Help Me Choose My First Omega

ilayd · Feb 12, 2019

JeremyS
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.

That is a great comparison. Based on those looks alone, I would lean towards the SMP! The blue is nicer in my opinion and the PO is just too large!

Also, I am still around, but have not made the choice. I think more and more, I am leaning towards the SMP and have now started to look more into the AT's 😒.

That all being said, I still plan to actually go to an AD and check them all on the wrist.

Finally, I dont think I'll purchase very soon, not because I dont want to, but because I've promised myself that I will free up $ from all my other hobbies for the watch, which will take some extra time to do. Don't want to dip into my regular wages or savings of any sort.

But thank you guys so much, as this had a lot of great info and comparisons.

ilayd · Feb 12, 2019

VetPsychWars
I think he wants a used 2254.50, and to hell with the display back! You look at it for the first week and after that, you don't care any more.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-300-m-chronometer-22545000

Tom

I saw this in the for sales section. Was very very intrigued. But I have too many black dialed faced watches. I would like to get a blue one as well. Probably the only thing that stopped me from reaching out to you about that watch.

ilayd · Feb 12, 2019

gostang9
The car in your Avatar photo suggests you like vintage as well...? (and that you have great taste in cars) 😉

I started strongly in the modern/new camp and it hasn't taken long at this place to come around to seeing the beauty in naturally 'aged' watches... 📖

I think you knew you were right more than I did. The more I spent on this forum, the more Im getting drawn to some of the vintage models, especially the Omega Seamaster 600's. But I do need to do a lot of research before I dip my toes into vintage... just too many fakes or fanken's out.

ilayd · Feb 12, 2019

SpeedyD
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 😜

This is the first Carrera that caught my attention and intrigued me, but I wanted one on a stainless band. Its actually quite similar to a Speedy now that I look at it.

PeterT · Feb 13, 2019

jobaoneill
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!

I think both has its beauties. I prefer automatic too... but having to wind up your watch can have its magic too. I really think this is depending on your personality and how you plan to use it.

jobaoneill · Feb 13, 2019

PeterT
I think both has its beauties. I prefer automatic too... but having to wind up your watch can have its magic too. I really think this is depending on your personality and how you plan to use it.

Totally - personal preference 100%, was just telling OP to really consider habits since I didn’t previously as much as I should have.

ilayd · Feb 20, 2019

I went to an AD this weekend and compared some watches. I must say that I am now more conflicted than when I started, although better informed. I compared the Speedy Pro in both domes, the Seamaster Pro, and an Aqua Terra.

The overall sizes of the watches sat really well on the wrist and all felt comfortable and not bulky. For whatever reason I though that the dials themselves appeared kinda small. My guess is that I got used to my watch which is 42mm, but with the Tachymetre drawn on the dial, which makes it have a large dial and crystal almost the entire 42mm. The Omegas (Speedy and SMP) have a pretty wide bezel which reduces the size of the dial itself. So when it came to the sizes, the 41mm AT actually appeared to be with a larger dial, which I preferred. I wonder if wearing a different watch for some time would allow me to adjust. I have been wearing my current watch daily for over a year and have really gotten used to the larger dial. However, looking at the other watches I wore before, they were all smaller and with a bezel.

Next, I do prefer the Haselite version of the Speedy over the Sapphire... the milky ring would bother me since now I know how both look in person. That makes me sad though, as I was hoping it wouldn't be a big deal for me since I really wanted the more durable crystal and a display case back. 🙁

Lastly, I really liked the SMP except for one thing - the helium escape value. That thing is massive in person!

Pic of the current watch with the "large" 42mm dial:

At this time, I'll continue to collect the funds and revisit the store at a later day to check them out again. Maybe I'll leave my watch off for a few days before I go the second time. 😉

Yukatan · Feb 20, 2019

If you want a bigger looking watch, have you considered a Zenith El Primero?

BradleyJ. · Feb 20, 2019

Not sure if you are dead set on brand new but mid to late 2000s railmaster is basically an Aquaterra but with some numerals. I feel the look is dressy but with the addition of numerals can also be jeans and tee worthy. Also it comes in 41mm if you like larger watches, not to mention I think it wears bigger than it actually is, yet its thin. The newer railmaster is the same scenario but the dial has a different look to it and can be had in 40mm. And then again you cant go wrong with a speedy pro. These should fit your budget, are larger and can be worn dress up or dress down. Some people may disagree on a speedy paired with a suit but that's up to you Haha. I forget what other points you were trying to hit in your first post but theres a few more suggestions.

nismo · Feb 20, 2019

I always thought the '57 Broad Arrow Speedy reissue looked great and is underappreciated. You can get one in the $3k range.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow-35945000

The triple date Speedmaster with blue dial I also think is sharp, but doesn't seem that popular (3521.80 and 3523.80). $2-3k range as well.

Honestly, I think the standard modern Speedy is pretty plain looking. The limited editions like the Gemini 4, Apollo Soyuz, Apollo 13 silver snoopy, etc look good as does the 105.003 from First Man, but those are not in reasonable price ranges for basically anyone.

