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Looking for qualified response for Aqua Terra watch differences.

  1. 600 Aug 17, 2017

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    Regarding the Aqua Terra models...

    231.12.42.21.01.002 (Orange hands Aqua Terra) Caliber 8500 No METAS (41.5mm)

    231.10.42.21.01.002 (Yellow and black hands Aqua Terra) Caliber 8508 NO METAS (41.5mm)

    220.10.41.21.01.001 (Date in 6 O'clock position Aqua Terra) Caliber 8900 with METAS (41mm)


    Questions.

    1*. According to the article below METAS certified watches are individually tested. Does this really mean the watch I buy has been put through the torture of METAS protocols?

    *Source: http://www.watch-insider.com/news/w...l-suisse-des-chronometres-cosc-certification/


    2**. On website the on the non METAS watches it says greater than 15.000 Gauss. While the METAS says Reaching 15.000 Gauss. Are the non METAS watches more resistant to magnetic force than the METAS?

    3**. The special version with the Yellow and black hands has blackened screws, barrels and balance wheels. The METAS and Oranges does not have these blackened parts?

    4**. Blackened parts = DLC coating?

    **Omega's Website product sheets reveals these data.

    As the subject is already complicated with small variations to be confirmed between these movements I would appreciate any input is qualified and can be backed up with source/documentation. Thanks.
     
  2. w.finkenstaedt Aug 18, 2017

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    1) yes, each watch is tested.

    2) no, both certified and uncertified watches have the same magnetic tolerances, the only difference is tested vs untested.

    3) no, all of the new movements have these blackened parts.

    4) yes, it is DLC.
     
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  3. 600 Aug 18, 2017

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    Thanks for the reply. May I ask where you got these informations from? Are you a watchmaker within Omega or do you have a source where I can read this?

    Also, is correct to assume the calibre 8900 used in the 41mm 2017 Aqua Terra versions are superior to the 8500, 8508 and 8800 due to the evolution of Co-Axial calibre?

    Thank you.
     
  4. w.finkenstaedt Aug 18, 2017

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    From talking to one of Omega's trainers. He's responsible for training both boutiques and ADs here in the western US.

    The coaxial escapement hasn't changed in the 8900 from the 8500G (which was upgraded to a LiGA-grown coaxial wheel), but it was an upgrade over the normal 8500B.

    The METAS testing is the only difference between the 8500G and the 8900 (other than cosmetic changes); METAS testing is significant though because it's one of the only tests in the industry where individual results are available to us, and the watch is tested with the movement cased.
     
  5. 600 Aug 18, 2017

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    Interessting. The AT >15.000 Gauss version with yellow second hand has a 8508. What is this 8508 based on? Is this the 8500G or B variation?
     
  6. ctime3 Aug 18, 2017

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    Not to be a repeater which I know I have many times here. But I wonder if the new aqua terras have better or updated parts from the 8500 master co axials? I am still shocked not complaining that they are cheaper too.
     
  7. w.finkenstaedt Aug 18, 2017

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    Please see above. 8500G and 8900 are identical from a metallurgic standpoint; only cosmetic differences and testing separate the two.
     
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  8. ctime3 Aug 18, 2017

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    Thank you w
     
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  9. w.finkenstaedt Aug 18, 2017

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    Apologies for missing this post.

    The 8508 was the precursor to the 8500G; it was essentially the middle step between 8500B (silicon hairspring with no magnetism protection) and the 8500G. Other than cosmetic differences, the 8508 is the same as the 8500G to the best of my knowledge. The only part I am unsure of is which escapement wheel was used, whether it was the older one from the 8500B or the LiGA-grown version that has been used currently.
     
  10. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 18, 2017

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    The 8508 was the first 15,000 gauss movement, based on the 8500B with several parts changed. I think the reason Omega gave it a different number was to help differentiate it for marketing purposes initially, since it was more than a typical "fixing of problems" update that is given a different letter suffix. They then made an identical movement with the upgrades to the 8500 to the G version in order to roll it out across the entire line. All the parts used on the 8500G that give it the 15,000 gauss resistance are the 8508 parts - they all have "8508" in the part numbers even, so for example the co-axial wheel is 7228508G30040 for both the 8500G and the 8508.

    So the 8508 is based on the 8500B, but the 8500G is really based on the 8508...this timeline is illustrated in the release of the various revisions to the technical guides for the 8500, and the initial issue date of the 8508 technical guide, which is a completely separate document.

    This whole evolution of the caliber references was out of the ordinary for Omega. Usually they use the standard alphabetical updates so 2500A, then B, then C, and finally D. But on this one after the 8500 A and B, they then made the 8508, and then updated the 8500 to be the exact same thing, and skipped C, D, E, and F and went right to G - for Gauss maybe? Who knows, but it's all marketing driven...

    Cheers, Al
     
  11. 600 Aug 18, 2017

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    Thank you for the input mr. W and Archer.

    This is the kind of stuff I was looking for to give a better overview of whats happening behind the crystal. Nice thanks alot.

    Looks like the 41mm with 8900 is the one to go with if I really want all the latest technology.
     
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  12. Df13 Aug 18, 2017

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    FWIW, that's a bit like buying a typewriter with all the latest technology. These mechanical are primarily fun anachronisms. Just buy the one you like.
     
  13. 600 Aug 18, 2017

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    Well after understanding these A, B and G suffixes I just want to sum it all up. Correct me if Im wrong.

    1. Bumblebee 41.5mm version with the yellow/black second hand is a 8508G. Although the "G" is missing from Omega's website it is stil a G.

    2. The other 41.5mm AT with orange leather strap and orange hands comes with 8500 which is also a G version although it is not marked so.

    And in fact this orange version is indeed a newer version since 8500G is based on 8508G and not the other way around which one might be lead to believe intuivtively due to the highee number from 8500 to 8508.

    Am I right?
     
  14. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Aug 18, 2017

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    Honestly you will never notice any difference. 8500g and 8900. If there is one at all. Get the watch you like the looks of best. Planet Ocean 2500's (esp the D) in 42mm are more desirable to most people then the 8500 movement ones due to case height. There is no question that the 8500 has more bells and whistles then the 2500 but at the end of the day they are both great watches.

    But it goes 8500a then 8500b then 8508 then 8500g.
     
  15. 600 Aug 18, 2017

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    Well you are right. But when it comes to mechanical/automatic watches the small things matter to me. Knowing more of each movement and using that accumulated information to hunt down that particular watch is just apart of the process. I know I can't feel the difference, but if this is the point, I would just go with a 30 dollar quartz watch where I have a much better chance to feel the difference :)

    Also the evolution of how these calibre went from one point to another point with tiny refinements is pretty cool stuff! And I find it interesting to read about all the details.
     
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  16. Df13 Aug 18, 2017

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    Sure. I was just saying that I would choose one of these ATs based more on aesthetic reasons, simply because the movements are all so relatively similar, but to each his own. Heck, I chose an older 2500 model AT over the newer ones, because I like the case and dial much more.
     
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  17. 600 Aug 19, 2017

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    Well I understand you. And to be honest the look does have a gravity in the selection of course. But I try to not letting that effect me in the first round. :)
     
  18. Nobel Prize Spell Master! Aug 19, 2017

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    The problem is to focus on advancements alone will make you very unhappy when you have one.... and the next one comes along.
     
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  19. 600 Aug 19, 2017

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    Well thank god Im not a watch flipper then :)

    When I buy a watch that chapter ends at the moment I lay down the money and aæl the research is gone and done. I then keep it until broken or stolen.
     
  20. 600 Aug 19, 2017

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    What is this LiGA-grown stuff that is in 8500G?