Rolex vs Omega

Posts

10

Likes

38

PilotSports

·Dec 6, 2022

It all started 35 years ago when I was 5, and my uncle came to visit. He was a Vietnam vet who (miraculously) survived 2 tours of duty without a scratch. On his way home he bought himself a Rolex Submariner as a “congratulations” gift he use to jokingly say. Ever since then I’ve wanted one. Now, after 5+ years of saving and 6+ months on an AD’s wait list I still can’t buy one. This combined with Rolex’s recent announcement of their certified pre-owned program has made me realize I most likely won’t be able to buy a Submariner from an AD for the foreseeable future. It’s really turned me off from Rolex. Takeaway the sentimentality and name, and I can’t help but ask what makes a Rolex Submariner better than, say, an Omega Moonwatch or even a Seamaster? Is it really just the name? If so, I can’t see why a person who, like me, isn’t a collector and wants to buy a Submariner to wear everyday, wouldn’t just save themselves $3k, or more if buying second hand, and buy a Moonwatch.

I’m genuinely interested to know from those who know more about watches than I do. What sets Rolex apart (aside from the name) from Omega?

Appreciate the insight!

 

Posts

24,239

Likes

53,977

Dan S

·Dec 6, 2022

New Rolex Submariners from gray dealers are now only slightly more expensive than MSRP and they are showing up at ADs more and more often. If you want a Sub, you want a Sub, and you won't convince yourself to be happy with a Seamaster ... it's an emotional thing.

 

Posts

10

Likes

38

PilotSports

·Dec 6, 2022

Dan S

New Rolex Submariners from gray dealers are now only slightly more expensive than MSRP.

But how do you know it’s an authentic Rolex and not a fake?

 

Posts

24,239

Likes

53,977

Dan S

·Dec 6, 2022

PilotSports

But how do you know it’s an authentic Rolex and not a fake?

The big gray dealers are very reputable. Do your research.

 

Posts

6,187

Likes

21,184

pdxleaf

·Dec 6, 2022·"I cut it TWICE and it's still short!"

There are several youtube videos comparing subs vs Seamasters. You might find these helpful.

It's not that we don't want to help. Its just your question is very broad. Kindof like what's better, BMW or Porsche

 

Posts

3,196

Likes

33,327

Duracuir1

·Dec 6, 2022·Never Used A Kodak

And Rolex is way way way better than Omega.

Here are photos of my watch collection.

 

C

Posts

12

Likes

80

ChetanP

·Dec 6, 2022

pdxleaf

There are several youtube videos comparing subs vs Seamasters. You might find these helpful.

It's not that we don't want to help. Its just your question is very broad. Kindof like what's better, BMW or Porsche

There is no ambiguity there, but that's a whole different thread ;-)

 

Posts

24,239

Likes

53,977

Dan S

·Dec 6, 2022

Duracuir1

And Rolex is way way way better than Omega.

Here are photos of my watch collection.

Looks like you omitted your 5513. 😗

 

Posts

3,196

Likes

33,327

Duracuir1

·Dec 6, 2022·Never Used A Kodak

Dan S

Looks like you omitted your 5513. 😗

They are all great watches but you are right Dan, if OP has the itch for a Sub, it will not be scratched with a Moonwatch.

 

Posts

4,713

Likes

23,819

vbrad26

·Dec 6, 2022

pdxleaf

There are several youtube videos comparing subs vs Seamasters. You might find these helpful.

It's not that we don't want to help. Its just your question is very broad. Kindof like what's better, BMW or Porsche

Um, Porsche. Duh lol.

 

Posts

1,484

Likes

8,113

NGO1

·Dec 6, 2022

pdxleaf

Kindof like what's better, BMW or Porsche

Um, Porsche. Duh lol.

 

Posts

6,187

Likes

21,184

pdxleaf

·Dec 6, 2022·"I cut it TWICE and it's still short!"

vbrad26

Um, Porsche. Duh lol.

👍

(Just throwing BMW owners a bone. 😁)

 

Posts

1,484

Likes

8,113

NGO1

·Dec 6, 2022

pdxleaf

👍

(Just throwing BMW owners a bone. 😁)

but if you can teach them to drive, we would appreciate it 😀 Id like to sign my wife up.
(I like the direction of this thread)

 

Posts

8,711

Likes

14,617

efauser

·Dec 6, 2022

Aren't there already 100 threads on this subject, or am I thinking of WUS?

 

Posts

4,997

Likes

18,549

Shabbaz

·Dec 6, 2022

PilotSports

What sets Rolex apart (aside from the name) from Omega?

You buy a rolex to impress a car salesman, you buy a Omega to impress a watchmaker. Or was that IWC...? 📖

 

Posts

9,733

Likes

54,422

gbesq

·Dec 6, 2022

Ok, the condensed version of the debate:

For Rolex: 100% brand recognition; excellent resale value; very good build quality; history/tie-ins (James Bond, Sir Edmund Hillary, LOTS of celebrity wearers).

Against Rolex: Expensive for what you get and “lnvestors”/speculators/flippers make it worse; many models not readily available/waiting lists/OB/AD attitude and games; 100% brand recognition (thieves, muggers and burglars also recognize Rolex); dated styling and the cyclops is awful (my opinion); glacial pace of technological innovation; too common/not distinctive (nearly every doctor and lawyer wears one); no high horology; PALM FRONDS (look it up).

For Omega: Very good build quality; good value for price paid; high level of technological innovation; some high horology; attractive styling (with certain exceptions); most models readily available; history/tie-ins (James Bond, Olympics, NASA); lesser target for crime

Against Omega: 70% brand recognition; fair resale value; ridiculous number of limited editions (but getting better), heritage models and not so great commercial tie-ins (eg, some tacky Bond watches); second fiddle reputation.

My pick: Omega all day, every day, but I do like the Rolex Submariner

Edited: Dec 7, 2022

 

Posts

13,695

Likes

53,497

Larry S

·Dec 6, 2022·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

good point @efauser … dug my bottle out. No good can come of this.

 

Posts

4,593

Likes

10,810

janice&fred

·Dec 6, 2022

PilotSports

Ever since then I’ve wanted one.

Well I've got your solution. You've been looking for the wrong watch at your AD. New subs ain't the same as what your uncle had, not even close. You need to save up a bit more and buy a 35 year old submariner. Readily available at most vintage watch dealer brick and mortar shops and reputable online dealers. THAT watch on your wrist would look familiar.

 

Posts

3,064

Likes

19,380

Aroxx

·Dec 6, 2022

PilotSports

I can’t see why a person who, like me, isn’t a collector and wants to buy a Submariner to wear everyday, wouldn’t just save themselves $3k, or more if buying second hand, and buy a Moonwatch.

I would argue the opposite on this. If you’re going to do one and done then pony up and buy once what you really want. Could potentially be cheaper than buying the wrong watch and taking a loss. Good idea to explore other options if you’re open to it. I’m not sure exactly how hard it is to get a sub but I think if you really want the sub then be patient and get that.

 

Posts

687

Likes

823

bananapeanut

·Dec 6, 2022

My advice, focus on the model you want rather than the brand. Speedmaster, Submariner, Seamaster, Daytona and GMT Master II are awesome watches and who makes them does not matter all that much. Money is almost irrelevant because they maintain their value pretty well. I'm convinced that if the Speedmaster Professional retailed for $8,000, Omega would sell just as many of them as they do now. Same for the Seamaster. They're not expensive enough and that's Omega's main problem in my opinion.

Edited: Dec 6, 2022