Serica 5303 side by side its Homage IX&DAO Ipose - Which is better?

[@ogramail]

Thanks James. I own also the Ipose with the ETA movement. I chose the homage because of the initial QC problems with the Serica and I do love it. However, to be completely honest, you should mention that Serica has incepted a new version of its watch with a COSC movement and an antimagnetic case, which break the balance with Ipose in my opinion.

[@WATCHingJames]

I did see that they are using a cosc movement now but I found it a bit unclear if the issues had been resolved.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks again to Jason from Houtman watches for letting me get hands on with his Serica. It was so interesting to put it side by side with my Homage of it.

[@watchalot919]

I own the Ipose, and have done my own review on it. It really is an incredible watch, and not just at the budget price, honestly it's incredibly well made. I prefer the bezel action on the Ipose, but that's subjective. In brief, it's impossible to justify the extra for the Serica. Tandoria now homage the homage, LOL.

[@WATCHingJames]

It really is impressive and was really interesting putting next to the original

[@onawku]

I have the new COSC edition, everything is fine and quality is superb.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m really happy to see they have made that change.

[@lgomezmiami]

@@onawku just got mine yesterday. 😍 It's the perfect size. Only thing I didn't realize is that the hands are white. In all the pics they looked brushed to me for some reason. But makes sense for legibility. Enjoy it!

[@pierremclean8504]

I was prepared to lay out the full amount on a Serica. I waited 1 1/2 years for them to fix or change their movement… finally I bought the watch which I was waiting for from the start a “Serica” with a proper Swiss movement: the IPose E.T.A. The purpose of a watch is to keep accurate time and I don’t see why I should be “forced” to compromise on this core function?? So thank you IPose for giving us what Serica stubbornly refused to fix: a time piece that keeps time accurately👍

[@WATCHingJames]

It is amazing that we get these choices. It is a shame that the Serica did not choose to change.

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi james thanks for doing a comparison video between original and homage I did ask you a few weeks ago I don't know if that's why you did it but it was a very good comparison video. Thanks John.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks John. I hope it was helpful. It was very interesting to have them in hand and put them side by side.

[@daynevickers1079]

I own the IPose in dark blue bezel, and I absolutely love it! I looked at the Serica 5303, but could not come near to justifying the additional expense of it (about $1300+). Like you said, only fractional differences in everything but the price! You and I made a great choice! The only thing I wish they had done would have been to put their beautifully styled logo on the dial. Then, it would be perfect IMHO!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

This was a great video. It was really helpful. One thing I did notice was something is going on with the shutter speed of your camera I think. I noticed the video looks very choppy. I think in the end I would go with the original just because I think what makes that watch special is how small it looks. We don’t get very many small dive Watches these days and that small dial paired with the small dimensions is just something very unique.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@andrewchanws]

4 times the difference in price, with the expensive watch having a movement with (ahem) "character".. I think the choice is clear. I chuckled when you slightly paused before mentioning the words "inherent characteristics" :p

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahaha. I did too.

[@Jimmy_Cream]

The differences wouldn't ever be noticed at the glance, which is what anyone would only see in reality. I do like the more refined case of the Serica though. Not enough in the differences to question my decision in buying the homage Great video James. Well worth waiting for

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. The Serica is definitely a nice watch. But I think I made the right decision

[@Jimmy_Cream]

​@@WATCHingJamesas did we all if the comments are anything to go by haha

[@julianb1474]

Even more recently I saw a review of the homage to the homage - made by Tandorio for around $80 US, and it's not bad. Perhaps you should review all three !! ALSO the IPOSE comes with a PT5000 movement as well which is the one i would buy, and you did not discuss.

[@WATCHingJames]

This was more of a side by side comparison. I chose to buy the SW200 version of the Ipose and when I do the full review I will be talking more about the movement options for it. Thanks for watching.

[@watchsixto]

That awesome you got the real to compare them. The Seirca looks better, but the homage isn't too bad

[@WATCHingJames]

It was great to get both in hand and put them side by side

[@darrenfry4695]

Great show james , personally id go with the homage only because i dont like the watch that much to spend a lot of money on it..plus today some homages are even better than the real thing

[@WATCHingJames]

They certainly are. It’s just nice to have the options available to us. Especially when on a budget

[@darrenfry4695]

@@WATCHingJames yes exactly, cheers James

[@rdvgrd6]

Good for you paying for a Chinese rip off. By doing that you promote the end of innovation and good design by encouraging stealers

[@davidcooper8621]

Just come across your channel, very impressed. Interested in this comparison as I am wearing the Tandorio homage to the homage. 40mm NH35A, Dome Sapphire Crystal Screw Crown Automatic Mechanical Watch with 200 metres of water resistance in that colour ray. A delight to wear and in the recent sale, £63, what's not to like

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve had my eye on that one too. It looks great and Tandorio has some of the best value watches I’ve come across.

[@bozosni]

Hi there! Nice presentation as always. I don't know if you still have one of these watches but i am trying to find it's bezel insert dimensions ( the one of the clone i mean)with no luck. I would appreciate any info ❤

[@WATCHingJames]

Sorry. I have let that one go.

[@bozosni]

@@WATCHingJames No worries. Thank you for the response!

[@thegorn]

A white dial always appears bigger than the equivalent sized black dial. At 1/4 of the price for basically the same level of enjoyment if not more, then I'd say you made the right choice. At the end of the day - it's what we enjoy that dictates the correctness of any decision.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s exactly how I feel. I love it and am really happy we actually get the choice as well.

[@songoku-jx3cb]

Making a homage of a micro brand is crazy to me . Its a testament to how influential serica has become on such a small time scale

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@bateraum]

I do own the Serica in black and I absolutely love the dimensions, so much so that I wanted to get the white ipose, but I the dial size and overall proportions looked kinda off in the pictures and you just confirmed it, that kills it for me :/

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m really happy that I could help. It is hard to compare watches without a side by side.

[@markmahood3093]

Waiting for mine too arrive! Glad I saved the money and went with the homage.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Seica is a lovely watch. But I do prefer the Homage.

[@karepy]

Have you tried the new movement that is cosc certified? I just bought it and it’s a totally different animal with the blue greenish ceramic dial.

[@WATCHingJames]

Not yet. I have had my eye on them and have heard positive things.

[@scatterbrain9490]

Moving in a few days, I'll catch up when things calm down 😎

[@WATCHingJames]

Good luck.

[@hedwu2505]

Are the two bracelets interchangeable?

[@WATCHingJames]

I did not try. So not sure sorry. I don’t have access to the Serica anymore so can’t give it a go now.

[@hedwu2505]

@WATCHingJames no worries thanks for responding.

[@villagranvicent]

It is a clonage... Excellent video!!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@deephousedave]

Hi. I bought the Tandorio ( white dial), which I'm totally pleased with ( 4 times cheaper than the ipose!! 😱) and am currently wearing on a black bund strap while I wait for the ipose strap to arrive. Looks proper badass. Whilst checking out reviews about them I came across the fact that boyh the ipose and Tandorio only have 3 minute markers between the 5 minute markers from 40-60 on the bezel!! Hadn't noticed ( embarrassingly enough) but yeah. Did you miss that? 😂. Maybe that's how they get around the copyright (" no-one 'll notice " 😉 ).

[@deephousedave]

Ah yeah. Took the NH35 mvt rather than PT5000 option. Pretty sure they all come from the same factory anyways 😉👍

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m a big fan of the Tandorios. I’ve owned a few from them and they have all been fantastic and super affordable

[@WATCHingJames]

They probably do 😂😂😂

[@MichaelV89]

Thanks for the comparison James

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Michael

[@andrewgreene3065]

This is one I will feel most guilty about. I fell in love with Serica’s design a couple years ago when I stumbled across the brand and I’ve wanted one ever since. In my case, it does come down to affordability. Luckily, It’s very rare to find a “homage” this similar to the original so that’s pretty cool. Still feel guilty as hell..

