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Omega @ Baselworld 2016

Riviera Paradise
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abrod520 abrod520
It's really not a bad-looking watch - it's simply those polished surrounds on the markers & numerals that turn me off. To me, watches are about the small details, and I find that post-1016 era, while the Explorer I gets the big stuff right, the small stuff is wrong. If it had a painted dial like the 1016, I'd be all over it!

1016 versus 214270....not a fair contest馃榾
 
yinzerniner
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abrod520 abrod520
It's really not a bad-looking watch - it's simply those polished surrounds on the markers & numerals that turn me off. To me, watches are about the small details, and I find that post-1016 era, while the Explorer I gets the big stuff right, the small stuff is wrong. If it had a painted dial like the 1016, I'd be all over it!

So true. While I understand that market trends pretty much dictate "applied markers on everything" oftentimes this detracts from the pure harmony of a dial. That being said, I truly believe the 1016 that Al posted could have easily been replicated in the newer release with smaller polished surrounds on the markers with the older style text and it would have turned out like gangbusters.
 
abrod520
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yinzerniner yinzerniner
the 1016 ... could have easily been replicated in the newer release

All Rolex has to do is go back to a painted dial. The Explorer design is perfection. But "shiny bling" sells better than "all-time classic" and Rolex knows that, and so we have this. The Daytona has the same problem.
 
Archer
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abrod520 abrod520
Ughhh as said previously in this thread (or possibly elsewhere) it pains me to no end that 36mm is just too small for my wrist - I want so badly to be able to wear a 1016 but just can't 馃檨 because

That. Is. Gorgeous.

Which is why the 39mm Explorer I would be so perfect if only it had a painted dial...

I wear from 35 mm to 44 mm, so I can pull of 36 just fine. The real problem here is that the watch I posted is not mine, I only serviced it. It was a family watch handed down so no chance of buying it off the owner either...馃檨
 
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And it's not just the Explorer. They could issue a non date sub with painted dial as well etc etc

Same for Omega by the way
 
Riviera Paradise
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abrod520 abrod520
All Rolex has to do is go back to a painted dial. The Explorer design is perfection. But "shiny bling" sells better than "all-time classic" and Rolex knows that, and so we have this. The Daytona has the same problem.
So true.on the Daytona麓s馃憤
 
Jones in LA
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Same for Omega by the way

My sentiment exactly. How many non-date watches are in Omega's catalogue right now? Like 3? Speedmaster cal. 1861, a replica vintage diver, and platinum Globemaster? Omega needs to be much more adventurous in this regard. (Imagine that -- being adventurous by removing something).

Addendum: it was Omega's lack of non-date watches that first prompted me to look seriously into other maker's catalogues, Rolex and Jaeger LeCoultre in particular.
Edited:
 
meganfox17
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
I promise that I will try and not post any more comments on the Rolex Explorer 1馃榾, but....Monochrome Watches have just put together a great piece with some very good pictures for the new version....I really can麓t see much "shiny" stuff here @abrod520...

https://monochrome-watches.com/role...s-new-indexes-2016-edition-live-photos-price/

If these pictures capture what the watch will look live, I will certainly be very interested.

I think this new Explorer 1 could actually manage to be more "sporty/casual" than a SS bracelet AT but at the same time more formal than a Sub (which some feel comfortable using with a tuxedo馃榾).



Great point and I think it is directly related to two factors:

1) The confused, over designed range Omega has delivered so far for Basel 2016...leading to frustration for those who actually admire the brand.

2) A demonstration that this debating space is a democratic forum with non-biased opinions on watch brands, au contraire to some Rolex Fan Boy forums where everything Omega does is always put down, independent of true worth.

Cheers
Dear @Riviera Paradise

Please Dont Stop Your discussions on the New Explorer...! Just Amazing.. I'm cheering You all the way ok ...With utmost Admiration & Respect.. .....the Way You force your way through the crowd in Baselworld , Countering & CounterArguing .Counter counter Arguing......errrr....well ... Arguments after arguments....
Does this make ANY sense to You ? [emoji14] [emoji1] Do You know Who You remind Me of Right Now ?

I dont know what's wrong with me Riviera but... You are just like Atticus Finch starring Gregory Pack ....!
I'm sure You know the name of the movie ..right ?

It's really a Fascinating Wealth of knowledge watching all The Gladiators here battling in out on the Colosseum [emoji14]
 
Riviera Paradise
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Well Gents...we can all dream along with what we would like Rolex and Omega to do, but I don麓t think painted dials are on the cards any time soon...

I still think that right now the new Explorer 1 could be the best daily-beater / sporty-to-less formal business watch you can buy below US$9K (what would be the alternatives?)...and I intend to to buy one if the wrist test checks out OK馃榾......and if I don麓t fall in "extreme love" with some Grand Seiko麓s during my stay in NY..."extreme love" because the rational purchase based on concerns with reliability, serviceability will always favour Rolex vs Grand Seiko.

