omega watches
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bucks
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
omega watches
i'm not a lover of fine watches (i currently own a £150 seiko kinetic) but need a new one so popped into town today. on browsing a shop window i thought about getting another, slightly more expensive, seiko but then caught my eye on an omega aqua terra mid sized chronometer (but with a blue face).
http://www.omegawatches.com/lux-exam...t/25045000.jpg
i've done a search on here and some of you peeps seem to like your watches so thought i might be able to get some decent advice.
like i said i'm not particularly a fan of expensive watches but loved the simplicity of the design. it's very understated imo and is a beautifully made timepiece. sadly i made the mistake of trying it on and by comparison my seiko feels cheap and flimsy.
the trouble is £1500 is a lot of cash for a watch (even considering a discount) so would appreciate some views. being a mech eng i can appreciate a quality swiss movement and the engineering/build etc but are omega's really that good and do they really keep time as well as you would expect??
any experiences of omega watches in general would be useful as i'm really keen but don't want to make a bad investment.
cheers
http://www.omegawatches.com/lux-exam...t/25045000.jpg
i've done a search on here and some of you peeps seem to like your watches so thought i might be able to get some decent advice.
like i said i'm not particularly a fan of expensive watches but loved the simplicity of the design. it's very understated imo and is a beautifully made timepiece. sadly i made the mistake of trying it on and by comparison my seiko feels cheap and flimsy.
the trouble is £1500 is a lot of cash for a watch (even considering a discount) so would appreciate some views. being a mech eng i can appreciate a quality swiss movement and the engineering/build etc but are omega's really that good and do they really keep time as well as you would expect??
any experiences of omega watches in general would be useful as i'm really keen but don't want to make a bad investment.
cheers
#2
Now...Im biased of course.....as im selling a Seamaster pro on the board...but Omega watches are beautifully made and are relatively inexpensive when you consider it will last forever.The Aqua Terra is a lovely watch,and like you say,has excellent build quality..
As for time keeping..well there a small machine and not a micro chip so "perfect" time will almost certainly never be achieved,but my Seamaster is currently running about 30secs a month slow..This is excellent really,ive had rolex's run 5-10 mins a month either way..
Depreciation...well it will suffer as more or less all watches do,but thats only if your intending selling within a few years...As a very rough guide,it will lose probably 30-40% over the next 5 years then even out..just keep the watch "mint" and it will always fetch a premium.
HTH
Gary
As for time keeping..well there a small machine and not a micro chip so "perfect" time will almost certainly never be achieved,but my Seamaster is currently running about 30secs a month slow..This is excellent really,ive had rolex's run 5-10 mins a month either way..
Depreciation...well it will suffer as more or less all watches do,but thats only if your intending selling within a few years...As a very rough guide,it will lose probably 30-40% over the next 5 years then even out..just keep the watch "mint" and it will always fetch a premium.
HTH
Gary
#3
That's a nice watch
When i went to buy my Omega Speedmaster I was looking at the full sized version of that with a leather band, which was about the same price.
IMO it's the sort of watch that would go nicely with smart/casual dress, e.g. a Polo shirt, trousers rather than jeans, and shoes rather than trainers. It's a nice subtle timepeice which doesn't especially shout "look at me", which personally is what i like.
Quality-wise, you can't really go wrong with any of the Omega mechanical movements - they're all very good. Don't be tempted to buy online as the warranty will be with the seller rather than full manufacturers warranty. If you're paying cash or debit card you should easily be able to negotiate a discount in an authorised dealers.
I'd recommend Watches of Switzerland, particularly the Cardiff branch. They were happy to give me 1 to 1 service, and tea/coffee while i tried a few on and made my mind up. To top that they also gave me 15% off too.
It pays to treat customers well as they have a habit of returning, i went back and bought a Breitling (Avenger Seawolf) there and negotiated the same discount.
Have a look at the Omega FAQ/forums over at Timezone, there's a wealth of information there.
http://www.timezone.com/library/omegafaq/
When i went to buy my Omega Speedmaster I was looking at the full sized version of that with a leather band, which was about the same price.
IMO it's the sort of watch that would go nicely with smart/casual dress, e.g. a Polo shirt, trousers rather than jeans, and shoes rather than trainers. It's a nice subtle timepeice which doesn't especially shout "look at me", which personally is what i like.