[@WATCHingJames]

I understand that too Thanks for WATCHing

[@matricious]

Tandorio also makes one now, not many reviews on it atm

[@Jimmy_Cream]

Yea, 80 quid for a PT5000 is insane

[@WATCHingJames]

I saw that one recently. Looks like a great affordable option

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s Tandorio for you. Insane value.

[@96kyh]

@@WATCHingJames Now you've got to do the Tandorio vs Ix and Dao comparison....

[@EdBrock785]

Hi James,that’s a very interesting Video,thanks a lot 👍🏻.

[@WATCHingJames]

It was an interesting one to make.

[@EdBrock785]

Yeah,i see 😁.

[@jamesw5763]

I own both. Received the Serica 5303-3 chrono about a month ago. Ipose several months prior to Serica.Wore the ipose pretty much daily for months. Same with the Serica for the month Ive owned her. The Ipose has many issues: Bezel alignment, brushing, Transition quality and finishing is below even San Martin standards. My particular Serica is Worlds better than the Ipose homage that I received, In every way other than lume. After comparing both watches in every way I could, thats the ONLY thing the Ipose has an edge on, and thats only because everything is about 20% bigger on the Ipose face including indeces, etc. For the roughly $400 spent, I feel the Ipose is really pushing it. The quality just isnt there. Everything seems to be finished to a "good enough" standard. The most stand-out feature of the Ipose is the bracelet for sure. But compare bracelets on both watches in hand and its so obvious the Serica is just another level. I may or may not keep the Ipose in white-ish.Its a good looking watch (obviously, they copied a beauty), but I really get no pride of ownership feeling from it. I understand money is most peoples motivation to go toward the ipose and other Homage or outright fake watches, but this Ipose has sealed it for me... No more Ali-Express watches. I could have bought a single watch that gives me true pride of ownership instead of owning pieces filled with compromises trying to pose as something they are not. Auto industry is full of buyers compromising constantly... "this cars handling is just like a BMW". Well, I'm going for the Bimmer from now on. Finances rule, and thats an unfortunate fact of life.

[@WATCHingJames]

Owning the original is generally going to be the best option if finances allow for it. I am just happy that there are so many options out there for us to enjoy.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

I have owned the Serica and it is nice watch no doubt but the movement choice was a poor decision. I know own the IX&DAO and it is in my opinion very close to the quality of the Serica but with a better movement and the addition of the date at 6 is a nice bonus

[@tonyalbrecht7169]

the difference in quality is hardly visible.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s what I think too.

[@adk7962]

There are not a lot of originals out there that are 5 times or 10 times or 20 times better than a high end Chinese “Homage.” I know a lot of people consider the Ipose as a clone because there is no branding on the Serica. I think most people who wants to and can afford the original will always get the original. Anyway. Thanks for the great comparison.

[@WATCHingJames]

I think so too. It’s great that we have the options available.

[@adamant262]

You could put the salita in the seraca

[@WATCHingJames]

That would be an option.

[@EricJoseph-tl8mb]

La nouvelle serica 5303 avec soprod m100 est certifiée cosc ... Pas un clone sw200

[@WATCHingJames]

A much better alternative. I’m glad they made the change.

[@pjmq]

This makes *even less* sense than I'd originally thought, I assumed the factory responsible for manufacturing the Serica had just started churning out the homage watches themselves for a few 3rd parties using the same fab, tooling and mould used when manufacturing the Serica but that doesnt seem to be the case. Why would a Chinese company invest this much into manufacturing a homage of a little-known microbrand to this level of finish without their being parts available (as we see with Ali brands reusing rep watch parts to create homages) or there being significant demand? it's mind-boggling.

