Do you think 'homages' ruin the image of a Rolex?

[skeen]

Since joining this forum, I've been glancing at peoples wrists all the time, seeing what they're wearing. Many times, I've thought someone was wearing a submariner, or GMT.

There are so many watches that look ridiculously similar to these classic Rolexes, that I wonder if it takes away from any uniqueness a Rolex has.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Not really. Copies (or "homages", if you like) are the sincerest form of flattery.

[skeen]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Not really. Copies (or "homages", if you like) are the sincerest form of flattery.

Sure, but it's like with clothing - you don't really want to walk around wearing the same thing that everyone else is.

I know people will say that it's your watch, and if it makes you happy that's that - but we still have a sense of fashion, of wanting to be different, etc.

[SteyrAUG]

Originally Posted by skeen

Sure, but it's like with clothing - you don't really want to walk around wearing the same thing that everyone else is.

I know people will say that it's your watch, and if it makes you happy that's that - but we still have a sense of fashion, of wanting to be different, etc.

I find it best to live life not worrying about other people and if their watch is a knockoff of mine.

I have the watch "I" want, I didn't get it to impress the Jones or feel exclusive. I got it for me.

[pwrslider]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Not really. Copies (or "homages", if you like) are the sincerest form of flattery.

agreed...........besides........I don't wear my Rolex for others..I wear it for ME!

[mfer]

I feel the majority of WIS think that homages are BAD. I think they are fine, myself. It is all about the quality of materials and it is a lot about the brand name. As long as the watch isn't trying to be a Rolex by putting the name on it, I feel it is fine. The problem is that unscrupulous people take these homages, dress them up and sell them as fakes.

[Tools]

Those who choose to have an homage watch on their wrist know what they have.....

And I know what I have on my wrist...

I don't see any distraction there..

Now, if the whole point is to have a watch that can be seen across the room, and it's all about styling......try one of the pave' models..

[N_Swe]

Originally Posted by mfer

I feel the majority of WIS think that homages are BAD. I think they are fine, myself. It is all about the quality of materials and it is a lot about the brand name. As long as the watch isn't trying to be a Rolex by putting the name on it, I feel it is fine. The problem is that unscrupulous people take these homages, dress them up and sell them as fakes.

Yes. Couldnt agree more.

[mfer]

What is a pave' model?

oh, is it "setting of gemstones set very close together"

It's funny, but I just posed a pave' one in the General Watches section. Didn't know it was that, but this is as pave' as they come....

Ice, Ice Baby

[RW16610]

Often replicated, never duplicated. Truth is some of those designs are just classic swiss styles. The new SeaMaster from a distance to some people who do not know watches as well may feel it is a Submariner.

It is a form of flattery for sure. The fact that Rolex has such amazing designs that so many watch brands have been inspired to make something similar because of how the look appeals to people. There is a reason why Rolex is basically the most copied watch brand out there.

This used to bother me but truly now it does not at all.

[Hamilton Carvalho]

Not at all. But, when you buy a Rolex you have a feeling of accomplishment and you can't feel the same way with a homage, specially a fake one.

Originally Posted by skeen

Since joining this forum, I've been glancing at peoples wrists all the time, seeing what they're wearing. Many times, I've thought someone was wearing a submariner, or GMT.

There are so many watches that look ridiculously similar to these classic Rolexes, that I wonder if it takes away from any uniqueness a Rolex has.

[GMTII Owner]

Not at all. Also, when you buy a Rolex you have a feeling of accomplishment and you can't feel the same way with a homage, specially a fake one.[/QUOTE]

X2 - dead on

[ZROLEX]

Originally Posted by GMTII Owner

Not at all. Also, when you buy a Rolex you have a feeling of accomplishment and you can't feel the same way with a homage, specially a fake one.

X2 - dead on[/QUOTE]

X3

[oneillba]

No, but nothing, I repeat nothing, is a Rolex except a Rolex! Posers know what they are wearing -- they know...

[skeen]

Originally Posted by oneillba

No, but nothing, I repeat nothing, is a Rolex except a Rolex! Posers know what they are wearing -- they know...

That's what I wonder though - do they know? It seems these 'homages' have become such common place, that one might mistake a Submariner for a Citizen, or Timex!

[fear]

Here's my Explorer 1 homage, Bill Yao's Vantage. I like it because it's way cheaper than an Explorer 1, 39 mm, 200m water resistance. Of course it has a 2428-2 movement. But the movement being common to almost all swiss watches, any watchmaker can service it.

Does it ruin the image of Rolex? Personally, I don't care. A good watch is a good watch, image or no image. If image is a big deal for you, then it may.

I think most of us like our Rolex, Omega, Seiko, Timex... because we're watch fans not becuase of what other people think. Sure we argue over the nuances of horology, but that's part of the hobby and has little to do with image.

[Lol-x]

Only a Rolex is a Rolex. If you know what a Rolex is, you will know that there are no substitutes.
Hommages, only make me appreciate the privilege of owning Rolex.

