Discussion - Omega alternatives to Rolex 5500

DanT · Apr 10, 2020

This may be a somewhat heretical subject on an Omega fan site - but in the spirit of this forum, looking for discussion, debate and possibly help and advice.

Is there a better Omega alternative to the classic Rolex Oyster time only design - the 5500, 6426 etc:

Time only, silver dial, baton hands, simple indices and no numerals, stainless case, and of course the bracelet. Based on previous threads, I know some will say an Oyster bracelet will always be a signature of Rolex - but there are many Omega variations that have a similar utilitarian look.

Some contenders:
Seamaster 168.0061(not the bracelet!)

Seamaster Aqua Terra 2518.30

Seamaster 166.067

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 2518.30 Quartz.png

Thoughts much appreciated - especially when we're all locked down and looking for interesting diversions!

OMEGuy · Apr 10, 2020

DanT
This may be a somewhat heretical subject on an Omega fan site - but in the spirit of this forum, looking for discussion, debate and possibly help and advice.

Is there a better Omega alternative to the classic Rolex Oyster time only design - the 5500, 6426 etc:

Time only, silver dial, baton hands, simple indices and no numerals, stainless case, and of course the bracelet. Based on previous threads, I know some will say an Oyster bracelet will always be a signature of Rolex - but there are many Omega variations that have a similar utilitarian look.

Some contenders:
Seamaster 168.0061(not the bracelet!)

Seamaster Aqua Terra 2518.30

Seamaster 166.067

Thoughts much appreciated - especially when we're all locked down and looking for interesting diversions!

Take care not to buy a redialed watch.

Dan S · Apr 10, 2020

Usually it's better to buy the watch you really want instead of trying to find a substitute. You should at least consider buying an Air-King; there's nothing wrong with that.

OMEGuy · Apr 10, 2020

Dan S
Usually it's better to buy the watch you really want instead of trying to find a substitute. You should at least consider buying an Air-King; there's nothing wrong with that.

Usually it's better not to buy anything unless you know what you're buying.

DanT · Apr 10, 2020

Dan S
Usually it's better to buy the watch you really want instead of trying to find a substitute. You should at least consider buying an Air-King; there's nothing wrong with that.

Thanks Dan - sound advice
Just a residual loyalty to Omega...

apsm100 · Apr 10, 2020

Get the rolex if you want the rolex 👍
Any Seamaster from the 60's (slimmer case designs) would fit the bill however.

tamura · Apr 10, 2020

165010?

ollipekka · Apr 10, 2020

I'd say any of the thicker Seamasters with the cal 564 / 565 movement. Such as 168.024 and 168.022 or their non-chronometer versions.

vibe · Apr 10, 2020

I have a 1002, which is the chronometer version of a 5500 and a 168.022. The Omega is a bigger case, more like a Datejust, but thinner. Maybe a 166.010 would be a better match. But both of hose have dates.
Here is my 168.022

DanT · Apr 11, 2020

vibe
I have a 1002, which is the chronometer version of a 5500 and a 168.022. The Omega is a bigger case, more like a Datejust, but thinner. Maybe a 166.010 would be a better match. But both of hose have dates.
Here is my 168.022

Thanks for your helpful reply and pic - I like the size of the 166.022 a definite plus. How do you find the 5500 wears at 34mm?

DanT · Apr 11, 2020

tamura
165010?

Is that a Speedmaster bracelet?

DanT · Apr 11, 2020

Thanks to you all for your replies and comments, very helpful and interesting. This particular wormhole has led to another possible candidate

166.032 (the case has a double reference 168.023, which I think is the 'Sparkle' dial)

vibe · Apr 11, 2020

168 is chronometer and 166 is non-chronometer. Sparkle dials are so pretty!

I really like the 1002/5500. The 34mm doesn’t seem small unless I had been rearing a bigger watch for a few days. But then it seems just right after a couple of hours. My wrist is a bit small at like 7.25” so the 20mm oyster bracelet digs into my wrist and is uncomfortable, but the 19mm oyster is just right.

tamura · Apr 11, 2020

DanT
Is that a Speedmaster bracelet?

It is a 7077 bracelet used for speedmaster, constellation and seamaster.

ConElPueblo · Apr 11, 2020

If looking for an alternative to a Rolex Oyster, I'd look in the direction of a Certina DS. 36mm, great build quality, 200m WR when new, better shock proofing than any vintage watch, great looks, fantastic bracelets...

Probably half the price of a similar Omega and a fifth of the price of Rolex with none of the brand recognition 😉

Widows Son · Apr 12, 2020

My everyday watch is usually my Airking 14000, a slightly newer version of the 5500. Very understated, looks like a Seiko from a distance.

S.H. · Apr 12, 2020

My suggestions from my own collection:

The chrono rated 166.010 (can't remember the ref), it makes the Datejust look clunky by comparison imho :

As the others said, the 168.023 is nice, there is also a date only with a funky handset:

Not an Omega but 200m WR with an oversized screw down crown, the Kontiki 130FTP (Bottom):

A bit like the Certina DS: as much (if not more) functional that the others, no brand recognition. Bigger that the others, 37mm but there is a 34mm too. Maybe the Datejust sportier enemy.

@ConElPueblo : the Certina DS seems very hard to find in proper shape with a bracelet, no?

ConElPueblo · Apr 12, 2020

S.H.
@ConElPueblo : the Certina DS seems very hard to find in proper shape with a bracelet, no?

I guess about as difficult as finding the same sort of setup on a KonTiki - marvelous watches, btw. I considered mentioning them as well in my post.

S.H. · Apr 12, 2020

ConElPueblo
I guess about as difficult as finding the same sort of setup on a KonTiki - marvelous watches, btw. I considered mentioning them as well in my post.

Maybe I was lucky, or maybe Eternas were more common here in France... I found three of these (another grey Kontiki 20 I sold), with GF bracelets that are still nice, for not much in 2019. I'm searching for a well kept DS, found none in more than one year.

DanT · Apr 12, 2020

ConElPueblo
If looking for an alternative to a Rolex Oyster, I'd look in the direction of a Certina DS. 36mm, great build quality, 200m WR when new, better shock proofing than any vintage watch, great looks, fantastic bracelets...

Probably half the price of a similar Omega and a fifth of the price of Rolex with none of the brand recognition 😉

Thanks for this - I was hoping for some alternative ideas to challenge the Rolex mainstream.

Discussion - Omega alternatives to Rolex 5500

DanT

OMEGuy

Dan S

OMEGuy

DanT

apsm100

tamura

ollipekka

vibe

DanT

DanT

DanT

vibe

tamura

ConElPueblo

Widows Son

S.H.

ConElPueblo

S.H.

DanT

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