[@WATCHingJames]

I think they have sold a lot of them so has turned out to be a good idea for them. But is very interesting that they chose to make this one rather than a bigger better known brand. Maybe it actually gives us a bit of an insight into how cheap it actually is to produce watches.

[@Horizontalvertigo]

At least to me, it's pretty obvious which is the homage. The original's a much more holistic design, it all works together and seems exceptionally well thought out from a design perspective, whereas the homage has just cribbed the homework without capturing that "everything in proper ratio to everything else" vibe that the original possesses. It's got the look without the soul of the piece. I'm sure the homage is a fine watch, and honestly the problems Serica's had with their movements puts me off them a bit.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Serica really is lovely. It’s obviously when you have it in hand. But it is amazing how nice the homage is as well.

[@giancarloliucci4104]

Hai senz' altro preso la decisione giusta. Quelle lievi differenze di finitura dopo 2 mesi di utilizzo non ci saranno più. Invece movimento, data e quadrante più efficace conteranno

[@WATCHingJames]

I think so too. Thanks for WATCHing

[@TanYeeLer]

For all the haters. If we spin it in a positive perspective. Sercia produced poor watches v1 and didn’t handled it well. So now someone copied their design and fixed the movement issues and fixed the price issue. The people that got the “homage” may just buy the real sercia v4 or v5 years down the road. The way I see it sercia gotta retaliate in producing better quality to command the 4x price and differentiate themselves. I personally like the look of sercia and proportions and if I were to get one I’ll get the original. But I’m gonna wait till they sort it out. Paying that price and not able to hack properly is a no no. They sound like a better version of zodiac looks good but movement sucks. Zodiac finish looks worst than this. Movement is worst not just hacking the screw down and winding is horrible. Sometimes engaged sometimes not engaged. (And I own 3 of them they are beautifully designed thou. But will not recommend to anyone) China pls copy zodiac and make them clean up their act they behave like a fashion brand. So guys moral of the story is sercia isn’t that bad if you compare to a zodiac haha. “Homage” or copies can make the brand do better. And if you are the one copying you will copy something nice right? Haha

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@theunsureavenger]

I’ve said this elsewhere, it’s fine to own these watches, i own a steeldive but people should be honest with themselves. It’s a copy and NOT a homage. I’m not sure why people continue to try dance around the fact that these companies are copying the original. Calling it a homage just because it’s not got the brand name on the dial is something someone made up to make themselves feel better. It’s a blatant copy. Regardless of what lies people tell themselves. As I said no issue with it, I own a copy from steeldive of the Seiko Willard but as I say, it’s a COPY, no doubt about that.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is an interesting conversation. I often think about watches from the past and wonder if they were copying each other or were they homages. Or was it just the style at the time.

[@theunsureavenger]

@@WATCHingJames i suppose it’s a case by case thing but with these companies nowadays like IX&DAO it’s clearly a copy as that serica is certainly not the style or trend of designs we see usually.

[@andrewd7586]

It’s not a copy. It’s not a replica. If it was it would be exactly branded Serica. It would be exactly the same dimensions. It would have a copy movement. It has nothing of these. It’s a homage. 🥱

[@theunsureavenger]

@@andrewd7586 right a homage 😂 I hope you’re joking. But if you aren’t then keeping telling yourself that.

[@rayintheforest]

The only problem is the pricing... if the price was out of the equation, I'd go with the original without hesitation. It just has something to it that the homage doesn't have. More refined, better balanced, everything fits together seamlessly.. etc. As someone else said, it has a soul. It's good and soulful enough to be your only watch, a life companion. The homage is very good indeed, finished to a high standard, and the price... hand down the price is the biggest factor with it. But it's not good enough to be the only watch someone possesses. It's good as an occasional lighthearted watch within a big collection.

[@WATCHingJames]

It was great to have both in hand and see the differences. Both are great watches and it is great that we get the options.

