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things ever, for a pretty big handful of reasons (not least among them, quality in the world, and the current version of the Steinhart is a sort of
he introduced me to the Patek 5970G, which has since become my outrageous 18 mm thick, but the option is still there.
favorite piece of all time from a visual perspective). Hearing him talk
To me, homage watches really have two key functions; they allow
about the Batman GMT cleared up what confusion I still had about my potential buyers to “test drive” the look of a more expensive watch to
infatuation with the watch. He called it the “greatest modern movement determine if they like the visual presence of the thing, and they also
that Rolex makes,” and after researching the difference between the allow consumers to get the look of a more expensive piece when
GMT function of the Rolex compared to my other GMTs, I finally saw they simply have no interest in anything other than the look. This last
what John was talking about. I’m driven by two very distinct aspects of function, though shallow, is grossly undervalued among the horological
watches, and it’s a pretty even split between the aesthetic qualities of community. There is simply a certain point where we all exhibit a bit
the watch and the mechanics that go into the movement. This probably of brand snobbery; I am guilty of it myself with brands like Patek and
explains why I’m so endlessly fascinated by perpetual calendars, but Lange. I’ve never owned a piece from either company, and very well
that’s another article entirely. may never, but some of their designs are sacred to me. However, I’ll
The entire process of thinking the Steinhart would satiate that
be the last person to give someone a hard time for wearing a Seiko 5
craving for the GMT got me to really stop and consider the world of SNKK47 (which is an indisputable Nautilus homage, as far as I’m con-
homage watches. In a way, they almost offer the most control for a cerned). Why? Because I want to own one myself. I think the Nautilus is
consumer possible. I love the GMT, all around, but I think it visually a timeless, really cool design that is one of the most iconic of all time,
works better in 42mm. I love the 40mm, don’t get me wrong, but but I have no interest in owning one because my interest in that piece
I’ve got big wrists, so 42mm is my sweet spot for sport watches in ends with the aesthetics. I’d be an idiot to deny the quality difference
general. When a quality homage can give a consumer the same style, between a Patek Philippe and a Seiko 5, but I want that Patek quality
but with or without a feature of the original piece that that consumer from a grand complication, not a sports watch. If you hate dress watch-
deems unnecessary or unwanted, then they have succeeded in getting es, and you think the Aquanaut is the coolest watch on the face of the
someone a mechanical watch where they otherwise may not have planet, then go and buy one! Wear it to death, resurrect it, and do it all
bought one. They also offer flexibility; should I ever be so lucky to be over again. Beyond anything else, this hobby is fundamentally about
able to spend upwards of five or six figures on a watch, I probably you, as a person, wearing something that you enjoy and find comfort-
won’t be going after a Paul Newman Daytona with it. Knowing that able. Everything else is just noise. When you learn to tune that out and
brands like Alpha or Steinhart produce an homage to it presents the get down to the meat and bone of horology, you’ll be amazed just how
consumer with a good way to get the visual presence of the watch, little the opinions of others influence your buying habits and, by exten-
but without the price tag. Granted, the Alpha homage isn’t the greatest sion, how much you really enjoy this weird passion we all share.
AboutTime Magazine | 39