There...that is hopefully my final post on the Explorer 1 on this thread. I will now leave the "arena", although I could be back by popular demand (ref. Miss Megan麓s post) for an encore...馃榿
 
Riviera Paradise
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Jones in LA Jones in LA
Omega needs to be much more adventurous in this regard. (Imagine that -- being adventurous by removing something).
This. 馃憤馃憤馃憤馃憤馃憤馃憤馃憤馃榾馃榾馃榾馃榾馃榾馃榾
 
yinzerniner
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
Well Gents...we can all dream along with what we would like Rolex and Omega to do, but I don麓t think painted dials are on the cards any time soon...

I still think that right now the new Explorer 1 could be the best daily-beater / sporty-to-less formal business watch you can buy below US$9K (what would be the alternatives?)...and I intend to to buy one if the wrist test checks out OK馃榾......and if I don麓t fall in "extreme love" with some Grand Seiko麓s during my stay in NY..."extreme love" because the rational purchase based on concerns with reliability, serviceability will always favour Rolex vs Grand Seiko.

There...that is hopefully my final post on the Explorer 1 on this thread. I will now leave the "arena", although I could be back by popular demand (ref. Miss Megan麓s post) for an encore...馃榿

Man, a daily beater for less than $9k. I LOVE where your head's at....

In all seriousness the SM300 MC is damn near perfect for a daily watch in my eyes. Straight lugs, matte dial, non-applied indices, modern case and movement tech, no date. I don't mind the dial as I think the color works strictly as an aesthetic choice and I don't subscribe to the thought that Omegas trying to "fake age" or "faux vintage" the piece. The only real negative is the 15mm thickness - while it feels a bit thinner on the wrist it's still too much.

But if you're looking for even simpler alternatives for a modern do everything piece why not stray from the Swiss? Nomos Ahoi Atlantik, GS (as you mentioned) or Sinn 556. As for reliability, I'll pit Seiko against Rolex any day of the week.
 
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meganfox17 meganfox17
Dear @Riviera Paradise

Please Dont Stop Your discussions on the New Explorer...! Just Amazing.. I'm cheering You all the way ok ...With utmost Admiration & Respect.. .....the Way You force your way through the crowd in Baselworld , Countering & CounterArguing .Counter counter Arguing......errrr....well ... Arguments after arguments....
Does this make ANY sense to You ? [emoji14] [emoji1] Do You know Who You remind Me of Right Now ?

I dont know what's wrong with me Riviera but... You are just like Atticus Finch starring Gregory Pack ....!
I'm sure You know the name of the movie ..right ?

It's really a Fascinating Wealth of knowledge watching all The Gladiators here battling in out on the Colosseum [emoji14]
Except on that example on the sequel he would be a racist man and buy an Invicta
 
Cjsparky
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abrod520 abrod520
It's very simple, and that's commendable for sure. But it's still so shiny - it'd be much much better without any shiny bits on the dial at all.

Never been partial to the Rolex, but the new Explorer is making me re-think my next watch purchase. Not REALLY making me re-think it, but just a bit. 3572.50 is still #1 on my radar 馃榾
 
abrod520
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They could issue a non date sub with painted dial

We can only dream! I would probably spontaneously combust with excitement if they did that (and returned to the slim lugs, while we're dreaming...)

Omega's not great in that regard either, true.... though as @yinzerniner says, I think the Seamaster 300 MC reissue did very very well! I will have one, one day... if I can stop spending all my money on vintage watches. Without shiny dials. 馃槤
 
off
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Seems all the new offerings are akin to a fashion designer coming out with something for the sake of being different. Perhaps with the exception of the CK2998 LE, some of these garish bezels and dials will be out of fashion in two to three years time. Fine by me, more $$$$ to spend in the watches for sale section here! 馃榾

There is something to be learned from Rolex whether you love them or hate them they have kept the progress of their sports line very evolutionary. The folks at Rolex Forums are fawning over the ceramic Daytona!
 
abrod520
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Cjsparky Cjsparky
Never been partial to the Rolex, but the new Explorer is making me re-think my next watch purchase. Not REALLY making me re-think it, but just a bit. 3572.50 is still #1 on my radar 馃榾

Why not a 3592.50? Nice creamy tritium patina.... ::stirthepot::
 
Cjsparky
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abrod520 abrod520
Why not a 3592.50? Nice creamy tritium patina.... ::stirthepot::

I thought about it, but this will be my "Daily Driver" so I am looking for a newer movement, and working lume. I am progressively getting the bug however, and don't doubt I may wind up with a vintage Speedy at some point...but Ill probably go older 馃榾

Edit - WAS most interested in the 3573.50 Sapphire Sammy, but I do like the look of the hesalite more...
 
Davidt
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Archer Archer
I could not possibly be more "with you" on that one mate!



Cheers, Al

Urrgggg. The new Explorer looks great until you compare it to the real thing.

The applied markers are the only thing holding me back on this. I'll have to see it in the flesh, but I just wonder if a new Railmaster with non applied, lume filled cut outs and a shot blasted dial, as per the 300, would blow it away.
 
Nobel Prize
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I think it would blow it away within the watch collector and hobbyist Comunity, but not within the main market. As long as the case size and thickness fall into a classic proportion. Because that is another advantage of the explorer, that oyster case even at 39 mm is fairly elegant and slim.
 
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