[@rayintheforest]

@@WATCHingJames Totally! We as watch enthusiasts need the options that homage watches and wonderful places like the watch world of aliexpress provide. How boring it would be If the watch world only consisted of over-priced original Swiss and Japanese brands. I'm really thankful to all the options that places like aliexpress or micro brands provide! Thank you as always for the great content. Really interesting to see the two watches next to each other!

[@oliviersebastian1516]

Microphone is bad, nice review

[@WATCHingJames]

Check out my newer video. I think I’ve sorted the sound now. Thanks for WATCHing

[@Em3rith]

You said homage, I say counterfeit. Plus Serica is a small company. Buying counterfeit sucks, but when it's a small and independent company it's disgusting. If you want a watch buy it if you can or buy other objects cheaper with an original idea. Why do people want to appear socially higher than they are with fake objects. I don't understand.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve made a video specifically about this Ipose talking about that.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Love the fabrique en chine

[@WATCHingJames]

I found it funny

[@johnmonachelli5256]

China watchmakers aren't far from being very serious contenders

[@TXLogic]

That Ipose hour hand is ridiculously stubby.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@bestboy897]

Serica definitely looks more refined and of a higher quality but barely tbh .

[@WATCHingJames]

There are good arguments for both watches. I’m just happy we have both to choose from.

[@sebastiannix5033]

So You bought a rip off from a brand called "I pose"?!

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha. I found that funny too

[@naomiredpath4351]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@maxdenb]

I am surprised that you completely ignore the fact that what is called a 'homage' in reality should be called a 'rip off'. Serica is a small, independent company that spends a lot of time developing beautiful watches. Chinese factories copy the design without putting in any effort - stealing intellectual property. There is no love there, the Chinese just want your money. Buying a rip off kills companies like Serica. If you truly enjoy a beautiful timepiece, you support the maker, not the breaker.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve actually made an entire video about that. Which is why I did not feel I needed to talk about it again. Thanks for WATCHing

[@maxdenb]

Well it would be worth mentioning for people (like me) just stumbling on this video alone. It must be part of the equation, if it kills the brand no new watches will come out. Buying the rip off is unethical in my opinion. @@WATCHingJames

[@kevingilhooley2064]

Totally agree....watch channels such as this, and the HWG are shameful if you ask me.

[@robertsonlainez5770]

I agree but not everyone can afford the Original watch. People buy replicas to at least feel or get close to what they can afford.

[@maxdenb]

@@robertsonlainez5770 thats a shame, cause it kills the company. If you love watches, buy one real one, not five knock offs.

[@ExterminateTheBrutes]

It's not a homage. It's a copy.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@sysakPL]

Hate "hommages" scummy practice to take a design someone spent time and money to create and deliver something unique and just make a copy of a finished product. Especially if it's done to a small underdog type brand rather than a big established corporation.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@lroy666]

dirty chink rip off..made in china in french on the dial..ffs!!! @@WATCHingJames

[@jc.baptiste]

Homage ? LoL Call it for what it is, a counterfeit. You should never promote it. Think about it: a young, small and fragile company invests a lot of time, efforts and finances into developing something unique and tries to sell it to retrieve its investment. Then, a Chinese factory copies it in no time and produces it, cutting the costs with social dumping (life cost in France vs China) and saving all the research and development process. Utterly disgusting. Much worse than doing it against an established multinational company like Rolex. It's a shame.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@jc.baptiste]

@@WATCHingJames That’s… short. You don’t care, ok.

[@lgomezmiami]

This is absurd.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@piotrszmidel]

This aint homage but a copy

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@an-h9808]

Beautiful watch

[@WATCHingJames]

It has a great design.

[@pilou6457]

Beautiful video and watche....

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Very interesting seeing them side by side! Great video! 🍸🍸

[@WATCHingJames]

I found it really interesting having them both.