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Caliber561
·No surprise, the 31XX movements have been around and refined 30+ years. 32XX is going to have some growing pains.
So Rolex showed us the September news. When is Omega getting to it?
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Archer
··Omega Qualified WatchmakerWell, there's no officially identified reason for the issue, as far as I know. There are a number of threads on TRF that document this wear occurring across watches equipped with a 32XX series movement. It seems that the pivot for seconds wheel within the center wheel wears prematurely and causes amplitude to drop rapidly. I'm not a watchmaker so I don't really know what the issue is, but to be honest, I'm rather surprised that Rolex hasn't issued a fix for this considering the issue has apparently been around since the movement series' launch.
On a somewhat related note, I've also heard that the mainspring barrel for the 3235 is sealed & unserviceable, so buyers will be forced to send their watches to RSCs. At this point, they're basically just batteries.
EDIT: Not sure if you've already heard about this as well, but apparently the 3235 ceramic ball bearings are easily damaged when shocked. Since the bearing isn't removable, the entire rotor has to be replaced.
Regarding the barrel, it's not like the older "sealed" barrels in Zodiacs and Longines, but the barrel wall has been made so thin and flimsy, that trying to open the barrel will damage it beyond repair. This was in part due to fitting a longer mainspring in it to increase the power reserve.
Unfortunately more and more companies that use ball bearings in the rotor, are not making the bearing something that can be replaced. In many of the older models, like the 1120, 2500, etc. you can replace the bearing and I do this often...here is how it's done.
The rotor is mounted into a fixture that holder the bearing firmly:
A tool is used to rotate a locking ring - this ring is what mounts the bearing to the rotor:
The new bearing is placed into the fixture, the rotor is placed on top, and the locking ring is installed:
Just takes a few minutes. On some older Omega movements, you can't do this. For example on the Omega's that use the ETA 7750 as a base, instead of using the normal 7750 arrangement that has a locking ring:
They burnish the bearing into the rotor, so the rotor is replaced in it's entirety:
The same is true for the 8800 series, as you can see here there's no locking ring - the entire rotor is replaced:
This is not a good trend, but it continues...
Cheers, Al
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buramu
·On a positive note, one of the good things about Omega not being like Rolex is that around here you get a lot less "investor"-type discussion and much more "enthusiast"-type banter.
At least I find the latter much more interesting and pleasant 👍
At least I find the latter much more interesting and pleasant 👍
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Wetworks
·That is just closing your eyes for reality. The Rolex formula is working and they outsell every watch brand out there. Omega would love to be in a position where the market demand is higher than what they can supply.
Bit of a strawman argument there. Watch enthusiast asked other watch enthusiasts what they feel Omega must do to counter/answer the new releases made by a competitor. My answer was that they don't need to because they've previously released new models, and said models are readily available. Rolex cannot say the same, and it's not solely because of market demand.
Rolex sells watches, everyone knows this. So does Swatch group, LMVH, and Richemont (just not as much). None of them are sitting around their HQs worrying about having an 'answer' to Rolex's tepid release, trust me.
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dstfno
·Bit of a strawman argument there. Watch enthusiast asked other watch enthusiasts what they feel Omega must do to counter/answer the new releases made by a competitor. My answer was that they don't need to because they've previously released new models, and said models are readily available. Rolex cannot say the same, and it's not solely because of market demand.
Rolex sells watches, everyone knows this. So does Swatch group, LMVH, and Richemont (just not as much). None of them are sitting around their HQs worrying about having an 'answer' to Rolex's tepid release, trust me.
With all due respect, but I don't really get any of your points. Do you mean that Omega's (Seamaster) catalogue is perfect and they shouldn't do any releases (this year)? Are you saying that having remaining stock is better than selling everything you can produce? And what do LMVH and Richemont have to do with this?
The Seamaster is competing directly with the Submariner so of course Omega will care what their rival does. Obviously Omega wasn't waiting for Rolex to take any action, their roadmap for the next two years is quite possibly already planned. But I would bet my house on the fact that there will be a meeting at Omega HQ soon enough to discuss today's release and how it could impact their business.
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Bugbait
·...But I would bet my house on the fact that there will be a meeting at Omega HQ soon enough to discuss today's release and how it could impact their business.
What is there is discuss though? It's not like Rolex are even releasing a new colour combination which tends to send people into a spin. The Submariner increased in size by 1mm, yep the Seamaster did that in 2018. Rolex upgraded the movement, it was overdue and one that has been in use since 2015? Submariners have a strong demand already so it's not like the announcement today has really changed anything.
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dstfno
·What is there is discuss though? It's not like Rolex are even releasing a new colour combination which tends to send people into a spin. The Submariner increased in size by 1mm, yep the Seamaster did that in 2018. Rolex upgraded the movement, it was overdue and one that has been in use since 2015? Submariners have a strong demand already so it's not like the announcement today has really changed anything.
But in all seriousness, as Rolex hasn't changed the diameter and lug width of the sub since 60 years, the update is in fact quite huge. They were reluctant to follow the big watch trend and them making their most important model bigger could mean they are embracing it.
What will Omega make of it, I really don't know. Maybe it's the new colorful (and imo awful) Oyster Perpetual models that will have the product managers worried? But in all certainty, it will be a topic of discussion.
