Increase in interest in homage watches

[tritto]

So I've been part of an Australian affordable watch forum on Facebook (mostly because it offers another channel to sell low value watches) and I'm noticing that forum is very much focussed on all the micro brands (and Chinese manufacturers) making copies or homages to more popular watches, including Seikos.
They're popping up more and more on Wrist Sushi and SCWF too. Do you think this is because modern Seiko has largely vacated the price point that brought many of your traditional Seiko/Citizen guys to the Seiko specific forums? Now we can't drop $100 on a discounted SKX007 we're looking for cheap fun at the same price point?
Added to this, it's getting harder and harder to find the more sporty vintage Seikos at the $50-$200 price point - the popular stuff is way more than when I started messing with watches.

[dapellegrini]

I think you are probably right.  Add to that, some micro brands (like Studio Underd0g) that are using Seagull (Chinese) movements with great success and acceptance with enthusiasts in many (most) price bands.  I would have snobbed a Chinese movement a year or so ago, now I have one, and I quite like it, or rather the watch it's in.

I am not a fan of homage /copy watches, but I also am seeing more and more of them.  

EDIT: perhaps a parallel trend, it seems more and more people are building custom one off / small batch watches.  Not modding with parts after the fact, but actually having custom dials/hands/cases designed.  Another interesting development that is seems to be getting more accessible these days.

[small]

"Do you think this is because modern Seiko has largely vacated the price point that brought many of your traditional Seiko/Citizen guys to the Seiko specific forums?"

I would say so. I was unsure about getting a Squale as a first dive watch. The owner of Island Watch said buy the Seiko...I did it was less then 1/2 the price of the Squale. Kind of my reintroduction to Seiko even though I must have had 3 or 4 at that point.

I think it was the Spencer guy on youtube, that restores/services Seiko's, that had a video talking about an off brand, that redid the 6105 and how great a job the brand did, with a Seiko movement no less. Based on his praise, and always wanting a Captain Willard started looking around and ended up with a Sharky. That watch has seem more wrist time than all others combined. It's a fraction of the cost of an original, or even one with AM parts...Since then, I got my daughters boyfriend a homage 007 w/an orange dial. I have three Steeldives coming from Ali express for under $200 yes three. They have a 62MAS listed for less than $60? For those that are in love with the over all design I don't see why they wouldn't have a place. I don't think of these as micro brands myself, just copy cats that have carved out a spot left open by Seiko b/c of price point for sure. I bought that LumTEc M50 a decade or so ago, it was and still is a Micro Brand, yet his designs that ques from other makers. Even Seiko has taken liberties over the years. I have a 7009 that is a straight copy of a Rolex DateJust with engine turned bezel only thing missing was the cyclops , but it's unmistakable.    


Heck there was a post here a WS about how Seiko kind of screws the loyal, by putting in a 6R movement in some of their higher prices offerings, and it's said to be a pretty poor movement? I'm a Seiko fanboy for sure One day I do hope to own a few of the iconic, the 6306/9, a Pouge, 6105, A GS or King, but for now I will wear, without shame these Homage pieces, and without worry of damaging such collectable item since I really enjoy wearing them...

[HiBeat]

There's no doubt the price point of an "homage" is attractive. The quality can meet the eye as good or better than OEM Seiko although cutting corners can be hard to observe do no rush to judgement on the actual durability, corrosion resistance, etc. Their "value proposition" for those not putting any value on the name on the dial can be compelling.


Speaking for myself but probably a lot of others too, I think a real watch guy wears it knowing it is what is.  A knock off.  And that's a bit empty feeling.  

[pip]

I still wear my Sharkey Apocolypse and Sharkey Tuna but as beaters more than anything. Decent quality, decent waterproofing, and if I destroy them I'm not that worried. Holidays on the beach and jumping in and out of the water with my boy? All day long.
For tennis I have a few including a SKMEI that is extremely similar to the full metal G shock, but it arrived from China, with a very large (but not very high quality) bracelet, for less than £10. 

They have their place in my stable but I doubt I will ever look on them the same way that I do my Seiko's, even the cheaper ones. 

[HiBeat]

Tangentially relevant link:

www.pennlive.com/advice/2023/12/miss-manners-my-knockoff-watch-is-getting-compliments-and-i-feel-weird-about-it.html

[leffemonster]

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t consider a homage to be a ‘knock off’. None of the ‘true’ homage watches claim to be anything other than that - a nod to an original. There are plenty of homages to Seiko from the likes of Steeldive, Addiesdive, Heimdallr, San Martin and many more.

Yes, they all look very like the original watch, but surely that’s the point? None of them claim to be a genuine Seiko - if they did, that‘s when I’d consider them to be a knock off. They provide a very affordable alternative to an original, either for those wanting the ‘look’ but can’t afford an original, or in some cases for those who do own an original but don’t want to risk wrecking it by using it as a tool watch.

The affordability and availability of NH35/36 movements, along with low cost Far East mass manufacturing, means the ‘bang for buck’ of these watches is far in excess of almost every new, modern Seiko. When you consider that, only a few years ago, a new SKX007 could be had for under £300, is it any wonder that the micro brands and Chinese manufacturers are doing so well? The lowest priced 200m-rated Seiko today with an automatic movement is close to £400 RRP. By contrast, the Steeldive SD1970 is £110 (and less than $90USD at the moment across the pond) and comes with sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel.

So for those who want the Seiko look without the price tag, and aren’t hung up by the logo on the dial, they’re a no-brainer.

[cd_god]

ALRIGHT.

Finally a topic the OLD ME can get in the mood for.

And like the OLD ME I have been drinking again so let's get it on

Someone tag me on Wednesday when I sober up so I can come back here and RAGE