Is it ever fair to homage a microbrand watch? Serica 5303 and Ipose IX&DAO rant/discussion...

I don't support factory brands in Shenzen ripping off micro brands, unless the micro brands are willing to do the same to their customers...
JOMW with an excellent video showing the watch and issues:
• This Watch Is Broken.....
Pic credits:
Maja Stosic, CC BY-SA 3.0 RS, via Wikimedia Commons
Sotos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Elgin National Watch Company and modifications by Wayne Schlitt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

[@watchalot919]

I owned the Ixdao&Ipose 5303. I recently sold it because I have gone off of homages, but from a quality point of view it's excellent. However, I have nw had two issues with the PT5000, so worth spending the extra on the Sellita

[@pierremclean8504]

Totally agree with your assessment… I do not like homages BUT after waiting 1.5 years for Serica to offer a replacement to the Soprod, and seeing how the owner dealt with customers problem… I decided to get what I wanted: a “Serica” with an ETA movement (and because the price was right, I didn’t have to debate between black or white dial: I got both!)

[@nextonthewrist]

congrats on the purchases I was so torn between the different colourways, I ended up with black dial blue bezel and the SW200, which is lovely but I do think that white dial looks crisp too 👌 🔥

[@stuart150]

Love the Serica, has been on my wishlist, but 100% agree with you on the attitude of the brandowners, wouldn't risk it now, that said, I won't be buying the copy either.

[@NaNByZero]

I wanted to buy a Serica but because they didn’t fix their movement issues, I went for the rip-off with a Sellita movement. Arrived today. Beautiful little thing. 🎉🍾🍸🍸

[@millersciencesms762]

I too got the Sellita homage with black dial about a month ago. It's fantastic and I'm unapologetic about doing so.

[@sivanstar]

Im with you on this one though i wouldnt buy this because i think it is overpriced. You keep hearing microbrand owners doing above and beyond for their customers. As a consumer, just hearing those stories and talking to the brand owners makes me support the brand even further. I talked with Ricky from ovd/uw and at the time i thought he was some marketing guy. It turned out he is the owner/designer and he is such a nice guy! I bought one uw and the other is on kickstarter and i sure wil be coming back because of Ricky. Serica can learn a thing or two! We are not stupid! Especially watch collectors who have a better understanding of the microbrand world. You have an interesting point here and thank you for talking about this..

[@nextonthewrist]

Definitely - those interactions like you describe create loyal customers. Like you I have had so many positive experiences with micro brands...one of the nicest things is feeling that connection to the brand on your wrist. 🙂👍

[@motherhubbard3428]

Exactly, it isn’t that Serica is over $1,200.00, it’s that it is over $1,200.00 with known issues that Serica doesn’t want to take responsibility for. I want the blue dial Serica so bad, but I will wait and only purchase it if these issues are fixed. I see Serica owners selling theirs and purchasing the Ipose. That tells me something, if Serica doesn’t care about their reputation, why should I? I too own an Ipose and will hang on to it until Serica decides to fix their problems.

[@nextonthewrist]

@@motherhubbard3428 I was really trying to avoid talking price difference exactly for this reason...I hope Serica prove us wrong but I have my doubts. Anyway onwards and upwards and thank you for the comment 🙂🍻

[@vaclav_fejt]

IX&DAO are already moving away from the original design with the size (40 mm), date, and their latest red and blue variations (though they're not as nice as the black and white versions). If they also change the illogical bezel markings, it's gonna be better and more original still.

[@nextonthewrist]

Yeah I like that, more original is better and they have great quality for the price. 🙂👍

[@chendu7918]

not trying to defend the homage but the way they were able to homage a microbrand is most likely because the original was also made or heavily sourced in China.

[@chendu7918]

that was an opinion of mine, not necessarily a fact. to expand on that: when you trying so hard to juggle the likely very heavily China-based supply chain just to say you are "swiss made", a lot of things are prone to go wrong. I especially liked the homage team's take on this. they put a "fabrique en chine" on the dial and I'm only going to assume that this is a mock.

[@nextonthewrist]

The fabrique en Chine did make me laugh 😁

[@LawsonsStudio]

I've seen the Tandorio 5303 homage and it's lovely. With the PT5000 movement it comes in about £100. Unfortunately you don't get that stunning milanese strap.

[@ytrezazerty1]

in exchange for stealing their model's image, IX&DAO publicized Serica. In addition, Serica, who did not have a good reputation, is now in the sympathetic role of the victim.

[@nextonthewrist]

Yep I think you're spot on 😅...

[@Glofindel]

I am in the same boat as you. I love it so much and waited t,for them to fix the issue. However, I would not buy the copy. Serica is like Peugeot. Both are French, design beautiful products but not really good.

[@didierlevy4268]

Expecting a 5303 for septembre, the new version (cosc)... I just fell in love with that watch without even knowing about the soprod issues or this "homage" thing from China... Hope the new mouvement will be ok...

