Homage Watches by Extropian

Homage Watches

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but the subject of Homage watches is something of a vexed one amongst the watch community! Some people think they’re totally cool, while others treat them with suspicion or even downright hostility.

But why all the conflicting opinions - and what exactly are Homage watches anyway?! Let’s investigate, shall we?  

What exactly is an Homage Watch?

Well, that’s a complicated question, and you might get completely different answers depending on who you ask! But the simplest way to put it is that an Homage watch is one whose design takes inspiration from a classic vintage timepiece but introduces new elements which make it a unique model in its own right. In other words, it pays tribute to a classic without copying it exactly.

What complicated the issue is that so many watches, even those made by well-known brands, frequently incorporate elements from other models.This makes it kinda tricky to know if a watch is a deliberate homage, or simply something that looks like another timepiece because there has been so much copying (or should we drawing inspiration?!) going on between brands over the years! 

What are the advantages of an Homage watch?

Well, the appeal of homage watches is pretty obvious. If you like the look of a classic design by a luxury brand, but don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for an original, you can pick up something very similar, and just as cool, for a fraction of the price!

Take something like the EMG Horizon, for example. While it very obviously references the iconic Heuer Monaco, it clearly has a much slimmer bezel, different chronograph buttons, and round sub-dials instead of square. It looks very similar, sure, but it’s clearly its own thing. And it costs $400 instead of $5,000! Wear it on your wrist, and any serious watch fan will instantly get the reference, but also recognize that it’s an original and not a knock-off.

EMG - Horizon 

❤️ We think the EMG Horizon is a great example of a Homage watch - inspired by a classic but totally its own thing!

So, what’s the objection to Homage watches?

The problem is that there’s a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to defining exactly what constitutes an “homage”, and it’s this grey area that causes so much controversy amongst watch enthusiasts. In other words, when does a watch stop being a tribute and become little more than a blatant rip-off?!

This is most obvious when you consider what some people call ‘Clone’ homages. These are basically direct copies of classic watches with little more than the logo changed to keep them from infringing on a brand’s trademark. Think of the numerous copies of the Rolex Daytona or Submariner currently on the market. Unsurprisingly serious watch fans are not too crazy about this kind of thing as there’s zero originality in the design.

Is an Homage watch the same as a fake watch?

No! A fake or counterfeit watch replicates every detail of a more expensive watch, including brand logos, and tries to pass itself off as the original. There’s no “homage” going on at all, in fact it’s totally disrespectful to the original design and also, unsurprisingly, highly illegal! 

By contrast, a good homage watch will be quite open about the fact that it’s not the same as the original, but simply inspired by it – and that’s part of its appeal. It will have its own unique logo, and subtle differences in design, while often making a feature of the fact that pays homage to an iconic watch.

Is it OK to buy an homage watch?

Yes, absolutely! Even if you think of it as nothing more than an affordable way to acquire a classic design (or something very close), there’s nothing wrong with buying an Homage watch. But it’s also worth bearing in mind that the best Homages by modern brands are unique, stylish, and high-quality timepieces in their own right. They’re made by people with a real passion for watches, in contrast to the counterfeiters who only have a passion for easy money! 

Conclusion

So, whatever you make of them, it has to be said that Homage watches offer a great and affordable alternative to iconic luxury watches. The best examples combine retro flair with their own unique twists. They look great - and they’re completely legal!

Points to remember

• Homage watches are a bit controversial! Some watch fans love them, others really don’t.
  
  
• A good Homage watch is one whose design takes inspiration from a classic vintage timepiece but introduces new elements which make it a unique model in its own right.
  
  
• ‘Clone’ Homage watches are basically direct copies of an original design with little more than the logo changed to avoid copyright infringement.
  
  
• Fake or counterfeit watches are not Homage watches at all! They’re just rip-offs, and totally illegal!
  
  
• The best Homages by modern brands are unique, stylish, and high-quality timepieces in their own right.