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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

165010?

 

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.

 

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?

 

Is that a Speedmaster bracelet?

 

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)

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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