[@nextonthewrist]

I think it is fixed - I mean I really hope so as it's a different movement in the release. Assuming there are no issues I am sure it'll be a great watch, I think it was a painful experience for Serica too with the old movement so they will have learnt. If it is fixed l will have to buy a Serica as per my comments in the video 😅

[@jamesw5763]

Im waiting for my Serica 5303 to show in Blue. Should be here in September. I put myself on the waiting list and jumped. I couldnt help myself! In the meantime, I ordered the whitish version from Aliexpress and iPose. The Ali watch is NOT a fake. I'd JUST qualify the iPose watch as an Homage. Many differences compared to the iPose watch. I got my iPose last month with ETA 2824 under $400. Got it in the white-ish/silver. That said, I still cant wait to get my Serica 5303-3. The Bezel on the Ali watch - Lil bit of back play. Sometimes just a bit too much. AND doesnt line up just right... The Ali watch has "50" on the Bezel. None on Serica. The Ali watch has extra Minute markers 42-44. The watch case is just a tad bigger on the iPose. Fits me perfectly. Im hoping the Serica will too. And the biggest CRIME of all... The Ali Express iPose watch has a date wheel. Ugh... Of course, iPose totally ripped-off Sericas watch face logo... Bastards, lol. to my eyes, iPose capured the spirit of the Serica 5303. Great job on the bracelet, iPose! Anyone with an attention to detail (about 3 people I know of, lol) can see the differences right away. Is the iPose a good watch for the price? I think so. Especially with ETA in it. Is it a Serica 5303 copy? No. Absolutely not. Is it a Serica 5303 Homage? Yeah, in the basic sense that at first glance it appears to be a different watch than what it is. Of course, where did Serica get the inspiration for the hour and minute hands? Def looks Seiko and Omega to me, but its all good! Ill know more once "ol Blue" is in my hands for a direct comparo and measurement session.

[@TheDonCucaracho]

Serica should have known the stakes at risk with a subpar movement in an expensive product given how good and fast chinese manufacturers are, and how competitive the market is. If they slept on it, it's their mistake and they deserve the heat

[@KC-bv9kf]

When the brand gave the consumers the two fingers salute, well, the consumers replied in kind.

[@noelmurphy3450]

Interesting review & discussion. You will love the Ipose

[@ajmarion]

their handling of this whole movement fiasco has really put me off. I like their watches, but for that reason I would rather get the homage

[@XjohnjohnX88]

Clearly not fair to hommage a microbrand ! They fixed the issue a while ago. Why not wait a bit? You knew it would be fixed. Personally I'm a big fan of this watch but can't afford it. I can afford this hommage, but no way! This is so disrespectful to this young brand who makes a great work by the way.

[@nextonthewrist]

Personally I don't agree. The brand made their own bed not supporting customers with a defective product and claiming it's a feature. For me that is disgusting behaviour. I wouldn't wait for a brand I have no trust in. I am happy they changed the movement now - even if they couldn't fix the first movement... but I stand by my final conclusion, and they haven't solved the issues with all the early watches.

[@ErayAzraS]

Do you think this watch or san martin, which is better quality?

[@nextonthewrist]

Depends which San martin but this will likely have better lume, the San Martin most likely better finishing, but if you want a Sellita powered watch the upgrade on this is similar price to a lot of San Martins with a PT5000 or NH movement, so I'd go for this. Really depends what you want 👍

[@ericbaumann1600]

Je pense que les dernières productions de Serica vont faire taire ces ragots ! Zéro problème et zéro soucis de mécanisme avec le M100 Soprod, précision parfaite certifiée COSC et excellente résistance (300 cartouches cal 12 par semaine en tir aux clays et toujours la même précision !) Moralité : d’une manière ou d’une autre on finit toujours par en avoir pour son argent 😉

[@nextonthewrist]

I'm pleased Serica eventually fixed the watch. I still think it's a beautiful piece, but I still have a slightly sour taste in my mouth regarding the brand. Owning the homage would never replace perfectly the actual watch - its impossible, but I thoroughly enjoyed mine in the time I had it. Thanks for the comments 🙂🍻

[@POLO8072]

For me, i understand anyone going against Serica, but something inside me just has a deep love for the brand. I really don't know what it is. Maybe because the 4512 i have have been perfect and growing on me more and more as my only watch for 2 years already? Idk, still I hate the soprod problem and the way they tackled it, and the way they tried to take down reviews of the ipose

[@nextonthewrist]

I think it's a fair point, they definitely do a lot of things right - their designs are stunning and the other watches are clear of issues and people seem very satisfied aside from the 5303 🙂👍

[@millersciencesms762]

I too have owned the 4512 WMB version for a few years, but I did purchase the IXDAO and IPOSE homage.

[@Beck-Stein]

They did business overseas. It’s fair game. There is zero respect for trademarks. I am fine with it.

[@johndesmond1987]

Lets stop using the very misplaced "homage". Most such watches are knockoffs of other companies; design elements. This one however, is more of a blatant copy. That said, the IPOS is of equal quality, and at a far lower price.