Comtaygious · Feb 21, 2019

I too felt the dials were too small when I tried on speedy watches . I guess I wasn't expecting the tachy ring to be so big around the glass. That's why I was considering the racing vs mark ii. The racing is a 44.

gbesq · Feb 21, 2019

Have you considered the “pre-2018” SMPc 300m (resin dial without the wave pattern). It is a classic and beautifully executed. IMHO, much better looking than the “new” version. It has the calibre 2500d which is an excellent automatic movement and is still available with either a black or blue dial. It also has what is probably the most comfortable bracelet that Omega has ever made. The black dial, which I actually like better, is available for under 3k. The blue dial will be at least several hundred dollars more.

gbesq · Feb 21, 2019

hbombkid · Feb 25, 2019

Good luck in the hunt. Trusted sellers way to go. I know you mentioned Matt he is a good guy and easy to communicate with. I have not bought a watch off him but last year I did buy a oysterflex strap off him for my Sub.

VetPsychWars · Feb 26, 2019

ilayd
I saw this in the for sales section. Was very very intrigued. But I have too many black dialed faced watches. I would like to get a blue one as well. Probably the only thing that stopped me from reaching out to you about that watch.

These came in blue dial with blue bezel as well.

Tom

cjoedaniel · Feb 27, 2019

ilayd
I went to an AD this weekend and compared some watches. I must say that I am now more conflicted than when I started, although better informed. I compared the Speedy Pro in both domes, the Seamaster Pro, and an Aqua Terra.

The overall sizes of the watches sat really well on the wrist and all felt comfortable and not bulky. For whatever reason I though that the dials themselves appeared kinda small. My guess is that I got used to my watch which is 42mm, but with the Tachymetre drawn on the dial, which makes it have a large dial and crystal almost the entire 42mm. The Omegas (Speedy and SMP) have a pretty wide bezel which reduces the size of the dial itself. So when it came to the sizes, the 41mm AT actually appeared to be with a larger dial, which I preferred. I wonder if wearing a different watch for some time would allow me to adjust. I have been wearing my current watch daily for over a year and have really gotten used to the larger dial. However, looking at the other watches I wore before, they were all smaller and with a bezel.

Next, I do prefer the Haselite version of the Speedy over the Sapphire... the milky ring would bother me since now I know how both look in person. That makes me sad though, as I was hoping it wouldn't be a big deal for me since I really wanted the more durable crystal and a display case back. 🙁

Lastly, I really liked the SMP except for one thing - the helium escape value. That thing is massive in person!

Pic of the current watch with the "large" 42mm dial:

At this time, I'll continue to collect the funds and revisit the store at a later day to check them out again. Maybe I'll leave my watch off for a few days before I go the second time. 😉

I just picked up the new seamaster but my previous nice watch was a Mido Chronograph as well. Can't go wrong with Mido, the fit and finish not to mention the accuracy is outstanding for the money. The seamaster seems so small now compared to my 44mm Mido without a bezel...

ilayd · Mar 13, 2019

gbesq
Have you considered the “pre-2018” SMPc 300m (resin dial without the wave pattern). It is a classic and beautifully executed. IMHO, much better looking than the “new” version. It has the calibre 2500d which is an excellent automatic movement and is still available with either a black or blue dial. It also has what is probably the most comfortable bracelet that Omega has ever made. The black dial, which I actually like better, is available for under 3k. The blue dial will be at least several hundred dollars more.

After I went to the AD and was looking around more, I just then realized that there are SMP and SMPc's around. You mention pre-2018 version, but I see they still make them new. Are there differences between those and the more recent ones?

Is this the reference you're talking about? Or is there a difference between the earlier model and this one?

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-diver-300m-co-axial-41-mm-21230412003001

Thanks!

gbesq · Mar 18, 2019

You have the correct reference. Jomashop sells the black dial version for $3175 and the blue dial version for $3,450. Chitownwatch charges $3,250 for either version. These are both grey market dealers so there is no Omega factory warranty, but the watches are brand new and unused and come with all Omega packaging, manuals, etc. I have not purchased anything from Chitownwatch, but I have purchased two Omegas from Jomashop with no issues.

robinhook · Mar 20, 2019

I'd recommend Speedy hesalite. You won't regret it looking back in 10 years, and I feel more confident saying that with the Speedy hesalite than any other choices mentioned here.

My father in law gave me a credit card and said to me go pick up a watch as your engagement gift. Back then I had heard about the moon watch and wanted one, but I did not know much about them. I picked up the sapphire sandwich. Gosh I wish the sales person could have said the above to me at that moment...

Tastes will change over time, especially as our knowledge about watches accumulates. I think some of the OP's criteria, especially things like the sweeping second hand on a chronograph, preference on sapphire, see-through case back, coaxial movement, bigger size... over time could become less important. However things like true connections to the brand history, vintage inspired DNAs, how the watch with age, classier sizes, and the general reception among the watch community... will become more important.

I'd recommend to look into the vintage Speedies, get a feeling of the charm of these aged ones, and try to figure out why they are so sought after and worth that much more than a brand new one. Scratches and patina do not undermine the charm of a speedy, they only add to it.

itsalex · Mar 24, 2019

+1 to hesalite Speedy - it's the OG model, and like OP mentioned I couldn't get over the milky ring on the sapphire once I saw it in person.

Help Me Choose My First Omega

ilayd

ilayd

ilayd

ilayd

PeterT

jobaoneill

ilayd

Yukatan

BradleyJ.

nismo

Comtaygious

gbesq

gbesq

hbombkid

VetPsychWars

cjoedaniel

ilayd

gbesq

robinhook

itsalex

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