rolex, Omega and others on their dials, I would never buy it, because I know I don't have the financial capacity for expensive brands and I don't want it to look like something it isn't.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Some of these designs are really old. If any kind of design protection has expired, the original designers are long dead and buried and even ownership of the brand has changed hands any modern reissue is arguably just as much of a homage, but with the old logo stamped on it. That's even more apparent with watches made for and issued by institutions like the military. I mean, how are you supposed to make an "authentic" Flieger these days? The Luftwaffe isn't going to commission any more. 😛