Green Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 44mm vs Speedmaster '57 40.5mm

Outside of the obvious size difference, these two watches look almost exactly the same, both with great movements. However the Tag is selling for about 50% of the price of the Omega. Any thoughts on comparing the two watches? I love Omega as a company more but am finding it hard to justify the extra cost on these watches.

I’ve never seen a green speedy before.
I quite like both.
Just going by the visuals, apart from the obvious differences of having a date display or a running seconds subdial, I myself prefer the colour of the Carrera……….of course seeing them in the flesh may well be quite different.

As to the other considerations, I couldn’t say.

So pop into your local Omega sales outlet and just say: “I just want to borrow this to take down to the TAG dealer so as I can compare it with their offering”
I’m sure they’ll be absolutely delighted and thrilled to let you do that!
😁

44 is a massive watch—probably too big for most wrists.

I’d suggest doing a little research comparing specs from each.

1) do both have in-house movements, if that matters to you?

2) what kind of power reserve do they have?

3) how antimagnetic are they?

4) what kind of accuracy are they guaranteed to have?

5) are they both using the same kind of chronograph mechanism?—other technical innovations? (I’m guessing the Tag doesn’t have a coaxial escapement.)

These aren’t pointed questions: I really don’t know anything about that Tag, and only a little about the Omega. Size alone would have me favoring the Omega—and ruling out the Tag absolutely. I’ve also gotten the sense that Tag is more or less regarded (by many) as a fashion brand nowadays, not a serious watchmaker. But I don’t have the knowledge to state that authoritatively, and I’m sure someone here will rally to their defense. I don’t say it snobbily—I love all kinds of watches across all price points. Only that I don't know that they can seriously be considered as apples-to-apples with Omega…

Apart from being both green and both Chronographs, they are very different.

Omega

Manual wind, not automatic, with a power reserve of 60 days (meaning just if you wind it don't wear it, it will stop in 2.5 days). Smaller and thinner than the Tag, which generally is a plus. However only a 2 register chronograph - the 3 o clock register has 2 hands counting minutes and hours, some may argue visually too much. Movement wise Omega wins with it's finishing and being anti-magnetic. Date wheel matched more to the dial which is a win.

Tag

Unlike a previous poster, Tag has a rich history especially with chronographs and the Carrera range. Yes they are mocked by many, most likely for their prices and many quartz offerings. Some recent releases show them getting back on track. (Although you are on an Omega Forum so expect Omega love)

That particular Carrera, is big 44mm does wear huge & being a ex owner of Panerai & U Boat, on my 6.75inch wrist they are too big, also Tag still make very chunky/ thick watches. Movement is the new Heuer 02 movement (automatic so winds whilst wearing it) & has 80hrs power reserve. Although you do hear the rotor spin on this (some like this feature some dont). Finishing on the case, bracelet & movement not as good as Omega, but still attractive.

I believe both watches dont have much adjustment on the bracelets and have PCL (polished centre links) = scratch magnets.

I recommend going to your local ADs and trying both on, (even in other colour variations) just so you can get a feel of the fit and finish & then go with the one you like the most.

I've owned the new 3861 Sapphire Moonwatch and at 42mm with the tapering bracelet wore big, I then moved it on (regret & will get another). I've also owned a Tag Carrera Elegant Panda dial 42mm and visually wore smaller then the Omega but was chunkier, that was a great watch, and may also look to pick up again.

Regarding pricing, Tag has always being the gateway for people getting into Swiss 'luxury' watches, they are increasing their prices and recent releases are doing well, however Omega IMHO are increasing their prices, maybe to get close Rolex and upping their status

Just to be clear—I’d never disregard or mock Tag’s history: no doubt rich and impressive. My comment was very precisely limited to how they are regarded (not how they actually are, necessarily) by some (not all) now (not historically).

And again, I’m not knowledgeable enough of modern Tag to make an informed judgment of this watch. My sense of how the brand is perceived now is based on comments by gurus I occasionally listen to/watch like Watchbox, Jeni Elle, etc, who have expressed dismay or confusion about what the brand is trying to do. (The recent Mario releases didn’t help much, though one could make similar gripes about Omega and Snoopy or Oris and Kermit—it’s a personal thing.)

Point being, if others’ perceptions matter (and I’m not saying they should, but to a lot of watch collectors they do), they’re probably both fine watches but I don’t know if they’re equivalent. When it comes vintage pieces, I think the brands are more comparable; with modern ones, maybe less so.

I like both but definetly i will choose Omega..😀. I will buy the brand..

The Tag Carrera Elegant Panda dial 42mm is a beautiful watch and I believe there were only 250 made? Why did you get rid of it? I was looking at it too but the only outlet selling it is Mayors and I have never dealt with them.

It certainly is lovely.

Long story really. Purchasing a watch to celebrate the birth of my 2nd child, the previous year was deciding between the 3861 Speedy Sapphire, or Blue McQueen Monaco (both had pro's and con's). Head said Speedy, heart wanted Monaco. Managed to get a great deal on the Speedy 15% off before the UK price hike in January (think 8%) once child was born. Had for roughly a week, couldn't get a great fit (prior to new push adjustment clasp). Oddly seemed to wear massively - which I think was down to the major taper. Something didn't feel right, so I returned it. AD was great and fine with this.

Then thought brilliant I'll get the Monaco, upon trying it on in the AD, I saw the Carrera (yes 250 of ea strap & bracelet) & was swayed! On the strap was great, & I think the watch my other half liked the most. Movement was good, size in mm felt smaller than the Speedy, but obviously wore chunkier. Nice finishing on the case, nice rotor noise (imagine a fidget spinner & not Valjoux 7750 movement as per Breitling). But a few things bugged me - the heart wanting the Monaco, the modern Tag Shield on the dial & clasp. But did love the colour matched date wheel & running seconds which you hardly noticed (unlike some other H02 movements/ dials). i do prefer vintage styling.

Returned to same AD who swapped for the Monaco. Whilst I understand the flaws of the Monaco, dial on it brings a smile. However I'm having doubts again (now 4months down the line) & I think I know what I do want & don't in a watch & also my next purchase being the new Tudor BB36 in light champagne.

But I may let the Monaco go, look to get a Speedy & kick myself I'll never get that great deal again (especially if the July price increase happens).

I keep a track on Goldsmiths (as Watches of Switzerland owned) on the Carrera, they've now sold out of the bracelet but have the strap option available still. I was told the strap is unique to that model, but the bracelet can be added from any 42mm Elegant Carrera (& that was the deal they offered me - free bracelet). If I ever get the spare cash - who knows what I'll choose as the chronograph option of my small collection.

For me IMHO it's the best looking modern panda chronograph out there that you can buy new & I'm surprised they've not all been sold.

I feel for you. . Too many choices. I go through the same journey every day. I think I may go with the Tag now. That watch is beautiful and the fact that everyone has a speedy, makes the scarcity of the Tag appealing. Then I will probably buy it and within two weeks want to buy the Speedmaster '57. This hobby is cursed!!!

Looks nice, I'd like to sit without the date.. what are the dimensions?
Does it have a modified Valjoux 7750 (7753 or the like)?

The TAG is 44mm diameter and 15mm thick. It has the in house Heuer 02 movement.