I'm typically of the "its fine" school, if you wear it constantly which its designed to be able to handle, there's no difference between that (well probably less shocks and knocks) and having it on a winder.

There is a valid argument that can be made regarding vintage movements that can be expensive to maintain, obtain parts for, and may wear prematurely (for example the winding mechanism on the Rolex 1570 movement in my vintage Submariner which is known to be prone to premature failure and is expensive to repair).

The Omega Cal 8500 is a brand new movement with a superb reputation, so much so that on Rolex fan forums the best argument they can muster is that "It hasn't been proven for as many years as the Rolex Cal 3135" and frankly if the only complaint one can make is that it isn't old, you've done very well.

Your parts availability is probably going to be 30-50 years from the end of Cal 8500 production, which means the availability will likely exceed both your and your children's lifespan.

Given that you have really nothing to worry about.

 

Putting my vote in the "it's fine" category (and far more convenient). Welcome to ΩF

 

My Seamaster Chronograph has been running since '97 without any servicing (i'll run it until it stops, then send it in).

With a fresh 8500, you've got nothing to worry about

 

You know its strange to say, but at 15 years of age, it won't be long until your SMPC is a vintage piece in its own right. Production started in '93, and back then I was still in grade 1.

 

Yeah, no kidding. Surprising how "modern" it still looks.

 

BTW Demetri is that an E36M your helmeted head is sticking out of?

 

Interesting... how'd you manage to get it to work, throttle cable conversion or are you running a fly-by-wire throttle?

 

It'd be really nice and responsive compared to a normal e36 M3, that extra 1000 rpm or so on the s54 limiter over the s50 limiter can really save you shifting into a corner. I drive a far more sedate e46 330CI manual but ever since my first e30 I've had dreams of doing an s50 or s54 swap in an e30 track rat, trouble is s50 engines are a bag of worms with faulty VANOS systems and the s54s take a bit of work converting to a compatible throttle setup. One day though...

 

Nice site and car!

So, soon we'll be seeing you wearing your new PO, hands on this wheel, track in the distance?