Honestly, how are watches like this

[wat44]

allowed and reps, not allowed?

doesnt seem right to me

http://store.debaufre.com/Gmt-Ocean-1-Blue-Red-p/g-dw.02.07ur.htm

 

[hooligan]

Surely you're joking?

While we all know that watch is styled after a Rollie GMT Master II, it doesn't use any trademarked names/logos anywhere on it. Replicas use lots of trademarked names/logos/images, that's what is illegal and how the gen companies can go after them.

 

[wat44]

I know the technical reason - but its OBVIOUS its ripping off the rollie

 

[hooligan]

Yes, this watch and COUNTLESS others are "homages" to the Sub, GMT Master, etc. Cartier, Blancpain and countless other marques have models that have been copied over and over again, as well.

There's nothing new under the sun...

 

[guanaco]

Yes, this watch and COUNTLESS others are "homages" to the Sub, GMT Master, etc. Cartier, Blancpain and countless other marques have models that have been copied over and over again, as well.

There's nothing new under the sun...

Yep.

To give you an example, Wat:

Alpha, RXW, Debaufre, Invicta, etc. Are known companies that do Homage pieces of known Rolex models, as long as they don't have any trademarks in them, there's no reason for Rolex to go after them.

 

[wat44]

I know I know - thats all legalities - but (as we say in Aus) its the "vibe" thats not right!!!

happy new year

 

[watcher69]

I agree with the original poster, regardless of the obvious trademark issues, the watches are not just homages per se, but complete design ripoffs, and the design itself is copyrighted. Frankly, I couldn't care less whether I bought a DSSD that had a Rolex name, or a Bloggs or 'Whatever' name on it, I'd buy it for the design/look of the watch, but that is something Rolex came up with, and I am amazed they allow any derivitives to be sold in their image with someone elses name on without a legal/official license!?

Ad

 

[hooligan]

The overall design is absolutely NOT trademarked or protected in any way. Don't kid yourself, Rolex would go after all these watches/watch companies if they could. They can't.

Personally, I don't mind these homages, as several of them are 42mm or bigger. If Rolex made a 42mm Sub no-date, I'd buy it today. They don't - so it's only natural that someone else will fill that void.

 

[Anopsis]

I saw a no-name watch @ TJ MAXX that looked like a 5 year old made it. The problem was it was supposed to look like a Hublot BB and it just looked like it came in a cereal box instead.

The overall design is absolutely NOT trademarked or protected in any way. Don't kid yourself, Rolex would go after all these watches/watch companies if they could. They can't.

I have a Timex sub (I know, I know, :shame: ) with a flat crystal that is very obviously a ripoff, For some reason when I see an Invicta sub it's much more accurate and close to Rollies original design, and it's OK with me. This Timex is a different story altogether.

 

[pcsam]

50 years a patent last for ,after that anybody can copy it ......... the sub was patented more than 50 years ago ... rolex cant do a thing about it as my learned friend has already said .............

 

[I am Sam]

Copyright and Patency, in the country or countries where it is registered, cannot to duplicated without its owners consent. However that does not stop those in the places where it is not.

 

[watchbuff]

Orange also makes the Homage watch. I have a Debaufre.....good quality watch (NAV-B) and the larger GMT is nice but IMO....only Rollie owns this design. Everytnig else is just a rep..even if its a gen Debaufre/Invicta..so on..

 

[fakemaster]

By making them bigger they grabbed a niche that Rolex wasn't filling.

 

[takeo]

Well, I think it's a good thing. Some people would never buy a rep. Some people can't ever afford a watch like a GMT Master II. Companies like those posted above make it possible for those people to be able to purchase a watch style they love.

 

[tommy_boy]

On at least some level, privately, Rolex might be flattered.

 

[collector26]

I also understand what the OP is saying. Copyright/name/brand and logo infringements aside you could not sell a replica in every way "homage" of this car and call it an "Alpha Advantage" and not have the factory shut down.

 

[fakemaster]

The Chinese already are doing this. Hell they've even cloned the Smart Car. I'm sure they would have no problem copying that one either.

 

[Anopsis]

If I can get one at rep pricing, sign me up! Do you think Hont can source one?