Doing my due diligence for my first Omega

Vagante · Jan 15, 2018

I'm looking to purchase an Omega and have been lurking on several sites trying to learn a few things such as pricing on Vintage and new watches. It's almost overwhelming the number of models that are out there but I have narrowed it down to a few. It looks like my favorite so far is probably the Aqua Terra but am still deciding. 2 questions for the group. The first ---I understand that Omega is now making a proprietary movement and is probably superior to what they have used in the past. It will certainly be in future watches. At what point did this happen? In other words what years should I be looking at if I do not buy a new watch? The second question is about dealers. I see on many sites that there are basically grey market dealers that are discounting new watches. Evidently omega's warrenty is still valid through these dealers. Why wouldn't I purchase from one of these vs going to a brick and mortar dealer and paying full retail? Thanks for any advice and glad to be on board.

Donn Chambers · Jan 15, 2018

Regarding your second question, I don’t know of ANY grey market dealers where the Omega warranty is still valid. The reason for this is that they obtain these watches from ADs who do not want their name listed on the Omega warranty card because Omega will yank their credentials if they discover they are selling stock to grey market dealers. These dealers claim a warranty, but it is from their “in-house” watchmaker. I wouldn’t want anyone doing warranty work on my Omega but Omega themself just because this watchmaker could bugger up the watch. There are lots of stories out there about this happening.

Another issue is that some grey market dealers claim they have the watch, take your money, then try to find the watch because they don’t actually have it in stock at the moment. This may cause delays. Again, I’ve read several stories about this happening over the years.

I’ve only purchased my non-vintage Omegas through ADs, and have negotiated discounts of between 10 and 25%. This approaches the grey market prices, but I have the assurance of a valid Omega warranty. It’s worth the difference in cost to me. Also, when I’m spending that level of money, I like walking out with the watch on my wrist after paying, and not having to wait several days to a week for it to arrive in the mail.

Cheers,
Don

Foo2rama · Jan 15, 2018

Re movements. All the Aqua Terra have Omega movements. Although the nebulous term in house might not fully apply to the first Gen.

The feature difference has to do with Metas certified. Metas is anti magnetic has x power reserve and superior to COSC timing at 0/+5 or something like that you can look it up. Earlier ones have COSC timing and anti magnetic movements, and before that no extra anti magnetic movement features but COSC timing.

Alpha · Jan 15, 2018

From my knowledge https://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/ supply with all cards and warranty with AD stamp so no problem also they are upfront with stock watches or waiting time if they have to bring one in.
As for discounts from AD's in my experience very little, perhaps they will throw in a strap or some insurace but that is about all.

dan7800 · Jan 15, 2018

On the FS section here, some sellers off "Authorized Dealer Warranty Card".

keepitsimple · Jan 15, 2018

Alpha
From my knowledge https://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/ supply with all cards and warranty with AD stamp so no problem also they are upfront with stock watches or waiting time if they have to bring one in.

Yup - ditto Chronext, AMJ in Newark (UK) both of whom I've bought from, and probably many others do the same. The non-warranty is probably just a N.American thing and not at all the norm.. (I guess the OP is in the USA)

Df13 · Jan 24, 2018

The Aqua Terra 2500 series has a heavily modified ETA 2892 fitted with a Co-Axial escapement that isn't used by any other brands. The 8500 series and newer has the Co-Axial movement designed from the ground up that isn't used by any other brands.

I chose the original 2500 series because it is thinner and I prefer the design.

Doing my due diligence for my first Omega

Vagante

Donn Chambers

Foo2rama

Alpha

dan7800

keepitsimple

Df13

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