Help Me Choose My First Omega

Posts
316
Likes
205
such an exciting time for you!
i would also vote for sapphire crystal sandwich moon watch.
 
Posts
272
Likes
445
How about something a little different - the Railmaster with a blue dial, simple baton hands plus a moving second hand with bonus lollipop. And it’s also available with a black dial...

I looked at these guys as well... it just doesn't float my boat from pictures alone. Maybe I'll feel otherwise when I see it in store.

Only bit of advice you need is get out there and try them all on,without brand name blinkers on.
So many watches over the years I have been keen on until I tried them on.

You will be surprised how many second threads from guys like yourself went out money in hand and came back with a different watch and brand.

I agree... will definitely stop by an AD and try them on.

such an exciting time for you!
i would also vote for sapphire crystal sandwich moon watch.

It is a super exciting time! Looking forward to finally owning one.


I think from all of the comments and pointing me to different watches and looking at pictures, I have narrowed down my picks to these top 3 choices. These are strictly based on the information I read about (the mechanics of the watch) and multitude of pictures and videos I looked at (visual). I will be going to an AD and see these in person, as well to try them on. While I'm there I do also plan to peruse the other models too, just in case.

PICK #1 - Seamaster Diver 300M w/ blue face. This one ticks off a lot of my preferences and I like the clean look. Having an auto co-axial mechanism sounds like a good idea too if it does in fact require less maintenance. I also prefer the second hand, and dial color on this one. The hands and bracelet are not my top pick, but overall with the rest of the watch they fit and look very pleasing to my eye. And to top it all off, it is one of the "cheaper" entry points to this watch company, while still getting an amazing watch.


PICK #2 - Speedmaster Moonwatch w/ sapphire. Can't go wrong with this watch. The watch looks great, still has a pretty mechanism with a display back and has chronos. I prefer the band and the hands on this watch the most. (Note: Pic is only for reference, I didnt actually double check if the reference number corresponds to the correct watch).


PICK #3 - Seamaster Planet Ocean in blue. I really like the band, the movement and overall look of this watch. It does, however, have my least favorite hands. Also, form the reading I've done, I believe this is a bulkier watch compared to the other two. (Note: picture again is for reference only, and I dont particularly intend to but the Titatium one).


At the end, I think those will be my top 3 to see in person, feel their weight, how they sit, and look in person. For this I'll have to go to my AD.
 
Posts
4,853
Likes
31,762
Only bit of advice you need is get out there and try them all on,without brand name blinkers on.
So many watches over the years I have been keen on until I tried them on.

You will be surprised how many second threads from guys like yourself went out money in hand and came back with a different watch and brand.

I really wanted the blue dial Planet Ocean. That this is awesome. I bought one. Never tried it on. But that one is so awesome how could I go wrong. It wore way too thick, I had t sell it.

I also bought the Speediorite Speedmaster. How could I go wrong, that dial is unbelievable. Sold it, the sapphire crystal placed a haze over that beautiful dial.

I could go on. Generally speaking, if I can't try on the watch prior, I won't purchase. The exception is a speedy with a hesalite.

I am with @STANDY on his advise. Good luck in your search. But the reality is you will own more than one watch if you continue to hang here....
 
Posts
308
Likes
463
I will be the contrarian and ask what attracted you to the Carrera in the first place? I have two (albeit slightly older ‘modern’ ones) and they are really nice watches. There are so many variations which carry that name it is harder to pinpoint what style you like (than when comparing a speedmaster which are all much more alike).

As already mentioned if the ‘look’ is main factor - then maybe if you could post a photo of the particular Carrera you like, then we could point you twords specific omega options. You’ll get anlot of Carrera for $4500, but for Speedy, even on GM you’ll be relatively limited.

Price aside I’d guess a Speedmaster Racing would be right up there in terms of styling.

All the best with your search and whatever you choose, enjoy it in good health.

PS: Carrera was my 2nd nice watch purchase after a Monaco. And then I ‘discovered’ Omega. My wallet hates me 😜
 
Posts
308
Likes
463
And if you ignore the need for a chrono, how about this as a slightly ‘leftfield’ option?
 
Posts
3,366
Likes
6,570
Thank you all for so much feedback and some new info!





I have definitely looked at these in the Sale part of this forum! Great choice.



