So if a bunch of kids in their late teens that are glued to their smartphones are aware of Rolex and Omega, then yes, both brands have succeeded in making the masses aware of their respective brands.
When I wear an Omega watch, it's seemingly invisible to the public although it's in plain view on my wrist. And that suits me just fine. If I were to wear a Rolex, for example, in the same situations it would probably be noticed, and in the business and social circles that I move in it would likely be thought of as quite pretentious. I like the way an Omega allows me wear an excellent watch yet stay under the radar.
I've been wearing a rotation of four Omega watches for the last 9 months: a Seamaster Aqua Terra, Seamaster Planet Ocean, vintage Seamaster 33mm manual wind (1959), and a Speedmaster Cal. 1861 (with a stunning meteorite dial). Here's the " public acknowledgement/compliment"
scorecard after 9 months of regular wear:
Aqua Terra: 1
Planet Ocean: 2
Vintage Seamaster: 0
Speedmaster meteorite: 0
I get comments from time to time on my Planet Ocean. I don't think I've ever had a stranger comment on my Speedy Pro. That's what I like about Omega compared to Rolex, if you spot someone wearing one/have someone notice yours, there is a high probability they have at least a passing knowledge of watches.
Doesn't matter to me for recognized or not, I get some interest when I wear my explorer on leather, same with the 5512. No one has ever commented on either the subs or gmt or Daytona.
On Omega I get more " Beautiful watch, what is it?" Than clear recognition. They do catch the eye though, perhaps more than the Rolex, because se the PO LMLE has a lot of presence as does the AT.
As a whole I don't think they get any more or less recognized in new York than the iwc or even my Baume and Mercier which girls love because it's a vintage 34 mm gold so it's really cute.
Panerai etc are instantly recognizable.
As far as me seeing, because I live in the east village and there are tons of Asian NYU students, I see a lot of Omega around
I've found that the average person doesn't know anything about watches.
Sure, they've heard of the name rolex and probably Omega, but most people just don't care.
I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I often find myself pulling my sleeves down to hide my watch. I don't know why I feel self conscious about it sometimes.
If someone asks me how much a particular watch costs, I just tell them that I don't like talking about money. Unless it's a close family member or friend that I am comfortable around, I don't like telling people that I'm wearing a watch that costs thousands of dollars. People's reaction for the most part aren't great.
I've always been a Omega fan first and a rolex fan second. Mainly because I come from a family that has chosen Omega for almost 50 years.
These days when I see a random person wearing a modern rolex, I tend to assume he bought it because it's a rolex. The guy wearing a Speedmaster or any watch is usually someone who cares enough to not choose a rolex. Yes, it's not fair and that doesn't apply to everyone, but it's what I've found from my own personal experiences.
That said, I've been planning a purchase of a Dark Side for some time now, but worry about how noticeable it is on the wrist 😀
Interesting observations...
My experiences are as follows. A few of my friends that enjoy watches and own Submariners or Yachtmasters have noticed and commented on how they really like my Seamster 300 MC. Only my family has ever noticed my Deville Orbis blue Hour Vision.
Years ago, (about 12 years ago), someone commented on my Breitling Colt (he recognized the pilot bracelet), which is a very simple non flashy watch (was also my first automatic watch - bought in 1999). I really like that watch, and still wear it weekly. In my late 20's I bought a "flashier" Breitling as it was all the rage back in the early 2000's. It is a two tone large (44 MM I think) chronomat evolution, and it always seams to bring attention. That is probably why I never wear it much these days. I still like the watch, but I think it just brings too much attention. I think I have worn it maybe twice in the last year or so.
