Watch companies copying Rolex designs

[baldyspoon]

Has anyone else noticed how many watch companies(don't ask names as not sure) seem to be copying Rolex designs, see lots of watches looking like subs and attempts at daytona on peoples wrists and they just look awful.

[nektar]

tag is the first!! (but still the aquaracer is a brilliant watch)

[kyle L]

I think Alpha is first...

[smallcandle]

I've noticed this for years. It would seem that some companies would rather try to copy a successful design rather than create one of their own. However, this method happens with nearly every consumable item all the way down to food and clothing.

[1000ftSub]

Most of the cheaper watch makers like Zeno. Very nice watches still thou.

[mb hawaii]

The Invicta Speedway looks just like the Daytona. So close that I actually thought it was a Daytona at a glance. Did a double take when I saw it for sale at Costco.

[1000ftSub]

Originally Posted by mb hawaii

The Invicta Speedway looks just like the Daytona. So close that I actully thought it was a Daytona at a glance. Did a double take when I saw it for sale at Costco.

O! I saw that one that one two days ago at the mall, i thought it was a Rolex at first.

[Alcan]

My Invicta 9937 Sub is pretty much a dead ringer for a Rolex. Pretty good watch though, Swiss ETA movement, sapphire crystal, well finished, takes a heck of a beating.

[Evan614]

Yeah but it ain't no Rolex. If your Hyundai looks like a Mercedes it is still a Hyundai.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Evan614

Yeah but it ain't no Rolex.

That's true enough. That's why when I feel like wearing a Rolex I wear one of these. In the meantime I reiterate that the Invicta is a great beater watch.

[mannyb]

Originally Posted by Evan614

Yeah but it ain't no Rolex. If your Hyundai looks like a Mercedes it is still a Hyundai.

When I first go into my co-worker's Hyundai Genesis sedan, I thought I was riding in a BMW 5 series. It wasn't till I was looking around the interior and noticed the Hyundai pattern on the steering wheel cover that I new. Damn nice car for a Hyundai. But I acknowledge it's still not a 5 series...but given the price, one heck of a value for sure.

[Evan614]

Originally Posted by mannyb

When I first go into my co-worker's Hyundai Genesis sedan, I thought I was riding in a BMW 5 series. It wasn't till I was looking around the interior and noticed the Hyundai pattern on the steering wheel cover that I new. Damn nice car for a Hyundai. But I acknowledge it's still not a 5 series...but given the price, one heck of a value for sure.

Same thing can be said about the Invicta. It's great value for getting something very similar to a Sub.

[watchnut]

I agree that I wish their designs were a bit more recognizable on their own merits. Invicta comes to mind and I'm sure some of their automatics are very good watches for the price range. It just makes us have to defend our Rolexes as being "real" or "worth it". Lets face it, some of the price of a Rolex is for "exclusivity". I"ll be honest and say that part of my fascination with the brand was the fact that not every guy on the street had one. It's not just the price either, I know people with the means to buy the whole lineup but aren't into watches and think I'm nuts to pay that much for a watch. Welcome to the asylum!

[rockyn]

some citizen watches look exactly like Rolex.

[mannyb]

Originally Posted by watchnut

Lets face it, some of the price of a Rolex is for "exclusivity". I"ll be honest and say that part of my fascination with the brand was the fact that not every guy on the street had one.

+1. Same here.

[vukotab]

Tag, Invicta, Marcello C, Alpha, even Longines with it`s Hydroconquest series...many brands and many prices...
Yeah, Rolex is the man!

[Safetrends]

Originally Posted by Alcan

My Invicta 9937 Sub is pretty much a dead ringer for a Rolex. Pretty good watch though, Swiss ETA movement, sapphire crystal, well finished, takes a heck of a beating.

Al did any of the Tudor watches come with a ETA movement?
One is on Ebay and I was just checking.

[brkanand]

Imitation is the best compliment.

[dukester]

Did I hear someone say Invicta???

Invicta sux.....

[Watch Professor]

Seiko

[pz93c]

There have been DateJust-alikes for years and years.

[bobernet]

To a certain extent, the copies allow a "try before you buy" option. I owned an Invicta 8926 before buying my Sea Dweller.

[Deyn Man]

seen more oyster-like bracelets on other watch brands...

[ParisDakarBmw]

I have 2 invicta's for cutting the grass, and other risky chores. I put a devorative border around my flower gardens last year. I dented the Invicta up pretty bad, but it was doing it's job. No worries. I had a few friends compliment my watches. I gave 3 Invicta's away for Christmas. $90 automatic with a good weight, and popular look. It will NEVER be a Rolex, but cheap enough to be a throwdown watch. My friends were really happy, and wear them instead of the Walmart digital crap they had before.

[ParisDakarBmw]

More to keep me from looking at the Iron man 1994 watches(with the two tone teal & black velcro bands) on their wrist every day.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by mb hawaii

The Invicta Speedway looks just like the Daytona. So close that I actually thought it was a Daytona at a glance. Did a double take when I saw it for sale at Costco.

Originally Posted by 1000ftSub

O! I saw that one that one two days ago at the mall, i thought it was a Rolex at first.

I did too, and even bought one!

Here's my review:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=speedway+9211

[DSJ]

The Datejust design has been copied for years, esp by Seiko and Citizen. I saw some DJ homage watches by Seiko at Macy's the other day!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by smallcandle

I've noticed this for years. It would seem that some companies would rather try to copy a successful design rather than create one of their own. However, this method happens with nearly every consumable item all the way down to food and clothing.

Originally Posted by baldyspoon

Has anyone else noticed how many watch companies(don't ask names as not sure) seem to be copying Rolex designs, see lots of watches looking like subs and attempts at daytona on peoples wrists and they just look awful.

Well you could say the same thing about Rolex,the Blancpain 50 Fathoms tested in 1952, the first Rolex sub prototype 1953 Wonder if Rolex got there Idea for the Sub,from the Blancpain,they are very similar to the very first Sub.In my book homage are fine with me, but fakes made to deceive buyers into thinking they are buying genuine watches.Now these scum need to be hung drawn and quartered very slowly.And many watches in the 1940s to 1960s looked very similer to most makes worldwide at this time:




And the first 1953-4 Sub is very very similar to the Blancpain 50 Fathoms,and the first Rolex models had just plain stick hands,and not the Mercedes hands in picture, these were a little later.

[RRGHOST1]

A firm called Debaufre make good copies of the Sub and the Pepsi GMT. They are not cheap though like the Invicta. But they aint a Rolex are they ?

[browngo1]

An old guy who drinks in my local has a Seiko with what looks like an Oyster bracelet with PCL's and a Coke bezel. Even the hour hand looks the same as a GMT.