[jdc]

While Rolex have a place in history as innovators and standard setters don't forget that the Blancpain 50 Fathoms pre dated the submariner which is seen by many as archetype Rolex

[Alcan]

Rolex vs homage? I have both. My Invicta 9937 has a bulletproof ETA movement, sapphire crystal, solid SS construction. My most worn watch.




Then there's my Rolex Sub.

[sna77]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Rolex vs homage? I have both. My Invicta 9937 has a bulletproof ETA movement, sapphire crystal, solid SS construction. My most worn watch.

Was Invicta sued over that design? Thats more close to a Sub than the Tag Heuer that was sued by Rolex for looking too close to a Sub...

[cmcm3]

Originally Posted by sna77

Was Invicta sued over that design? Thats more close to a Sub than the Tag Heuer that was sued by Rolex for looking too close to a Sub...

I wonder if Rolex don't bother with the "cheaper" fake brands. I would think that a Rolex-a-like Tag would have a more detrimental effect on Rolex sales than an Invicta. Tag is a big brand that a lot of people know about and respect, and instantly associate with quality (argue that if you will). Invicta is a much less well known brand, and is also cheaper than Tag, meaning IMO, that it appeals to a much different audience. The guys buying a £200 Invicta are probably significantly less likely to be considering a Rolex as an alternative than the guys buying say a £1,000 Tag. Or am I just babbling?

[RW16610]

You know this is funny, because to me nothing can tarnish the image Rolex has somehow. One time all the replica's used to bother me but not a big deal because they are often replicated never duplicated. A form of flattery, because to me Rolex designs are among the best and some of the most sought after. Just my $0.02

[chad951]

Originally Posted by sna77

Was Invicta sued over that design? Thats more close to a Sub than the Tag Heuer that was sued by Rolex for looking too close to a Sub...

I think they were sued over the "Swiss" markings on the dial if I remember correctly. They may have been sued over the design of the watch but nothing has really changed and they still manufacture the 9937 as you see in the picture so I guess it was not of significance. The 9937 has a Swiss movement but the watch is not manufactured in Switzerland.. That is why the new ones are marked "Swiss Movement".

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Rolex vs homage? I have both. My Invicta 9937 has a bulletproof ETA movement, sapphire crystal, solid SS construction. My most worn watch.

Nice Invecta, Al!!

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Rolex vs homage? I have both. My Invicta 9937 has a bulletproof ETA movement, sapphire crystal, solid SS construction. My most worn watch.

That's more than homage - that's clone.
Look at the dimples on the bezel and the Mercedes hand. Check out the similar band and end links. Sure the hour dot surrounds are large but if not for the distinct second hand that would be a pretty close copy. You just know that they were intentionally copying Rolex with that one.

Nice watch though

[chad951]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Rolex vs homage? I have both. My Invicta 9937 has a bulletproof ETA movement, sapphire crystal, solid SS construction. My most worn watch.

I have a 9937 and it feels every bit as good as a SS submariner and it was about 1/10th the cost. It is a very high quality watch and I selected it for the style not the name. When I wear my Daytona it hardly gets noticed and that is the way I like it. I wear the watch that I like to look at. I could care less what others think.

[Hamilton Carvalho]

I own 2 Invictas the 8926 and 9937. The 9937 is special to me because this watch was created at mine and other members of the former Invicta Forum request. After I read many posts from Forum members how they wished Invicta would modify the 8926, I contacted Eyal Lalo by phone and asked him to modify the 8926. He told me to write down what I had in mind and fax it to him. I contacted the Forum members to participate with their ideas and a few days later I faxed to him the info. Three months later to my surprise Eyal came up with the 9937. He was concern whether or not the watch would sell but, at the end it was a big success. You can read something about it here http://home.woh.rr.com/johnholbrook/9937.html . The only thing that I felt should have been mentioned in the review is that I was the one who made contacted with Eyal in the first place, and I was the only one in contact with him at all time. The idea to modify the 8926 was not mine, but I made the request and kept personal contact with Eyal.

Originally Posted by chad951

I have a 9937 and it feels every bit as good as a SS submariner and it was about 1/10th the cost. It is a very high quality watch and I selected it for the style not the name. When I wear my Daytona it hardly gets noticed and that is the way I like it. I wear the watch that I like to look at. I could care less what others think.

[DSJ]

Often imitated, never duplicated...

[DocD]

Sorry, I find this post extremely "pompous". I agree with all the responses, I wear my submariner for my own reasons, and I don't care what anyone else wears, or what anyone else thinks.

If someone else thinks I'm wearing a Timex, that's his/her problem, not mine. I'm secure enough with myself not to worry about what other's are thinking and certainly didn't purchase my Rolex to impress other people.

Maybe you should reassess the true reasons you purchased a Rolex, or you should be a little more secure with your own decisions and choices. What others do, say or think has no effect on you.

[roadcarver]

I like watches period!

So long as it is not a fake, I'm happy. There is nothing wrong with homages, infact I believe Rolex "copied' one of Blancpain's designs.

I have a Debaufre GMT Ocean-1. I don't pass it off as a Rolex, but I like the design that it offers and its price point.

I find it an insult if one looks down on homages.