Quality-wise, you can't really go wrong with any of the Omega mechanical movements - they're all very good. Don't be tempted to buy online as the warranty will be with the seller rather than full manufacturers warranty. If you're paying cash or debit card you should easily be able to negotiate a discount in an authorised dealers.
I'd recommend Watches of Switzerland, particularly the Cardiff branch. They were happy to give me 1 to 1 service, and tea/coffee while i tried a few on and made my mind up. To top that they also gave me 15% off too.
It pays to treat customers well as they have a habit of returning, i went back and bought a Breitling (Avenger Seawolf) there and negotiated the same discount.
Have a look at the Omega FAQ/forums over at Timezone, there's a wealth of information there.
http://www.timezone.com/library/omegafaq/
#4
Just to add....Go on www.chronocentric.com Derek Ziglar who runs the site is THE main man for Omega watches,There is some good reading on there about the Aqua Terra..
#5
Just thought i'd add, if you like the aqua-terra range then maybe have a look at the Railmaster range - similar looking and also rather lovely.
http://www.omega.ch/omega/co_watch?I...ublineID=40179
http://www.omega.ch/omega/co_watch?I...ublineID=40179
#6
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bucks
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks guys
i'm not really going to be selling the watch on as i'm only really buying to replace one that's died and tatty as hell. to be fair my old seiko was great for £150 and has lasted about 5 years. if the omega lasts three times as long then i'll be happy so it seems that £1500 is not so bad after all. 30 secs a month is pretty amazing for a mechanical movement too and especially as its just a bunch of tiny cogs and wheels whirring about
that railmaster looks lovely too. i don't think they had one of those in but i may shop arround again tomorrow. being a bit lazy i stopped at the first jewellers i came to and got completely thrown by the aqua terra. being a bit of a watch muppet i've never really 'looked' past watches costing a few hundred ££'s before but the omega really stood out.
looks like the old credit card is going to take another beating
i'm not really going to be selling the watch on as i'm only really buying to replace one that's died and tatty as hell. to be fair my old seiko was great for £150 and has lasted about 5 years. if the omega lasts three times as long then i'll be happy so it seems that £1500 is not so bad after all. 30 secs a month is pretty amazing for a mechanical movement too and especially as its just a bunch of tiny cogs and wheels whirring about
that railmaster looks lovely too. i don't think they had one of those in but i may shop arround again tomorrow. being a bit lazy i stopped at the first jewellers i came to and got completely thrown by the aqua terra. being a bit of a watch muppet i've never really 'looked' past watches costing a few hundred ££'s before but the omega really stood out.
looks like the old credit card is going to take another beating
Trending Topics
#10
Originally Posted by Deep Singh
Personally I find Omegas a little dull and cheap looking. Pierce Brosnan advertising them looking camp justs adds to the naffness.
Originally Posted by Deep Singh
Breitlings are a good starter watch
*-Breitling owner
#11
I bought a Seamaster a few years ago to celebrate a promotion. Nice watch, I had it in Titanium; very light, and good for me as I don't have a thick wrist. A pin on the clasp broke after a year, but was replaced FOC with an uprated clasp. Being automatic it stops working if you dont wear it for a weekend, but it is a quality piece of jewelry. It does what any watch is supposed to do; tell the time. I really like it, and my wife bought one as well.
#13
Breitlings are far too fussy on the dial for me..far too much going on,to the point some can looked cramped with numerals and digits..
IWC's are beautiful,the flieger chrono is my ultimate watch..Im now lucky enough to have one..
AP are something else..the royal oak being a classic,but only for the very flush amongst us.!!!
IWC's are beautiful,the flieger chrono is my ultimate watch..Im now lucky enough to have one..
AP are something else..the royal oak being a classic,but only for the very flush amongst us.!!!
#14
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Far Corfe
Posts: 3,618
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have an Omega Seamaster and have had nothing but trouble with it, it has had two complete movement changes, free I might add, but I dont use it any more. I bought a GMTII that has been trouble free. Seamaster? Mine lets water in in a swimming pool....
#16
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: WYIOC. The Foxglove, Kirkburton, Huddersfield.
Posts: 5,400
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by carl
Somebody told me you don't "buy" a Patek. You just become the first owner.
