Custom Watches vs Mod Watches vs Homage Watches vs Counterfeit Watches

These terms are thrown around loosely in world of watch making, but they have very different meanings.

A "Custom" watch is just that, each part of the watch build is NEW and CUSTOM spec'd for that watch build. This is a new from the ground up watch build. Any Custom watch I build will have my name on it, "Michael Paul".

A "Mod" watch uses parts sourced from a parts supplier, another watch, or can be a used watch that has been MODIFIED with various parts to get the look desired. An example of this would be as simple as changing a watch face and hands, bezel ring, or the watch case, or the watch movement from one watch into another watch. And this is where you have to be careful. The Trademarked name/logo could be real and attached to the watch face it came on, even though that watch was not built or assembled by that brand. This is perfectly fine as long as this is disclosed to the buyer ahead of time.

A "Homage" watch is inspired by the design of a famous, iconic, or luxury watch, featuring its own distinct branding rather than a fake logo. If you would like a homage watch built by me, I will gladly do so, but it will be built with "Michael Paul" on the watch face.

A "Counterfeit / Replica" Steals the original trademarked logo to trick people into thinking it is the real, expensive luxury item while using cheap components. I won't do this, so don't ask.