newb questions

Hi Everyone,

i'm new to the forums, and also to my interest in watches. I've previously had other expensive hobbies that don't really scale (space).

I'm thinking of getting started by purchasing watches for myself and my wife (constellation or deville for her), although there's some (internal) debate going on about wether i should limit myself to a single one to start, or get... 2 😀 (ruh roh). I've always been a 1 type of guy, 1 watch, 1 pair of sunglasses etc until i get past utility and into hobby/collect mode.

I'm on the fence about choosing a speedy (311.30.42.30.01.006) or a PO (232.30.46.51.01.001) or (232.30.42.21.01.003) or (232.32.42.21.01.005), or a DSOTM. I know it all comes down to personal preference, but especially as far as the PO's are concerned i could use opinions/advice on the 2500 vs 8500 movements if anyone wants to volunteer.

My main question is mostly around expectations with an AD. Long story short, i went to an AD in the SF Bay area this weekend, and i was unimpressed, or maybe disappointed. The selection of available models was weak (what you see is what we have), inaccurate comments (this is a nato strap referring to a non-nato strap), no knowledge of the movements in the watches etc. It didn't help that when i'm looking at a 2-3 watch purchase i get told "we don't do discounts but we can throw in a strap".

What do you expect from an AD? Is it unusual to expect knowledge of the model and model names, as well as movement in each? I'd love to hear from you more experienced members what's typical, vs what's above and beyond. If you have recommendations for the bay area i'd love to hear them (and if it's not appropriate in a thread feel free to PM me). I'm asking for local because for now i'd still like to spend a little more time in person with the various watches to make up my mind. Full disclaimer, i might not purchase there this time around (total price, unsure wether i'm going NIB or pre owned, etc), but i've been known to get suckered into paying more because the experience was worth the long term relationship with a dealer.

opinions, thoughts, (flames) and rants are welcome if you'd like to help a newbie be slightly less stupid 😀
thanks!

Hello and welcome. ADs do vary substantially in quality. Omega is slowly moving away from an AD model to an entirely Boutique model. If yo go to a boutique yo (should) get much better service and knowledgeable staff. Many ADs will discount, but it might take a bit of an effort, as they are not supposed to, and don't want omega to find out.

Re 8500 v 2500, for me, the thickness is a big issue. POs with the 8500 are significantly thicker than the 2500. See here
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=247254

Personally, I don't want a brick strapped to my wrist, so have avoided the PO 8500.

What do you wear now?

Let's see.

As far as which model to get, no one here can tell you. People can give you opinions, but a watch is something personal and you should go with the one that you like best. Unless you just want to say that you have thousands of dollars strapped to your wrist. Then any model will do, Rolex is the safest bet.

In terms of movements. They are both fine, but the 2500 is thinner and some people prefer that.

If you aren't happy with your experience at an AD, find a different one. There are lots of Omega ADs that will negotiate on pricing. The boutiques will not, but I've never heard of someone having issues getting discounts on an Omega. It's almost always possible. Make a day out of it. Take a trip to a bunch of ADs and I'm sure you will find one that you like.

At this point I don't expect anything from ADs. Most people working in sales at an AD are no different from people selling things at any other store. They are just people doing a job and it's not really fair to expect them to have the same knowledge as someone who considers watches a passion.

You will never find people working at AD that have the collective knowledge that the members of this forum do. This is the absolute best place to learn before making a decision. Take your time.

thanks for that info, i hadn't realized there was a meaningful thickness difference, i'll have to try them out to compare and see how they fit.
I currently wear a tag link calibre s

completely agree that no one can tell me which model to buy, it really is a personal choice. Any suggestions on AD's in the bay area that stand out as better than some of their peers? I certainly wasn't expecting the same level of expertise as on these forums, but for some reason i was expecting an AD that carries various luxury/high end watch brands to have some level of knowledge of the product lines. Thanks!

The models you're after have been out a while...so that means big discount. Look around on ebay for guys advertising new with stamped warranty cards. Research them and see what others think. I know one that has 2 of the 4 in stock. They'll come factory sealed. Compared to OB prices it's like buying one and getting the other almost free. ruh roh.

A little update. I ended up going for 232.30.46.21.01.003. Actually that's technically not true. Due to availability i got
232.32.46.21.01.003 and a steal bracelet, and had the bracelet installed. I wanted the rubber strap to have the option of dressing it down as needed, so this worked out perfectly for me.

I also got the Mrs a ladies Aqua Terra (231.10.30.60.55.001)

Rob at Toppers in Burlingame, CA was top notch to deal with and I highly recommend him for anyone looking for a local AD in the bay area.
thanks for all the help so far!

Obligatory shitty cell phone pics

Great looking watch, good choice. Plus it is always smart to take care of the Mrs.

Could someone confirm the required spring bar part numbers for both the bracelet ( 1590/867 ) as well as the rubber strap ( 98000382 )
I thought i read they both use distinct size spring bars and i'd like to ensure i have/use the proper ones.
thanks!