Originally Posted by fatscoobyfella
AP are something else..the royal oak being a classic,but only for the very flush amongst us.!!!
Although I have to say, this is rather beautiful.....
#17
Check out www.watches.co.uk and also www.secondtimeround.com two very good sites for pre-owned and new watches.
Last edited by Boarder1; 23 June 2005 at 09:25 AM. Reason: watches should have been .co.uk not.com
#18
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: same time, different place
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
Bought my GMT at second time round.
I have a soft spot for IWC. Don't really like Omega, can't explain why.
Can't believe someone said Breitling is "good". If you're under 23, maybe. I think they are tackier than spat-out bubble gum. But I chose a Rolex, so I'm sure I'll be flamed off the board for that. Difference is, I bought it for ME, and not because IGAF what anyone else thinks. Frankly it keeps crap time and costs a fortune to service. I love it.
Re the Patek comment - their current advertising slogan is "You don't own a Patek, you just take care of it for the next generation."
I have a soft spot for IWC. Don't really like Omega, can't explain why.
Can't believe someone said Breitling is "good". If you're under 23, maybe. I think they are tackier than spat-out bubble gum. But I chose a Rolex, so I'm sure I'll be flamed off the board for that. Difference is, I bought it for ME, and not because IGAF what anyone else thinks. Frankly it keeps crap time and costs a fortune to service. I love it.
Re the Patek comment - their current advertising slogan is "You don't own a Patek, you just take care of it for the next generation."
#19
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bucks
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yeah, the pierce brosnan thing is a bit cheesy tbh but fortunately (or unfortunately ) i like the watch more than the ad is making me cringe.
have to say that i like the minimalist look though. i have since looked at some of the other makes mentioned but they all have a bit too much going on for my tastes. lovely watches but just not my style. btw i drive a new shape honda accord so that probably says a lot about my personality
incidentally i've just come back from town and my local branch of leslie davis is having a half price sale (result!!). they don't have the blue dialed aqua terra but have a black and a few other styles going for £700 odd. is this as cheap as i'm going to be able to pick one up for ??
also noticed a nice breitling down from £2900 to £2000 as well as a few cartier's, tag's, maurice l's etc
have to say that i like the minimalist look though. i have since looked at some of the other makes mentioned but they all have a bit too much going on for my tastes. lovely watches but just not my style. btw i drive a new shape honda accord so that probably says a lot about my personality
incidentally i've just come back from town and my local branch of leslie davis is having a half price sale (result!!). they don't have the blue dialed aqua terra but have a black and a few other styles going for £700 odd. is this as cheap as i'm going to be able to pick one up for ??
also noticed a nice breitling down from £2900 to £2000 as well as a few cartier's, tag's, maurice l's etc
#21
Originally Posted by Brendan Hughes
Bought my GMT at second time round.
I have a soft spot for IWC. Don't really like Omega, can't explain why.
Can't believe someone said Breitling is "good". If you're under 23, maybe. I think they are tackier than spat-out bubble gum. But I chose a Rolex, so I'm sure I'll be flamed off the board for that. Difference is, I bought it for ME, and not because IGAF what anyone else thinks. Frankly it keeps crap time and costs a fortune to service. I love it.
Re the Patek comment - their current advertising slogan is "You don't own a Patek, you just take care of it for the next generation."
I have a soft spot for IWC. Don't really like Omega, can't explain why.
Can't believe someone said Breitling is "good". If you're under 23, maybe. I think they are tackier than spat-out bubble gum. But I chose a Rolex, so I'm sure I'll be flamed off the board for that. Difference is, I bought it for ME, and not because IGAF what anyone else thinks. Frankly it keeps crap time and costs a fortune to service. I love it.
Re the Patek comment - their current advertising slogan is "You don't own a Patek, you just take care of it for the next generation."
btw whats IWC? Any links?
#23
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: WYIOC. The Foxglove, Kirkburton, Huddersfield.
Posts: 5,400
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Select as appropriate....
