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Is Omega Losing Its Way? Price Hikes and Brand Criticism

brand perception omega pricing resale value rolex seamaster speedmaster
njlam
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Currently I only have three Omega watches, 2 Speedmasters (321/3861) and one Seamaster (current ND SMP). As I am still in the acquistive mode of watch collecting, Omega is frustrating as there isn't anything in the current catalog I want.

While the newly introduced Reverse Panda Speedmaster 3861 is attractive, do I really need 3 Speedmasters (or more than one 3861)? Same goes for the Panda 3861 they are likely to introduce soon...

If I am really to stretch to find an Omega I would buy, I do like the Constellation and/or Seamaster 321 from the period of my birth year (1960). These watches are smaller/thinner/more affordable than modern Omegas and are more likely to become part of my collection than another 3861. I think what this tells me is Omega isn't what it used to be. Also, many of its other lines do not have the aspirational identity that carries over generations.

In sharp contrast, I have five Rolex watches (DD/DJ/GMT) and would love to have more if offerred.
I would have no problem owning more than one DD/DJ/GMT and would welcome the opportunity to have a YM/OP or even a Daytona or Sub.

Why is this? I think it is because of Rolexes aesthetic consistency. While Rolex watches improve over time, their aspirational identity remains the same from one generation to the next. A Sub always looks like a Sub, a DJ like a DJ and a DD is always a DD. Many current Omega models look/feel nothing like their same models from 10, 20, 30 years ago.

This is why buyers accept price increases with Rolex where similar increases are met with outrage at Omega.
 
eugeneandresson
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njlam njlam
Omega is frustrating as there isn't anything in the current catalog I want.

Of the 467889 options, not a single one?!
 
Risto
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I bought a brand-new .005 ref Speedmaster from Uhrinstinkt in 2019 for 3100€ (I think AD price was ca 4,6k then). Now, the cheapest is 7k. Yeah, it's a different movement, but still...
 
karlenko123
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Risto Risto
I bought a brand-new .005 ref Speedmaster from Uhrinstinkt in 2019 for 3100€ (I think AD price was ca 4,6k then). Now, the cheapest is 7k. Yeah, it's a different movement, but still...
The funny thing is that the .005 and the cheapest Speedmaster you can find at the AD cost almost the same in the 2nd market.
 
F
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F fm
you are probably correct . I think all brands are coping the Rolex model charge what you think you can get away with . wasn't that long ago you could pick up a navitimer for couple of K , look at the list price now .
The prices are crazy, it's like they just make it up a they go
 
F
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502 to right 502 to right
Swiss monetary policy is a significant factor too. The Swiss franc has gained considerably vs. the dollar, euro, and pound in the last five years. And then there's tariffs in the U.S. in the last two years.

That said, increases are increases regardless of the cause. It's up to the consumer to decide if they want to pay. I've decided I don't. Thankfully my collection is right where I want it so I can enjoy what I have. In other words, I've decided to opt out of price increases. 😀
I may choose to follow lead on this one
 
njlam
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eugeneandresson eugeneandresson
Of the 467889 options, not a single one?!
Honestly, that is not a me problem, it is an Omega problem.

I am buying watches. Just not theirs.
 
I
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Risto Risto
I bought a brand-new .005 ref Speedmaster from Uhrinstinkt in 2019 for 3100€ (I think AD price was ca 4,6k then). Now, the cheapest is 7k. Yeah, it's a different movement, but still...
It feels horrible, however I really can't expect any luxury brand in any industry to not at least raise prices in line with inflation. In your example, it's pretty spot on: €4600 in 2019 was 5100 CHF. If you apply German inflation from mid-2019 to today to 5100 CHF, it's equivalent to 6370 CHF. That's €6900. And for that you get a better movement, stepped dial, DON bezel and a (by all accounts) miles better bracelet.

Most of us have not had our wages increase in line with inflation, which is the actual issue here. If they did, Omega would be as attainable as it has been in the past. The only solace is that it's hard to have buyer's remorse when you wouldn't get more for your money today. I'm very happy with my 2024 SMP Summer Blue.
 
M'Bob
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What will be interesting is to see if their sales keep pace with their precipitous price hikes. If they’re trying to bump their market esteem image, and sales don’t fall off, I guess they did the right thing.

At the end of the day, it’s notoriously difficult to put a market value on these things because many of them are severely overpriced to begin with, so you can only compare them to their already crazy-priced brethren. That being said (and not being a fan boy here), I think the current top Omega line is just as good as Rolex (especially if Omega were to dispense with their abundant duds), and should be priced accordingly.
 
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