Hello chaps,

Considering having a clear out of a few watches that aren't getting worn much (at all...) and buying something else.

The mk1 X-33 is appealing on quite a few levels, and I've read the various buyers guides/articles out there, just wondering if anyone here has one, that they've worn for a few years?

Any feedback? Negative? positive? Indifferent?

Cheers!

Chris

 

I had a Gen2 and much preferred the bezel over the Gen1. Functions are identical, but some of the later Gen2's had an upgraded module (thermocompensated?) which I think had a blue backlight instead of green. The Gen2's fetch a higher premium, but then seem to be holding their value so may be a better bet if there's a chance you will flip it down the line..

 

Thanks Gee!

It seems that all the differences between the Gen1 and Gen2 are cosmetic... and I think I prefer the look of the Gen1!

What was it like on the wrist?

 

With regards to the movement, the Cal. 1666C is thermocompensated, but the A and B versions are not. There were a lot of people claiming there was a D version also, but that is not the case.

Cheers, Al

 

Very comfortable, for me. The Ti bracelet is excellent. I thought it looked best with the digi display turned off. Quite minimal.

 

Firstly, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

A few questions:

Are the repair/maintenance costs and intervals similar to a conventional Omega, say a Speedmaster?

Are there any reliability issues with the X-33?

Thanks.

 

You would have to ask Omega what they recommend for service intervals and pricing...I don't work for them, so personally with any quartz watch, I suggest you wear it until it stops or until the battery life becomes problematic.

I have seen movements with problems before, but if any of these constitute a weakness is another matter. I don't know of anything that Omega has made a point of calling out as a problem on these. I have seen for example watches with dark areas around the center of the dial where the backlight is not working properly, but that is evident right from the start and not an issue that develops over time as far as I know.

 

Omega suggest a 2 year service on these... but from what I've been told, they basically exchange the movement, clean the case, and reseal... not sure that counts as a "service". ;-)

 

I suspect the 2 year service interval you are talking about is actually a battery service, not a service or replacement of the movement. The watch is taken in, the battery removed, the movement powered by a timing machine, and electrical checks are done. If the watch passes they install a new cell, reseal the case, pressure test, and it's done.

But you are correct that any time I have sent one in to Omega that had problems, they simply swapped the movement. Again this is why I say to just wear it until it stops working, or the battery changes become too frequent for your liking.

Cheers, Al

 

Also be wary of the screws and such. They have to be equally torqued otherwise there can be issues with the alarm not working.

 

Hey Al,

Sorry to bring back a post from the dead, but does the 1666C replace the 1666A? (Just realised the B is the version with no analogue hands).

I've picked up an early one over the weekend, at a very good price, but with a fault - Omega have confirmed that they switch the whole module with a brand new service one, which is "current specification"... assuming that's the C.

This, apparently is what they do for NASA/ESA pieces...

 

Yes any time I've sent one in the new movement (C) has been installed.

 

Thanks Al.

Omega here in the UK (at least the customer service people on the phone) don't seem to know what I'm talking about... I'll have to assume the tech have better knowledge!