International Whaling Commission
International Watch Co, Schaffhausen
Iowa Wesleyan College
International Wildlife Coalition
Correct answer at http://www.iwc.ch/index.asp
International Whaling Commission
International Watch Co, Schaffhausen
Iowa Wesleyan College
International Wildlife Coalition
Correct answer at http://www.iwc.ch/index.asp
#24
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i bought an omega seamaster in kuwait a couple of years ago for 300 quid less than the retail price in the UK, and i love it to bits...well made, looks good but understated, my kind of watch...however, i wish it had an auto relay function like my back-up seiko...as i dont wear the omega all the time it stops after a couple of days, not really a major problem to be honest, just a little gripe...
personally i find breitlings too busy, tags - too many fakes though some of the kiriums and the monaco are nice, some of the more expensive brands i find too bling, but i do like the look of some of the IWC watches...very nice...
again, it all comes down to personal preference, although one thing i would say about spending alot of money on a watch is DO think about it...if you know your mates are going to take the **** because you bought a pink jacob & co timepiece, can you really live with it...?! even those that say they dont care what other people think often do deep down...
personally i find breitlings too busy, tags - too many fakes though some of the kiriums and the monaco are nice, some of the more expensive brands i find too bling, but i do like the look of some of the IWC watches...very nice...
again, it all comes down to personal preference, although one thing i would say about spending alot of money on a watch is DO think about it...if you know your mates are going to take the **** because you bought a pink jacob & co timepiece, can you really live with it...?! even those that say they dont care what other people think often do deep down...
#25
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bucks
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well its a done deal.
i was telling the missus at lunch how i was going to buy the black faced aqua terra from leslie davis and she preceeded to tell me what a dick i was
turns out they didn't have a blue faced one as she had beaten me to it and bought it for me as a surprise!! bloody fantastic and even better as it only cost £700. whoo hoo
so if anyone's after a black faced aqua terra for £700 then pop over to leslie davis in the centre:mk
thanks for all the kind advice
i was telling the missus at lunch how i was going to buy the black faced aqua terra from leslie davis and she preceeded to tell me what a dick i was
turns out they didn't have a blue faced one as she had beaten me to it and bought it for me as a surprise!! bloody fantastic and even better as it only cost £700. whoo hoo
so if anyone's after a black faced aqua terra for £700 then pop over to leslie davis in the centre:mk
thanks for all the kind advice
#26
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: here
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've had my Seamaster Pro Chronometer for 8 years now. I have worn it almost 24/7 in that time and it has been faultless. The glass face is unmarked and only the blue part of the bezel possesses a scratch from a hard knock it took at work.
My only advice with buying an expensive watch would be to get it serviced when it needs to be and to pick a classic design that you will be happy wearing for a lifetime, whatever the occasion.
My only advice with buying an expensive watch would be to get it serviced when it needs to be and to pick a classic design that you will be happy wearing for a lifetime, whatever the occasion.
#28
Originally Posted by Brendan Hughes
Firstly the 'btw whats iwc' was meant to be a joke. Shame you did'nt get it
Breitlings are'nt all fussy, depends on which one you get. Mine is very simple.
If you actually read my post you will see I said the Breitling is a good STARTER watch not the best watch in the world.
And my plumber wears a Rolex!!!
#29
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: same time, different place
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
What do you mean, didn't get it? I found it hilarious!
Please congratulate your plumber on his excellent taste in watches next time he shoves it up your sh!tter
I used to work in a timber yard, me....
Please congratulate your plumber on his excellent taste in watches next time he shoves it up your sh!tter
I used to work in a timber yard, me....
#30
[QUOTE=Brendan Hughes]What do you mean, didn't get it? I found it hilarious!
Please congratulate your plumber on his excellent taste in watches next time he shoves it up your sh!tter
Why should he shove a watch up my sh1tter? And after he's done that you want me to congratulate him on his taste?? Does'nt make much sense. Is that the sort of thing you 'lads' got up to in the timber yard?
If shoving it up my ****ter is some sort of slang for charging me alot then rest assured its no way near the amount of money I charge. Now keep chopping that wood!!
Please congratulate your plumber on his excellent taste in watches next time he shoves it up your sh!tter
Why should he shove a watch up my sh1tter? And after he's done that you want me to congratulate him on his taste?? Does'nt make much sense. Is that the sort of thing you 'lads' got up to in the timber yard?
If shoving it up my ****ter is some sort of slang for charging me alot then rest assured its no way near the amount of money I charge. Now keep chopping that wood!!