Thank you for the information! i guess my original question was to get more information about the differences in the mechanical versus auto co-axial movements. And on top of that, the differences within the co-axials as well. I would imagine that there is some difference in the accuracy, longevity, time reserve, etc. I guess I need to find and read up more on threads regarding the particular movements themselves while I continue my own search.



I think you are right in that I am leaning more towards wanting a central second hand over chrono's. I have looked up AT's and for some reason, I am not as drawn to that one compared to the SM300, Speedy Pro, or the PO designs. However, I dont know if down the line that may be something that peaks my interest more.







I will definitely be stopping by an AD and see how they actually sit and feel on the hand. I just feel terrible wasting people's time as I know I wont be buying it directly from them. So for now, I just want to narrow down my choices so that when I go to the store, I would spend the least of someone else's valuable time.



The watch would be definitely more for how it looks rather than its intended functionality beyond telling time. At the end of the day I do work in an office and its not critical to have a timer. I do like to check my watch for time over my phone so that is its main use. Same goes for the chrono, it looks nice, but its not used. I feel like on my current watch I have maybe used the chrono feature 2 times in about a year. I could have just as well used my cell phone timer. And I do like the second hand sweeping across the face rather than a small dial, so I feel like Im leaning more and more towards that.

As to the date function, I hadnt realized the Speedy didnt have one until you mentioned that! And I've looked at a ton of photos and videos. Although its not a necessity as I am pretty good at keeping track what day it is without the help of a watch, it is a nice feature. So I guess at the end of the day that part is a wash, but thanks for bringing that to my attention!



That sure is my car and very much in the process of being restored. Always loved the look of the 60's mustangs. Thank you for noticing!
I may come around to appreciating watches in the same way down the line (I dont expect not to), but at least for my first one, I would like to get it brand new so that years down the line, I know that any of that age placed on it was due to my wear. I bet a few in, and I would be interested in exploring used ones as well, especially if it comes to finding specific peaces that are no longer made new.


If you like sapphire case backs and would like for a vintage touch look for a 3572 (tritium dial, rare) or a 3592.50. Mine says hi!

Edited:
 
Posts
316
Likes
205
I looked at these guys as well... it just doesn't float my boat from pictures alone. Maybe I'll feel otherwise when I see it in store.



I agree... will definitely stop by an AD and try them on.



It is a super exciting time! Looking forward to finally owning one.


I think from all of the comments and pointing me to different watches and looking at pictures, I have narrowed down my picks to these top 3 choices. These are strictly based on the information I read about (the mechanics of the watch) and multitude of pictures and videos I looked at (visual). I will be going to an AD and see these in person, as well to try them on. While I'm there I do also plan to peruse the other models too, just in case.

PICK #1 - Seamaster Diver 300M w/ blue face. This one ticks off a lot of my preferences and I like the clean look. Having an auto co-axial mechanism sounds like a good idea too if it does in fact require less maintenance. I also prefer the second hand, and dial color on this one. The hands and bracelet are not my top pick, but overall with the rest of the watch they fit and look very pleasing to my eye. And to top it all off, it is one of the "cheaper" entry points to this watch company, while still getting an amazing watch.


PICK #2 - Speedmaster Moonwatch w/ sapphire. Can't go wrong with this watch. The watch looks great, still has a pretty mechanism with a display back and has chronos. I prefer the band and the hands on this watch the most. (Note: Pic is only for reference, I didnt actually double check if the reference number corresponds to the correct watch).


PICK #3 - Seamaster Planet Ocean in blue. I really like the band, the movement and overall look of this watch. It does, however, have my least favorite hands. Also, form the reading I've done, I believe this is a bulkier watch compared to the other two. (Note: picture again is for reference only, and I dont particularly intend to but the Titatium one).


At the end, I think those will be my top 3 to see in person, feel their weight, how they sit, and look in person. For this I'll have to go to my AD.

Good top three. I agree with Taddyangle above, Planet Ocean wore WAYY too thick, not for me.

I think the SMP might be my next Omega purchase (note how i said omega purchase, and not overall purchase hahaha)

I love the new edition. If i don't already own the Speedy 60th anniversary, i would definitely be getting the Speedy Sapphire Sandwich this xmas. The see-through caseback with the specific details and movement is just too much, i love it. I like how this caseback looks better than the SMP Calibre 8800. There's something bout a caseback without a rotor. Also the manual wind in the speedy is so fun. I love that I wake up every morning and the first thing I do is wind my watch - as many have said before, you really develop an understanding of the watch.
 
