Many of the best watch homages have earned a following outside of buyers simply seeking cheaper alternatives to expensive models. Here are a few.
What does it take to be one of the best homage watches on the market? Well, popularity for one thing. However, here’s how I’ve always described it.
Think of watches as musical artists — the Rolex Submariner, for example. Let’s call him “The Beatles” of the watch world. The Beatles have many, many cover bands. And the Sub has countless copycats.
However, the best Sub homages are more akin to original bands simply inspired by The Beatles. They don’t just cover their songs. They may interpolate some Beatles songs into their original compositions or use samples, but they’re their own pieces.
A good watch homage achieves the tough balance of honoring its source material while creating its own identity.
Table of Contents
8 Best Homage Watches
Here are my picks, in no particular order!
Vaer D4
The Vaer D4 is a combination of best practices from dive watches in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It has the purpose-led build of a Doxa military and visual cues from both Rolex and Omega. Just look at the multi-shaped indices, coin-edged bezels, and sword hands.
This makes it both respectful and fully designed, a unique contribution to the market.
For example, it has a sunray dial and gold accents throughout. You get that in modern Submariners but not vintage ones.
Meanwhile, you get the design cues on this watch from vintage Subs, but none have this level of glimmer.
- Dimensions: 38mm or 42mm diameter, 10.6mm or 11.6mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
Seiko SKX007
The Seiko SKX007 has historically been the go-to model for Sub-homage modding. Today, it has a following of fans who love this classically designed diver and its heritage workhorse movement.
I always say that the two best things about Seiko are their entry-level horological chops and the community.
Seiko lovers are all over the watch forums and are happy to answer questions and share experiences. This is especially true with a founding father like the SKX007.
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
Lorier Astra
The Lorier Astra has the sleekness of the Rolex Datejust but with a touch of gadget-like aesthetics. It looks like the Datejust and the JLC Geophysic True Second combined.
Also, the combination of elegant swerves and sharp lines gives it a specific, space-age kind of vintage quality. The result is a charming, unisex timepiece that’s also exceedingly versatile.
- Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 9mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
Tudor Ranger
I love it when watches from the same family look alike. The Ranger from Rolex’s brother brand, Tudor, looks like it might be the Explorer’s younger sibling. All of the design cues are there: the Arabic cardinals, black dial, and classy but simple field watch design.
However, between the soft-edged sword hands and the pop of red on the second, the Ranger is entirely unstuffy. Still, it runs on a COSC-certified movement.
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 12mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
Steinhart Ocean One Ceramic
Remember my cover band versus original musical act analogy? Well, the Steinhart Ocean One Ceramic may be a Submariner cover band, but it’s a darn good one.
It boasts a ceramic bezel, which means it won’t fade, 300 meters of water resistance, and a topnotch movement. The 25-jewel Elaboré version of the SW200 is adjusted for accuracy and reliability.
Moreover, how many homages actually flaunt the coveted Swiss-made moniker on their dial?
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 300m
Smiths PRS-25
It’s not always easy to get your hands on a Smiths PRS-25. (They’re occasionally on eBay). However, it makes up for its elusiveness by being a much more affordable still-automatic alternative to the Explorer.
Timefactors in England brought the Smiths brand back after it became defunct.
While Rolex gets all the glory for the legendary Mount Everest climb achieved by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Not many know that Smiths was there, too. It’s like the Bulova Lunar Pilot to the Omega Speedmaster.
Even if you don’t consider the PRS-25 an Explorer homage, it’s certainly an homage to the discontinued original Smiths watch.
We love watches for style and stories, right? Well, the PRS-25 is definitely a conversation piece.
- Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 11.3mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
Lorier Neptune
With its color palette and broad arrow hands, the Lorier Neptune looks like an old-school Omega Seamaster. However, the arrows are slightly thinner (and chicer, in my opinion), and the gold accents add some pizzazz.
Plus, the domed crystal blurs the edges at certain angles, which, along with that gold, provides so much visual intrigue.
This watch runs on the precise and reliable Miyota 90S5 automatic.
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 10.3mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
Tiger Concepts Vintage 5508
Okay, so I know that Tiger Concepts is controversial. Like Steinhart, they make full-on legal copies of existing models. And unlike Steinhart, they aren’t Swiss-made.
However, I want to spotlight the Vintage 5508 for two reasons.
First, you get the Tudor snowflake hands with this homage. Tudor may be more affordable than Rolex, but they aren’t in everyone’s budget. Second, the Tudor hands are partnered with Rolex-like indices.
This isn’t a complete Frankenstein because, again, Rolex and Tudor are part of the same watch group. It’s like a fan-fiction crossover of superheroes from the same comic publisher.
And hey, it has a Miyota automatic movement. That’s pretty solid.
- Dimensions: 38.7mm diameter, 15mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
Best Homage Brands
My two favorite homage brands are Vaer and Lorier. They tend to incorporate a series of best practices into one homage.
I spotlit the Vaer D4, which takes inspiration from vintage Doxa, Rolex, and Omega. They also have a C3 watch based on the WWII A12 Dirty Dozen Watch. It represents military watches of the time in general.
Meanwhile, I included top combined elements from different watches to create a familiar yet new look for both Loriers.
I love it when a watch homage encapsulates the feel and energy of the watch or the era. It’s a better choice than simply recreating aesthetics.
However, Steinhart is a good brand, too, when it comes to copying and pasting. They do the designs justice and put them on solid construction. They aren’t just fashion watches.
Also, sometimes, watch groups facilitate partnerships between their mid-priced brands and luxury ones to create homage-like models. You could consider Omega’s Moonswatch a Swatch homage to the Speedmaster.
Meanwhile, the Blancpain X Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms is way more affordable than a regular Fifty Fathoms. It’s made of Swatch Bioceramic.
FAQ
Here are some more questions about homage watches!
Are homage watches worth it?
Depending on your budget and priorities, an homage watch can be worth it. Just remember that the homage will never be exactly like the original.
Are homage watches legal?
Yes, homage watches are legal as long as they aren’t incorporating any trademarked elements, like brand logos.
What’s the difference between homage and copycat watches?
It’s semantics. An homage isn’t always a complete replica of its source material. In that case, that homage isn’t technically a copycat. However, there are homages that are complete copies.
Conclusion: What Is a Homage Watch For?
So, who are the best homage watches for? I’d say there are a few categories of people.
The most obvious are those who don’t want to pay the high price of the original. Or perhaps you’re saving for it, and you want a placeholder.
Maybe you like the design but don’t love the way the brand does certain things. Finally, there are those who love a vintage Rolex but don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying vintage.
What are some of your favorite homages? Let us know in the comments!
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