Omega overshadowed by Rolex

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Is there a mechanical/functional justification for using precious metals? Or are all precious metal watches inferior to base metal watches for “real” enthusiasts?

Before stainless steel it was : silver don't rust but tarnish and oxidize lightly on surface, gold does neither. Nowadays with 316 and 904, it is more a matter of taste, color and weight (and price!), gold is not really known for its mechanical properties.
 
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Before stainless steel it was : silver don't rust but tarnish and oxidize lightly on surface, gold does neither. Nowadays with 316 and 904, it is more a matter of taste, color and weight (and price!), gold is not really known for its mechanical properties.

that’s all as I’d expect!

the (moderate) point being, then: when collectors throw out the critique that a particular watch or brand’s prices are “merely” a matter of status-signaling, that critique would appear to apply to any watch (from any brand) offered in anything other than stainless.

From that critique, I personally do not conclude that anyone with any precious metal watch is merely a status whore. Instead, I conclude that status, aesthetics, and emotion are all equally fare game reasons to motivate a person to select a particular watch/brand.

I also conclude that any collector throwing shade on a brand for being merely a status piece, better not have any precious metal watches in their collection lest they have some ‘splainin to do.

(Side note: on this topic, white gold watches have a bit of unique fuzz around them - I’d say 99/100 casual observers can’t tell if a watch is SS or white gold.)
 
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Rolex


Overshadowed by

Omega



So now we have


Seamaster - 2 year waiting list
Speedmaster - 5-7 year waiting list
Railmaster - Waiting list
Constellation - DayDate
Deville/Globemaster - Datejust
Any GMT complication - Waiting list
Planet Ocean - Waiting list

the pics there they say very clearly what's the trend is in the watch market . but let's admit it, people in general if they have more money than others , they want to show them off, buying exotic cars, homes, jewelry, watches, etc. so when comes to watches the # 1 to acquire is Rolex, period. if they would buy an Omega or Longines or others, the impression on the wrist won't be too impressive to others.
 
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the pics there they say very clearly what's the trend is in the watch market . but let's admit it, people in general if they have more money than others , they want to show them off, buying exotic cars, homes, jewelry, watches, etc. so when comes to watches the # 1 to acquire is Rolex, period. if they would buy an Omega or Longines or others, the impression on the wrist won't be too impressive to others.

Funny thing is I know a US Navy helicopter pilot (HSC 85th Fire-hawks) that had a nice GMT Rolex on a work trip and we were talking watches after work having a few beers and most there asked if it was real. He mentioned that’s the only thing that pisses him off about Rolex is most ask if it’s real the minute they see it.

(He then told the story his parents bought it for him when he graduated and he got that drunk he left it at the hall. When he woke up the next morning and rushed back, it was as the cleaners were coming in and it was still under his chair with his jacket on top)
 
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I love my Rolex 1974 Sigma Dial 1601. Completely original, untouched with sticker still on caseback.
The year of this watch is special. The Rumble in the Jungle, The Cruyff Turn, Bjorn Borg won his first Grand Slam Title and Gary Player won his triple Open Crown. But to be honest I’d take my Omega Seamaster any day of the week.


 
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Vintage golden age omega. There’s too many variations and limited release stuff from omega these days.