Need help buying my first Omega, Part 2

cmflynn · Aug 2, 2017

Hey everyone, so after following the advice some members gave me in my first thread, I've narrowed down my search for my Seamaster 300m co-axial to two forum resellers that have stellar reputations, that are selling the same model watch I'm looking for with one distinction that I need some help deciding between. Both watches come with full Omega warranties, however one watch is a 2017 model, and the other is between 2012-2014 (they're not sure the exact year). Both are new with tags, the and the 2017 is going to be just under $400 more than the new old stock model. Am I better off spending the extra cash for the newer model? I've heard some of the early Co-Axials had problems, is 2012-14 in the date range that had problems? Also, would the fact that the watch is older mean I'd have to have it serviced sooner, even if it's never been worn? Any help is greatly appreciated, as I never thought buying a watch could be this complicated!

Bushido · Aug 2, 2017

If it was me, I would spend the extra $400 and get the 2017 piece. More time before a service is appropriate (most likely) and more likely that any kinks in the movement would have been sorted. Both are most likely perfect and will be for many years to come.

Motman · Aug 2, 2017

If it was me, I'd pay the extra for the newer model as that would ease any concerns about whether it has the latest movement. If the other one turns out to be a 2012 model, there's your $400 saving gone in one go if it needs a service!

Edit: Almost the same answer as above!

shutterlife · Aug 2, 2017

watch was released in 2014, so it couldn't have been earlier. Either way, I'd go with the 2017 model to have a fresh warranty period.

Meme-Dweller · Aug 2, 2017

shutterlife
watch was released in 2014, so it couldn't have been earlier. Either way, I'd go with the 2017 model to have a fresh warranty period.

SMP and SM300 MC are commonly confused

shutterlife · Aug 2, 2017

Meme-Dweller
SMP and SM300 MC are commonly confused

They are, but the OP didn't say SMP, So I assumed "Seamaster 300m co-axial" meant Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial.

cmflynn · Aug 2, 2017

My bad, it is in fact the SMP

Madjam1966 · Aug 3, 2017

Seems some of the 2500c movements had issues and the latest 2500d movement is improved. That said Omega allowed the 2500c to exist for 5+ years and only a few bad news stories get heard. Forums do focus on negativity; if there was a Childbirth forum mankind would cease to exist

Archer · Aug 3, 2017

Madjam1966
Seems some of the 2500c movements had issues and the latest 2500d movement is improved. That said Omega allowed the 2500c to exist for 5+ years and only a few bad news stories get heard. Forums do focus on negativity; if there was a Childbirth forum mankind would cease to exist

I can assure you the issues with the 2 level escapements were not just a small group of people complaining. If it was Omega would still be using them, and they aren't...

Madjam1966 · Aug 3, 2017

Archer
I can assure you the issues with the 2 level escapements were not just a small group of people complaining. If it was Omega would still be using them, and they aren't...

OK. But can you define 'not small'? Are we talking 100s, 1000s, 10s of thousands, ie. what kind of percentage of the 2500C model produced/sold are known to have suffered such problems? I'm still puzzled that if the C variant was so bad why was it not superseded much earlier? (ie. it was in use for at least 5 years so I understand). I am not doubting your knowledge on the matter Archer, I'm just curious as to what kind of percentage/ratio. Thanks

Archer · Aug 3, 2017

Every one that I ever serviced displayed a build-up of sticky residue on the intermediate escape wheel to some degree. Not all were bad enough to stop the watch, but they all had it.

I would guess Omega has statistics regarding how many had to come back for warranty repairs, and I'm sure you can ask them for it, but I'll be surprised if they answer. Let us know if they do.

Your impression appears to be that Omega produced the movement at point A and then went 5 years of doing nothing before switching to the D. That is not reality, as Omega tried many things in that time to resolve this problem, and only the last solution was somewhat successful - all of this was covered by Omega in co-axial training by the way...that myself and other watchmakers have taken.

The last solution does not eliminate the problem (changing to a 3 level escapement does that) but it mitigates it to a point where watches are not stopping like they once were, after a year or so of running. This is a problem that took time to show itself, and each attempt at solving it took time to determine it's effectiveness...

Meme-Dweller · Aug 3, 2017

shutterlife
They are, but the OP didn't say SMP, So I assumed "Seamaster 300m co-axial" meant Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial.

C cmflynn
My bad, it is in fact the SMP

Roasted!

Usually, the M in 300m gives a hint it is about the SMP as I have yet to see anyone call the SM300 MC a 300m.

Madjam1966 · Aug 3, 2017

Archer
Every one that I ever serviced displayed a build-up of sticky residue on the intermediate escape wheel to some degree. Not all were bad enough to stop the watch, but they all had it.

I would guess Omega has statistics regarding how many had to come back for warranty repairs, and I'm sure you can ask them for it, but I'll be surprised if they answer. Let us know if they do.

Your impression appears to be that Omega produced the movement at point A and then went 5 years of doing nothing before switching to the D. That is not reality, as Omega tried many things in that time to resolve this problem, and only the last solution was somewhat successful - all of this was covered by Omega in co-axial training by the way...that myself and other watchmakers have taken.

The last solution does not eliminate the problem (changing to a 3 level escapement does that) but it mitigates it to a point where watches are not stopping like they once were, after a year or so of running. This is a problem that took time to show itself, and each attempt at solving it took time to determine it's effectiveness...

Thanks Archer and for yr take and the explanation.

So let's say a 10 year old SMP utilising the 2500C movement continues to run smoothly and accurately, is it highly likely that the aforementioned issue is likely to have been addressed at some stage in its earlier life? And/or would it be a surprise if an unserviced example of this age could go this long without such a malfunction?

Archer · Aug 3, 2017

The problem does not go away as I've said several times. It is inherent in the design of the teeth...

Madjam1966 · Aug 3, 2017

Archer
The problem does not go away as I've said several times. It is inherent in the design of the teeth...

OK. Thanks. I have a 12m warranty on mine so will see how it behaves in that timeframe. The horologist at the jeweller is apparently co-axial trained so I can always ask if he could open up the back and do, at least, an inspection anyway (and then reseal/pressure test etc).

Need help buying my first Omega, Part 2

cmflynn

Bushido

Motman

shutterlife

Meme-Dweller

shutterlife

cmflynn

Madjam1966

Archer

Madjam1966

Archer

Meme-Dweller

Madjam1966

Archer

Madjam1966

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