Replica/Fake/Homage/?

[Mr. K]

I'm in Japan. I see a lot of watches here that are copies of Rolex watches. No two ways about it, they are made to look like Rolex models in every way except .... they do not say Rolex. They have a different brand name on them.

A fake is a watch that says Rolex, and is not one.

But what do you consider these other watches? I have heard them referred to as Homage watches. I'm not talking Invicta, but watches that are even more precise replications of the Rolex style.

A fake is trying to dupe people into thinking it is a real Rolex. But is that not what these homage watches are trying to do too? Or maybe people like the style and don't want to spend the money or a Rolex. But when you buy a Rolex, on the outside (not the movement), are you not paying a large part for the Rolex design?

I would not wear a homage watch as I think I would try to save up for the real thing, but that is just me.

Wondering what other member's thoughts are on the matter. Are these watches legit because they don't actually say Rolex on them? Or are they riding on the brand recognition that Rolex built?

Home sick today and just some random thoughts in my fevered state.