Homage watches, which are generally less expensive (or cheap) lookalikes of well-known watches, aren’t really my bag. Not to say that there aren’t some good values in homages, but I prefer makers that go their own way and have a distinct design language.

Never say never, though. I came across this Baltony watch a few years ago, and it ticked a few boxes:

• California dial, or a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals
• A Panerai-style cushion case (love the Panerai case — their watches, not so much) with 100M of water resistance and an exhibition caseback
• A sandwich dial, and hands with bright lume
• A perfectly serviceable manually wound Seagull movement
• A screw-down onion crown
• A great price (<$200)

I sprung for one and swapped out the cheap leather strap for a nicer suede one. Since then, it’s spent more time on my wrist than most of my watches. The Baltony is comfortable, keeps good time, and is a pleasure to look at and wind.

Yeah, it’s an homage watch, but it’s an homage I can easily live with.