Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

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Amor Vincit Omnia
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Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Sometimes when we hear or read criticism of a particular watch, it is because it falls into one of four categories.

The replica or fake. We all know what that is. We don’t discuss them here.

The copy. The difference being that it appears to carry all (or most of) the external features of a desirable and usually much more expensive watch, with the exception of the brand name.

The homage. A bit more subtle, this one. It has some recognisable features that are found on what is again usually a desirable and more expensive watch. The more of these features it has, the more it is likely to be seen as a copy as opposed to a stylistic “nod to”.

And then we have the generic watch. I’ve seen this used more and more (and will confess I have used the term myself) to describe watches that seem to adhere to a set pattern with little deviation. I’ve noticed that the two styles that seem to be in vogue (and therefore often criticised) are the generic diver and the generic dress watch. Both seem to be particularly popular with Kickstarter companies.

OK, so here’s the question. Is it possible nowadays, with so much available, to produce a relatively normal and reasonably priced watch that could not be accused of falling into any of those four (well, the last three at least) categories? I think some of the experimental haute-horlogerie watchmakers such as MB&F achieve that, but is it still possible for the rest of the world?
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by village »

In my opinion it’s basically impossible these days. There are only so many designs and pretty much everything can be said to have a nod or a wink to something or other. Some (much) more than others. This seems to be born out by the increasing amounts of re-issues that have appeared over recent times.

Disclaimer- with the obvious exception of haute-horologie & experimental watches which are ridiculously priced.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by iain »

Is it technically possible? Yes

Is it commercially possible? Probably not.

The watch world is quite conservative and any company looking to produce something a little different needs to accept it won’t appeal to many. Most people have just one watch, if they have one at all. Designs a little different will really only ever appeal to those who want such a thing. That pool of people is getting ever smaller.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by timor54 »

Yes. I’d look to the German brands, Sinn in particular.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by Thunder1 »

Ebel has been doing it for decades..
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by magicman »

I know this is a standard shape and style, but it certainly stuck out when I was scrolling through the Squale website.

Screenshot_20210910-181501.png
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by missF »

iain wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 5:54 pm Is it technically possible? Yes

Is it commercially possible? Probably not.

The watch world is quite conservative and any company looking to produce something a little different needs to accept it won’t appeal to many. Most people have just one watch, if they have one at all. Designs a little different will really only ever appeal to those who want such a thing. That pool of people is getting ever smaller.
There’s so much packed into this question. It was spinning my head a bit. Thankfully Iain has wrapped up pretty much everything I was wanting to say! :lol:

But I don’t think there’s any cause for thinking that watches have nowhere to go now. The challenges are still there. Perhaps there’s really nothing new under the sun when it comes to the separate design elements of a watch, but using them together in novel or interesting ways is still a challenge worth exploring.

I am someone who likes my watches to be slightly different. Whatever that means. And it’s still perfectly possible to get completely original watches. It’s just that they would be classed as novelty watches :
0D6FB092-2AC3-4F99-8F38-09CCB7FC9E51.jpeg
I love this watch, but as Iain said, it wouldn’t really do the job of a one watch. But I think that for me the interest lies as you head from this watch back along a line towards more conservative watches. As you go, the constraints and therefore challenges of producing something non-generic get greater. And so I find that I’m more interested in the watches closer to the ‘centre’ that still bust out into new territory.

The individual design elements on my CW / W+W sandstorm are not new but added together produce the most interesting watch I’ve come across. Perhaps what created the non-generic final product was that they took their design inspiration not from a previous watch or style of watches, but from a pretty vague brief about racing cars across deserts. I think that new areas of inspiration (such as ocean plastic for example) are going to keep inspiring non-generic watch designs into the future.

Erm, I’m sure there’s plenty more to say about this! I find it really interesting- the heart of what I love about watches. :D
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by watchaholic »

I would nominate this one. I can't think of anything else like it, though I may be proven wrong. That it was so different was one of the main reasons I purchased it. Why it was discontinued, I have NO idea.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by strapline »

missF wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 8:58 pm
iain wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 5:54 pm Is it technically possible? Yes

Is it commercially possible? Probably not.

The watch world is quite conservative and any company looking to produce something a little different needs to accept it won’t appeal to many. Most people have just one watch, if they have one at all. Designs a little different will really only ever appeal to those who want such a thing. That pool of people is getting ever smaller.
There’s so much packed into this question. It was spinning my head a bit. Thankfully Iain has wrapped up pretty much everything I was wanting to say! :lol:
I couldn't agree with Ian more. In this day and age watches seem like an old, analogue tech, which essentially they are. And, far from that being their stumbling block, it's their appeal. If you're in the market for a little of this 'old tech', no let's call it 'bygone tech', you're probably actively seeking out the designs from those bygone era's that seem so valid and appealing today. Those designs have been borne out by father time itself, they have been deemed classic by their buying public. Far from familiarity breeding contempt, it breeds longing, or that's how it appears to me at least.

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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by JAFO »

I'm sure I have a few that would meet the criteria. My Versace DV25 must have a good shout.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by Dickchins »

Im starting to feel like im on commision for these guys BUT IM NOT!!!
They maybe only fall down on 'reasonably priced' but thats a broad bracket I think...!

20210910_100916.jpg

Valjoux 7750 movement in this model so its thicker than all the others, but the case shape is a constant through the range.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by iain »

watchaholic wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 9:05 pm I would nominate this one. I can't think of anything else like it, though I may be proven wrong. That it was so different was one of the main reasons I purchased it. Why it was discontinued, I have NO idea.
20190623_162920.jpg
I suppose that watch is an example of the point I was making earlier. CW produce something a little different, it doesn’t appeal to a wide range of people, they discontinue it as it wasn’t a commercial success. I would also put the bold case design of the motorsport range in the same bracket. I loved the design, just not enough to buy one.

Will this experience stop them from taking innovative steps again? We’ll have to wait and see.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Some interesting replies so far – thanks to everyone.

Although I always claim to like things that are a bit left field, I suspect my tastes are really quite conservative and I’m probably happy with things that are fairly generic, if that’s the right term. I’m fairly quick to brand certain products as generic, especially kickstarter dive watches for some reason.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by jtc »

Halios are one small brand doing their own thing, and I commend them for it. CW have unique pieces, but then they make good money from homages too.
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Re: Not a replica, not a copy, not a homage, not generic?

Post by Richard D »

Whether my most recent watches fall within any of the above categories they certainly are different. I guess ‘different’ is what I enjoy adding to my collection especially if the watch has a strong background story.


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