Recent Omega Negativity

pdxleaf

They haven't actually stayed the same. The new references have cases that look too big in comparison, and the 32XX issues.

Like many people, I much prefer many of the 5 digit references. Not that this impacts Omega at all. Just saying.

njlam

I am sorry to read this as I am usually in agreement with you.

Perhaps my perspective is due my interest in watches is renewed, and perhaps more modern/recent.

As I have said earlier in this thread, I have always felt Rolex is aspirational. Part of this is because their watches have a timeless way about them. Style if you will, where a Sub looks like a Sub, a DayDate looks like a DayDate so on, and always will. The same is true for their bracelets.

I admit the quality of the Rolex bracelets have probably improved immensely over the years, but my experience has only been with the modern models and they have all been great. The point here is the Rolex bracelets have not changed in appearance much over the years and their recognizability has made them iconic.

Omega, IN MY OPINION, does not have bracelets that are attractive, so TO ME, the fact they haven't changed much isn't a positive. They are certainly not timeless, and perhaps this is partially why most Omega watch models are considered "strap monsters" (nobody likes the bracelets they come with).

In my case, my motivation for buying the most recent no date Seamaster diver was motivated by the fact that it did not come with the very tired-looking "tank track" bracelet (too busy, very 90s). Because I never felt their bracelets were part of an overall "Omega" look, I always thought they could be better, at least from an aesthetic perspective.

On the Speedmaster Pro, the bracelet has had so many little changes over the years, it is impossible to feel the design is one for the ages. The current Speedy bracelet, while comfortable looks like it was designed by ChatGPT. Personally, I like the flat-link style that came on my 321.

I guess at the end of the day, I think one company makes nice looking bracelets and the other does not. I am hoping the one that does not recognizes the low-lying fruit in designing nicer looking bracelets. For me, this would increase the number of Omegas in my watchbox.

YMMV

reggie_v

Very interesting thread to read through. I agree that the YouTube personalities and influencers should be ignored to a degree. Their opinions are manufactured and during Covid when Rolex prices were sky high they loved omega.

That isn’t to say omega should get away without criticism though. I’ve mainly been an omega fanboy throughout my entire watch collecting hobby having owned first gen AT’s the 36mm Railmaster. A 2020 seamaster 300m. Speedies etc etc. i learnt a lot about my tastes through that journey and finally fell in love with vintage. The proportions and the designs just hit right.

Say what you want about Rolex, and oh do people love to hate Rolex. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a more solid, usable and proportionate watch. I’ve had 3 date justs and they hit that sweet spot of being just right. Much like the 60s omegas do.

I think omega of late seems to focus constantly on wow factor. What hits right on social media. Think panda dial speedy, Aqua Terra shades. I think if anything they should be focusing on refinement. I actually don’t dislike the aforementioned watches, but omega needs to move towards proportions again. Slimmer cases, less gaudy designs. Tastes and shifting towards a more refined designed language again and omega seems to be stuck in the 2010s.

It’s funny because I prefer the look of a speedy over a Daytona, I prefer the look of a seamaster 300m over a sub, Aqua Terra and date just I’d say are tied because they’re a different vibe. But when it comes down to what I’d choose I’d like but neither but offered them for free I’d take the Rolex for proportions.

Omega has been rushing to get out price increase after price increase but hasn’t been rushing so much to refine any of their products. I mean how long did it take to get any kind of micro adjust on any watch? How long have people been calling about for a proper clasp on the Aqua Terra just so we can get a more accurate fit… too little too late I’m afraid.

Nonetheless I have absolutely no loyalty to any brand. Both are just massive corporations who don’t care about what I think. But that doesn’t detract from the fact that I wholeheartedly love products from both brands and all brands. We may not always love what they put out, but styles change, our tastes change. We’ll always find a little slice of history from which we can pick out the good.

Hence why own 60s Connie’s and a 90s Datejust. It works for me and that’s all that matters.

Still, I do hope one day omega will release a new model that I truly desire… at a price that a normal mortal can afford.

reggie_v

Think it goes to show they’re not selling well. However I’m referring to the pie pan constellations of the 60s not the newer manhattan style ones. In all fairness I don’t dislike them. I just don’t like them enough to buy one. Bit too quirky

M M.Alessa

The ugly truth about morgan stanely report and the watch market in general since 2020 is simple

1- Brand value : Watches with high value retention / appreciation = higher demand
2- Less is more
3- Building Hype and creating demand.
4- Improved marketing strategy that link Omega watches with something special like sucess, recognition, human cause, historical accomplishment that would create a visual emotion that is attached to the watch in the mind of the public.

Omega need to cut their portfolio by 30% and get rid of all the slow moving models that are traded (new) at a big discount of 40% in the secondary market. I can think of many models that no one know they exist or care about.

They need to discontinue some of their popular models like Snoopy / James Bond seamaster (and come with new ones) to create hype and to improve resale value and to shake the community every now and then.

They should have more control of their best seeling models like Speedys and Seamasters in order not to flood the market and impact scondary pricing.

They need to refine their bracelets like they did with the Speedy, reduce case thickness, and come up with new innovations. Also, consider increasing warranty to 8 - 10 years for coaxial movements.

Discontinue the moonswatch collaboration as its been too long and is diluting the brand.

I am not saying they need to be like Rolex, but they need to be more refined, more recognized and more creative if they are looking to remain relevant especially with their current prices.

M M.Alessa

Improved marketing strategy that link Omega watches with something special like sucess, recognition, human cause, historical accomplishment that would create a visual emotion that is attached to the watch in the mind of the public.

spacemission

I don't believe omega needs to create another monster.

M M.Alessa

Most of the successful brands in Morgan stanley report have the following criteria:
1- Limited Avilability
2- Value Appreciation/ Retention

Omega is the opposite, you can not swim against the current and expect to survive. IWC- Tudor - Brietling- Longines are all closing the gap with Omega.

Buying a $10k watch is not an easy decision for 99% let alone losing 40-50% the minute you walk out the AD. When Omega popular models used to cost between $3.5k - $5k losing $1.5k was not a big issue as it is now.

I am not saying Omega needs to copy Rolex, not at all, but at the same time they do not need to flood the market and dilute the brand intentionally. On the contrary, they can build a much more loyal base of clients that would get appreciate Omega better and look to collect more pieces.

I do not really know where does Omega stand today in the LUXURY watch market and where they are headed in the next 5 years, if they keep their current strategy.