[@nextonthewrist]

Homage is KZbin friendly, certain terms draw copyright issues but yes I agree one hundred percent with your sentiment. I prefer the term clomage perhaps in this case as a middle ground 😅

[@Bonpu]

Seriously: if you even think the copy looks like the original you never really wanted the original. The proportions are all off, not to mention the bezel markings and the stupid date. Buyers might not care but to me the fascination with Serica lies in the absolute perfection of their design and I see the differences at a glance. That being said, a watch not working is a crappy watch. A manufacturer denying responsibility or only problems is irresponsible. And people buying microbrand fakes are - pardon - losers to me. If you got rejected by your crush, would you seek solace in a similar looking, cheaper girl? What's the point? If Serica sucks, safe up for a Sinn or get a respectable Baltic Dual Crown. And what even is the point in buying a €300 Aliexpress watch if only twice as much gets you - a Serica? I own the Serica 4512 Cali that literally ended a 20 years quest for a wearable size, elegant yet modern, iconic mens watch. Cartier class at Seiko prices, love it!

[@nextonthewrist]

You answered my point in your last paragraph - that's exactly why I purchased the Ali version, it is the same look (yes not identical - as per your first point) but it works and has a reliable Swiss movement. Money isn't the issue, I was happy to buy the Serica as explained.... I have a large collection so I'm not looking for alternatives, I buy what I like. I understand Serica fans feeling upset but if you're not disgusted selling a broken watch at a price where every other manufacturer can deliver basic function then I won't be able to change your mind for sure 😅 Thanks for the comments and I have heard good things about the other Serica models. I like their new GMT and despite the 5303 issues still willing to give another model a chance.

[@josephsobus8143]

The amount of mental gymnastics this guy is doing to support theft is awesome. It is wrong to support a company stealing someone else's design. If you like the watch but can't afford it then wait. If you don't like a brand for various issues, then don't invest and purchase their products. Just that simple. I love your review and support your opinions. I just don't agree with you. I am a Serica owner. I will admit the journey a person has from their watches is an interesting one. I love that I have a Sercia, not a cheap fake. Enjoy your watch journey, and once more congratulations on your purchase.

[@nextonthewrist]

As you know from my mental gymnastics 😁 I do genuinely understand your view point, but if Serica didn't mug their customers off and treat them like morons this watch wouldn't be a success. Most watches at this price couldn't be homaged in aliexpress with a swiss movement and actually sell enough to turn a profit - obviously we'd all buy the original. It literally only works because of the negligence shown by Serica and disregard to enthusiasts. Build a watch that works and this video doesn't exist. This watch was built to solve a problem Serica refused to solve. I'm excited to get this style with a working and proven Swiss movement - the SW200. As I said if Serica fix it I'll buy theirs to honor the design work (and Omega, the original influence)... I think that's fair. For now they deserve the kickback. Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery. All the best and thanks for the comments 🍻 😎🙌

[@josephsobus8143]

@NextOnTheWrist I hear you and respect your point of view. For me, it comes down to knowing deep down in my soul I have a copy of something and not the real thing. It is a moral thing, not a protest. That being said, it is a free market, and people will support the "better product." Thank you for covering this subject it is a great deal of drama that our community needed. Lol

[@KC-bv9kf]

Capitalism. Can’t have it both ways

[@StrangersIteDomum]

Ipose? That's quite the brand name for a knock off...

[@nextonthewrist]

The irony wasn't lost on me 😂

[@KC-bv9kf]

Ipose is a Chinese Watch community

[@Watchdonktor]

This guy is hot

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

If Serica added a better movement and a date window I'd probably buy it. It's hard not to be homage'd when the homager is making a better product in some people's eyes (like someone who preferes a date watch as opposed to a time only watch like me)

[@nextonthewrist]

I'm sort of keeping an eye on Serica, they have upgraded to a chronotmetre grade movement in the 5303 so I'm assuming they are also fixing the existing issues but still no confirmation 👀...for now the homage continues to be excellent 😅

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I kinda hate when non-Swiss brands make their watches in Switzerland for the 'swiss made' name. If you're swallowed by a conglomerate like richemont group, like Panerai and Cartier were, it's understandable, but a micro brand should add more character to their product by making it in their own country. like Switzerland isn’t the only country that can make watches you know Even if you have to outsource an ETA movement from Switzerland, which is actually pretty common since the OG italian made Panerai used Rolex parts and the o OG french made Cartier's used Jaeger movements A lot of people would appreciate a French made watch, specially if it's hand assembled and finished (which is usually a perk a micro brand can offer). A country that has a pretty serious watchmaking background, with brands like Pequignet (that's a new brand, but still one of my favorites), having the Fabrique en France is a pretty cool detail to me

[@nextonthewrist]

Agreed, definitely with microbrands. The Tuseno which I have in my collection would just be next level if it was assembled in Sweden, even above Switzerland as it is the home of brand and it's creators. Definitely adds something. I don't know if yema counts as a micro anymore, I suppose not as they invested enough in their own movement creation...but at least they're ticking the boxes for the full French experience at a reasonable cost? Mixed reviews on reliability and customer service though 🤔