Posts
66
Likes
28
Well... making a decision on buying one of these is harder than buying a car honestly. I had a same "problem" (I know it's a first world problem) during summer in June and finally pulled the trigger in October. So I put some serious research work in there also mixing in my personal preferences which are subjective of course. Just to give you the course... first I wanted a Seamaster300, then the new Seamaster 300M diver... also thought about AT and the Globemaster for a second... and finally ended up with a 39.5mm blue Planet Ocean. Honestly that contains the best of everything for me: Great and easily readable dial with good lume, robust but still not so thick and it has a 8800 movement which is metas certified. More of a tool watch, but I wore it with suits as well... works just perfectly fine...
 
Posts
135
Likes
143
Here are some pics showing the Planet Ocean vs the new Seamaster Pro. The Planet Ocean is much thicker, and the blue is slightly darker. Despite the wider diameter, however, the Seamaster Pro looks bigger when looking at the face.

9-D68-B150-584-E-40-E5-AD43-AC1-EF468772-E.jpg
CB34-E18-E-3-EAD-4-CE9-9-CA1-7-F422845-AC97.jpg
8-E3-B6-AB5-CE33-40-DB-BE89-E34-DF399-C525.jpg
 
Posts
7,560
Likes
13,954
What did you end up going with!!

Yeah, almost two months since this post went dead. A lot of info given but no sign of the OP.
 
Posts
362
Likes
564
Here are some pics showing the Planet Ocean vs the new Seamaster Pro. The Planet Ocean is much thicker, and the blue is slightly darker. Despite the wider diameter, however, the Seamaster Pro looks bigger when looking at the face.

9-D68-B150-584-E-40-E5-AD43-AC1-EF468772-E.jpg
CB34-E18-E-3-EAD-4-CE9-9-CA1-7-F422845-AC97.jpg
8-E3-B6-AB5-CE33-40-DB-BE89-E34-DF399-C525.jpg

In all of those shots the Seamaster looks more attractive to me. And I say that as a blue PO owner. I’m going to be sticking mine up for sale now to make the change to the Seamaster.

Thanks for posting such awesome pics.
 
Posts
135
Likes
143
In all of those shots the Seamaster looks more attractive to me. And I say that as a blue PO owner. I’m going to be sticking mine up for sale now to make the change to the Seamaster.

Thanks for posting such awesome pics.

Haha—thanks. I couldn’t choose. There are things I like about both. The polished bevels are much more noticeable and attractive on the Planet Ocean. The Planet Ocean’s He valve is less noticeable (and therefore more attractive). I also like the thicker and better grip on the Planet Ocean’s bezel. The Seamaster Pro can be hard to grab if you actually plan to time burgers with it—you know, anything besides actually diving. Who does that?

There’s no denying the Seamaster Pro’s comfort, however. It’s less of a door-knob magnet, too. I think these watches play nicely together, especially if you keep one on a strap and the other on a bracelet.
 
Posts
44
Likes
31
Lot's of good info here in this thread and likely helpful to a lot of people searching the forums. For me, looking at Speedmaster Pro, Seamaster 300m , Aqua Terra, and Planet Ocean (Which I feel are the 4 most common 'new' options), My mind early on changed about 1,000 times. I originally started wanting the Speedy and PO, and have pretty much settled on the seamster 300m and maybe Aqua Terra. Will likely pick up a speedmaster in the future though. (I've lately been drawn away from chronographs, but am sure the pendulum will swing back in the near future.)

Found out that my choice is most influenced by 1) what I have in the rest of my collection, and 2) trying on the watches at the AD. (Agree the PO wears too thick for me as previously stated by many)
- My current debate is between the Aqua Terra and Rolex Explorer. (not that I couldn't get them both as they are different enough I suppose, however $$ is a consideration)
- Have settled on the Seamaster 300m as my classic diver of choice...
-
 
Posts
27
Likes
25
What a great community helping this guy out... my advice would have been to REALLY consider size, & REALLY consider auto vs. manual. Although this is probably contrary to popular opinion - I just don’t wind my manual watches frequently enough and then need to reset. Therefore, I got a Speedy Auto Date 3511.20 and it’s perfect for me!