So it's here, and I must say this has instantly become one of my favorite watches, and definitely my favorite chronograph.
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This watch lists for almost 5 large (plus tax) in the boutique and around $3500 on the gray market. I figure genuine warranty is worth a bunch to me, but not $1500 or more. So I chose Kringkily as my supplier, and it turned out he was very competitive. I got the full kit with a BNIB watch with full 4-year Omega warranty. The buying experience didn't include a blonde boutique manager with large, half exposed hooters, but then...you can't have everything, eh?
I chose the model on the rubber strap, because that's the way I intend to wear it. Nothing is saved by getting it on the bracelet, then buying the rubber and deployant, because the rubber/deployant combo lists for as much as the bracelet...or more. This strap does a great job of sealing the space between lugs and case, and without marring the case surface. Note the dial here appears as a slate color. Depending on lighting, it can look medium brown, very dark brown, black, or even a slight purplish color.
The feature I like best about this watch is that it has a dial that's extremely easy to read in all lighting conditions.That goes as well for the bezel insert. Note that everything associated with the chrono function is yellow. When you look to see the time, your eyes quickly learn to go straight for the white and ignore the rest. There's no issue with the sweep hand jumping backward, the chrono hands reset perfectly on zero, and the pushers operate very smoothly. The watch is presently running at an average daily rate of +2 SPD, which is a lot better than any Omega I've ever bought, unless it was sent back for adjustment. The date is corrected externally, using a small rubber tool provided, reducing unnecessary fiddling with the crown. Manual winding using the crown is noticeably easier with this model than with either the Speedy Date or Day/Date.
Not something I'd wear with a suit, but perfect for most other wear from sports to biz casual. This has quickly become my go-to watch. On my 7" wrist, the lugs don't get near the edges, and there's plenty of strap showing from above. Plus, the strap keeps the watch from sloshing around, so there's far less chance of damage than if wearing a manhole cover on a loose bracelet. I'll post a 60-day update, but my hunch is this is a long-term keeper.
Stu