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Robert-Jan
··#SpeedyTuesdayThey have Oct the 5th
and
Some special thing “Outside the square“ At the end of the year hinted by @Robert-Jan from Fratello
Huh? Not sure what you are referring to, tbh.
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Archer
··Omega Qualified WatchmakerAs the title says, when do we get to see what Omega has decided to officially do?
Prices going up, things getting added or discontinued?
Prices went up as expected. Not sure what else you believe is required...
The people saying that Omega must somehow "respond" to this new release by Rolex, I'm not sure why you think they need to do anything but stick to their current plan.
Product launches are planned out well in advance, and Rolex increasing case size by a mm really isn't significant, as much as the Rolex guys think it is. Will it be talked about? Yes I'm sure it will just as any new release by a competitor would be, but this isn't some earth shattering news by any means. No one is going to pivot 180 on a plan or something because of these "new" releases...
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STANDY
·Huh? Not sure what you are referring to, tbh.
Wasn’t there a comment near the end, in one of your talks earlier In the year. Something different or bold ( don’t remember exactly ) was the comment !
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dennisthemenace
·None of them are sitting around their HQs worrying about having an 'answer' to Rolex's tepid release, trust me.
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Dedlock
·Omega can go back to focusing on fixing their constellation line and give us that Globemaster gmt model for the ages.
And why is it whenever Rolex fanatics are backed into corner they keep bringing up sales, limited editions and discounts.
Why is it bad for us the consumers to get spoilt for choice and get discounts on watches that appeal to us?
And why is it whenever Rolex fanatics are backed into corner they keep bringing up sales, limited editions and discounts.
Why is it bad for us the consumers to get spoilt for choice and get discounts on watches that appeal to us?
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buramu
·I’m fairly certain that their unofficial discount policy is factored into the official prices. I reckon that’s part of the image they want to broadcast: an upscale brand that is sometimes willing to cut you a personalized deal.
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Scooterino36
·Omega can go back to focusing on fixing their constellation line and give us that Globemaster gmt model for the ages.
And why is it whenever Rolex fanatics are backed into corner they keep bringing up sales, limited editions and discounts.
Why is it bad for us the consumers to get spoilt for choice and get discounts on watches that appeal to us?
While my current collection is focused on Omega, I personally as a consumer don’t even look at Rolex as a viable alternative. Pricepoint and availability are barely comparable. I keep closer tabs on Tudor and IWC and what they are up to that could draw me away from Omega.
I follow Rolex news as a watch enthusiast interested in many brands, but not as a consumer.
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Tipofthehat
·I'm just in shock by Rolex stinker of a reveal.
1mm increases in case size, ceramic bezels, updated movement to bring upto market standard, rehash of older colours, price hike and slew of discontinuations to send grey market prices even higher.
Omega dont have to counter punch.
Can we start taking bets on how many new Subs are on their way to Bobs and they other grey resellers as we speak? I think it's amazing how that market works. Im all for paying Rolex price if you feel their product is the best for your needs and desires however, I find it comical that there is a market for 2x or more on the RRP for what some may call the "entry level" sports models. if I'm going to spend 20 large there needs to be some precious metals involved. not just a color variation that's popular. I also believe there is another portion of the Rolex community that has no clue YouTube and the internet is filled with people chatting about these things or paying double for a grey watch and simply walk into an AD say I want X and wait until its ready for them pick it up and never think twice about it even if it takes 6-12 months or longer. After all Rolex likes to say each watch takes a year or so to build lol
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schoolboy
·I’m fairly certain that their unofficial discount policy is factored into the official prices. I reckon that’s part of the image they want to broadcast: an upscale brand that is sometimes willing to cut you a personalized deal.
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Wetworks
·With all due respect, but I don't really get any of your points. Do you mean that Omega's (Seamaster) catalogue is perfect and they shouldn't do any releases (this year)? Are you saying that having remaining stock is better than selling everything you can produce? And what do LMVH and Richemont have to do with this?
The Seamaster is competing directly with the Submariner so of course Omega will care what their rival does. Obviously Omega wasn't waiting for Rolex to take any action, their roadmap for the next two years is quite possibly already planned. But I would bet my house on the fact that there will be a meeting at Omega HQ soon enough to discuss today's release and how it could impact their business.
Sorry, perhaps I'm not articulating my point all that well. Omega's Seamaster catalogue is competitively priced, technologically superior, has had ~6 new variants released this year, and again most importantly, is available for purchase. At most Omega should maybe increase advertising to give sales a nudge, but I really don't understand why you feel they need to respond?
The Rolex watch-selling machine is unparalleled, there's no debating that. So trying to compete in that space is a largely futile effort, Omega knows that, as do the other groups I named. Point is, their response would be academic as nothing will seriously impact Rolex's ability to sell because it's a Rolex. The other point to that is there's really not much to write home about with regards to the Rolex release beyond it being a Rolex release, so again, why the need to respond?
Hopefully it's a little clearer, but apologies if it isn't. I feel @Archer gave a pretty good response, so maybe I should've just left it alone lol.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/so-...mega-getting-to-it.119134/page-2#post-1589379
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Albe100
·I don't own a Sub, I did own the Explorer II in 42 mm and found that the slim lugs made the watch fit smaller. Curious if this will be true for the slimmer lugs on the 41 mm case and possibly feel smaller or have a better fit on the wrist compared to the 40mm?
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