Seamaster vs Submariner - opinions

WatchVaultNYC

I didn't know Rolex put helium in their watches. Those oyster cases are the best though. My 1016 is very light on the wrist so the 60's helium must still be inside.

Syed117

It's a good thing I invested heavily into 904L.
Now that you mention it, maybe I need to put some money into 316.

micampe

Once my uncle dropped his gold datejust and all the helium came out.

Syed117

Anything is possible.
One time I dropped a Rolex and the hairspring fluid leaked out.
You never know.

Syed117

Now that you mention it, I remember one time when I was on the run.
Didn't have anything on me but my rolex.
Stepped right up to the departure gate, placed my rolex on the counter and they emptied the entire plane for me. Very useful.
Tried with an Omega once and they put me on the no fly list.

Foo2rama

Yup that noble non reactive helium really protects those dials. Shame when it gets out and the dial suffers.
Rolex was getting that bad helium for years the impurities lead to so many tropical dials. Omega with the NASA connections for high quality helium from the US strategic Helium reserves. Hence far less Tropical dials.

Nobel Prize

As long as you don't drop it too hard it doesn't leak. On ceramic pieces it just explodes which is why they crack so easily. Personally I like the watch a little heavier so I always use the helium escape valve to take out 50%

Nobel Prize

As long as you don't drop it too hard it doesn't leak. On ceramic pieces it just explodes which is why they crack so easily. Personally I like the watch a little heavier so I always use the helium escape valve to take out 50%

Syed117

This has been a great thread.

EatMan

+1. Learned so much!!! 😁

Jking

I feel like this thread is suddenly somehow relevant here now:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/big-problem-with-helium-escape.39163/

Nobel Prize

can you? really? when was the last time you saw an airport counter take a rolex as pay...they can't even take cash anymore.

Jking

I feel like this thread is suddenly somehow relevant here now:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/big-problem-with-helium-escape.39163/

U ulackfocus

You guys missed that thread originally? It's what we base ALL our helium comments on.

dennisthemenace

A submariner looks almost identical to a 2254? Are you serious?

M Marcus09

I would agree with you except for the fact that Rolex has patented almost everything in the luxury watch industry. Heck they invented the very meaning of mechanical watches. They invented the date window, the waterproof, gmt... And the list goes on and on. You can't say that Rolex is what Rolex is today because of some naming like Audi. Audi is just another iteration of VW. They're just better built. Can we say that Omega is a Swatch but better built? Of course not. They are top notch engineering watches. Rolex is an A+ category watch. Not because they're cheaper than Pateck Philippe that it means they're worse. But they have a different aspect and view of luxury watches. Maybe you can compare Audi with Longines for instance. But to my view, even Omega is higher than Audi. You know, I compared Rolex and Omega to Ferrari and RR before. You do know that there are better than those like Pagani and Koenigsegg... But thing is, Ferrari is for cars what Rolex is for watches: they make very performant pieces in house. I'm still fan for both Rolex and omega and will never buy other brands for the only reason that they do what they do in a conventional way, their way, Rolex more. Other brands try to differentiate themselves from the classic but I don't like it. So you see? We're all friends here, I like Omega and Rolex. I got 2 Omegas that I ❤️: the limited edition 007 (2008) and the Moonwatch (2011)

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2nastie

People often like to compare things relatively. And growing up around the auto industry as a background ("luxury" - Mercedes +), I won't put Rolex in the realm of Patek as an example.

What Rolex means to watches is what Mercedes mean to cars. That's a proper comparison.

Rolex is dominant across all the mid levels of watches and borderline high-end with certain watches. They do multiple "models" like Mercedes and has a perceived luxury to it created through years and decades of brand building. Mercedes was never intended to be a luxury brand when it started but over the years they believe they can establish themselves to be better than an average car brand so they pushed the market and the results is what it is today. Rolex did the same thing, pushed from a working mans watch to a more luxury but still "everyday" watch.

Everyone dreams about a Patek or Ferrari but might not be able to get one. Everyone strives for a Mercedes or Rolex, and for the most is able to achieve one.

Omega I believe is like an Audi. Category wise, it's suppose to be like a Rolex similar to an Audi being a competitor with Mercedes. Public brand perception wise, people always seem to perceive one is better than the other and the diehards will always fight either way. We know Mercedes "dominates" a bit more similar to Rolex and it's dominance. VW did not create Audi, it was bought by the VW group. Similar circumstances with the Swatch group and Omega (although that was a merger). Therefore, Swatch & VW will always have the ultimate influence over its subsidiaries.

Patek is the Ferrari of watches or Ferrari is the Patek of watches. It has always been the penultimate brand and class. Quality, design, prestige, heritage, etc. It started out on the top and has continued to be on top. They haven't jumped a level like Rolex or Mercedes cause they were always the best at what they do.

But who has a stronger brand? Mercedes and Rolex both have stronger brands. You put those two logos and compare it to the logos of Ferrari and Patek... ask the world which is more recognised and Mercedes and Rolex will both stand out first. But it doesn't mean they are the ultimate car or watch. I am pretty sure most people won't say Rolex is the ultimate watch. Never.

Pagani and Koenigsegg are not even close to these brands or Ferrari. It's like saying Laurent Ferrier or FP Journe are better watches than a Patek. Those brands can compete with the models they create but brand wise... It isn't even a close competition. They are just independent car manufactures creating a minimal dent in the market. They are great watches or cars, but definitely not a close discussion piece.


EDIT:

As an opinion, I might even stretch to say this:
Not everyone likes a Mercedes same goes for Rolex. The brand power brings it success but also brings the hate as well.

I cringe a bit when I see Rolex and Ferrari on the same sentence.

Ferrari rarely gets hate (unless someone drives and shows it off like a total prick)... same with Patek. Both these groups (Patek and Ferrari) have always focused and built the best respective products they can put out. They built a watch to be a watch and a sports car to be a sports car. The rest of the brands have became a public fashion accessory more than the primary product they are meant to be... again, also because of branding.