I’ve recently added a Gen 2 X-33 to my collection to see if I’d like a do-anything quartz watch. I find myself pretty taken with it.

I picked the Gen 2 since it was available for a good price and I didn’t want to commit too much money on an item I wasn’t sure I’d really appreciate. Now that I find that it really does deserve a place in the collection I find myself wondering if I should have gone for the current Gen 3 model.

The Gen 2 is a bit smaller at 42mm, so that’s a plus, but the Gen 3 adds a few more features. The titanium casework is a plus for both. Gen 3 comes in various styles (Regatta, Solar Impulse, and “regular”)

Looking for any comments or recommendations. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

A picture of course...

 

I just like the symmetry of the G3 more than G1 or 2. The negative screen is more visually appealing to me, but it is harder to see. At 50, I wouldn't have had any trouble. At 57 I have to wear my glasses (which I very often forget to carry with me).

File photo:

 

Very nice X-33 indeed....

 

I have a gen2 and gen3 waiting for the right gen1 to come along

 

I really enjoy my Gen 1 .......Saved the original titanium band and put on Kevlar....

 

Looks good on the kevlar, but the titanium band is surprisingly comfy. Mine came equipped with a half-link, so I was able to get a near perfect fit — something I was never able to do with the similar steel band on my Moonwatch.

 

Nice to see someone who has both — any comments on which one you wear more often and why?

 

My gen 3 is in my father’s possession as he wouldn’t let me buy him an original speedy when I tried. I have taken him to several events at the local boutique and didn’t want him to be out of place. I wear the gen 2 as my daily watch for work and love it. It’s a “squadron” watch with navy wings on the case back and am looking for a gen 1 squadron to fill out the collection.

 

I own both a Generation 2 and Generation 3.

Things I don't like about the Gen 2 - pretty much nothing!

Things I don't like about the Gen 3
General styling: It looks more like a Sinn than an Omega. I'm not knocking Sinn. I own two and I think the Sinn watches with ETA and Lemania movements are great.
Titanium alloy used on the clasp. I can wear my Gen 2 for weeks without picking up any scratches on the clasp. The Gen 3 appears to use a "softer" alloy. I find new clasp scratches almost daily.
The date format is fixed in the European format and can't be changed to the US format like you can on the Gen 2.
The digital display can't be switched on and off like you can on the Gen 2.

These are pretty minor gripes and if I had it to do over, I would still purchase a Gen 3.

 

I’m still interested in one at the right price, erring to a gen 2. Most good ones I find are in the US, but UK duty kills the deal, still looking..

 

My Gen 3 on Nato with Titanium hardware....

 

I missed a Gen 2 with the bracelet box/papers and the Omega nato strap on ebay for $1300 in February. That was an absolute steal.

 

Anyone have an opinion on the Solar Impulse limited edition version? Seems like good availability on the secondary market, but the green accents might be a bit much for me. Too bad they didn’t offer it on the bracelet to tone it down a bit.

 

Do the X-33s purchased from military exchanges still receive free servicing from Omega?

 

Picked up a Gen 2 earlier this year and absolutely love it. As other have said, the bracelet is extremely comfortable (and indeed, no marks on clasp!!) and the feather-weight of the watch almost makes you forget you wear it at times.

Super legible and love the red arrow marker at 12 o’clock on the bezel... although I wished the bezel would still be unidirectional, despite the fact that this is not a dive watch.
Watch is currently with omega service center as the alarm was not as loud as it should be... which was one of the main reasons why I bought it as I wanted to be able to rely on it while travelling.

Will try to locate one of these red Kevlar bands when I get the watch back (any suggestions where I could locate one??).

I did consider adding a Gen 3 to the mix, but I am not in love with the bezel and the legibility seems inferior. Still considering adding a Z-33 though, as a hommage to my flightmaster.


Here is a pic…

 

I believe that program has ended. In most cases these were group buys done by individual military squadrons and not sold through base exchanges. I have been wrong before though

 

Red strap is available from Swiss Watch Spares if your in the UK, not sure on international shipping.

https://www.swisswatchspares.com/pr...er-x-33-20mm-98000071-red-kevlar-buckle-strap

 

Is the strap a Redux? If not, please let us know who offers the Ti hardware.

 

I kind of like the green, but I haven't seen one in person.

 

Yes, that strap is a Redux. It is damned hard to find straps with titanium hardware! But I found this website and bought the buckle - very happy with it. They also have straps with the titanium hardware.

https://www.watch-band-center.com/

Here is the buckle I bought on a third party two-piece Nato: