Is Rolex THAT much better than Omega?

[Zach69SS]

Omega makes a very high quality watch and I own a few and love them. Unfortunately they are not the King. Rolex was my first luxury watch and I think they are the best.
Not because of the value, because of what they are and represent.

There are some Omega’s that go up crazy in value. But I agree too many models of the same thing. I also like Patek, AP, Vacheron, and Cartier.

Give me a Rolex and it will always put a smile on my face.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by majidessa

For the ones that say Omega movements are better, I need to understand their argement with facts as according to my knowledge :
- Rolex movements beat at a higher rate of 28,800 vs. Omega's (non chrono) of 25,200
- Rolex movements have longer power reserve of 70 hours Vs 60 hours for 8900 movement
- Rolex precision is -2/+2 Vs Omega 0 to 5 seconds for 8900 movement.
- Rolex service intervals is up to 10 years vs. Omega 5 years despite co axial movement and lower beat rate to minimize wear.
- Serviceability of Rolex movements is easier and usually less complicated than Omega's co-axial movements.
- Both watches have resistance to magnetic fields. However, Omega has edge with 15000 gauss (could not find Rolex rating).
- Omega movements have better decorations than Rolex (no real advantage)

Having said that, I consider Omega movements really good however, I think the benefit of the co-axial escapment and magnetic rating is over exaurated in real life usage.

One of the huge benefits of the Omega movement is the double barrel mainspring. It runs stronger and longer with optimum accuracy by maintaining a higher amplitude throughout its entire power reserve. It’s obvious on the wrist and on a scope the benefits of a double barrel main spring. That’s probably the most tangible benefit and it is significant.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

USA! USA! USA!




Well at least Rolex has the generosity of eating their profits by giving us a bracelet that’s made of more than 3 similar parts across all the lengths. The no taper thing is 100% laziness.

Yep, Omega laziness at its best





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[shikashia]

Imho, Omega offers a wider range of different designs in their catalogue. Don't get me wrong, I love Rolex but I think they all almost look the same and high jewelry department aside, they don't take any risk to innovate design wise. Reminds me of a 911, classic. But as we know, classic usually stands the test of time better. Anyway, 2 beautiful brands that each has their own pros and cons.

[L_S_SHOE]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Omega had solid links and end links years before Rolex finally did. That was 100% due to laziness on Rolex's part.



Omega's rubber straps are amazing and far superior to anything else in that price range. I don't know what you're talking about.

Agree. Omega’s rubber straps are awesome.

Also, did I mention I walked into an Omega boutique and bought the strap and the deployant buckle on a whim? And they were nice enough to fit it to my Speedmaster while we talked watches? And they let me keep all my parts?!

Rolex has gotten so pretentious you can’t walk in to buy anything, and so restrictive that kitting out a watch how you want it to be kitted out is all but impossible. You want to buy a jubilee for that GMT? How dare you!


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[Alex_TA]

The best thing about Omega is that you can go anywhere with short sleeves

Seriously, the quality is more or less the same. Omega is a bit better in movements while Rolex in cases.

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[GB-man]

Similar but different.

[Know1isgod]

Last year picked up a new Air King as a GADA piece and yet I find myself reaching for my Speedy 3861 SS when its time to go anywhere do anything. Go figure.....

I do hold the opinion that the Swatch plastic versions hurt the perception of Omega as a Luxury brand.

[911991]

Wow, this thread really took off, surprised so many Omega fans here. Glad to see so many folks having an open mind to other brands "variety is the spice of life" as they say. I have appreciated Rolex watches since the late 70's. However, Omega was there too, but as many mentioned not the marketing and exposure like a Rolex. Even the movie industry latched on to Rolex, all though Bond wears an Omega.

In a "blind taste test" if I handled a Rolex and Omega of similar models I could tell which one was a Rolex, as it feels more robust (case and bracelet) to me. If they were hummer vehicles Rolex would be the military version and Omega the cilvian version.

[Talon84]

Originally Posted by 911991

Wow, this thread really took off, surprised so many Omega fans here. Glad to see so many folks having an open mind to other brands "variety is the spice of life" as they say. I have appreciated Rolex watches since the late 70's. However, Omega was there too, but as many mentioned not the marketing and exposure like a Rolex. Even the movie industry latched on to Rolex, all though Bond wears an Omega.

In a "blind taste test" if I handled a Rolex and Omega of similar models I could tell which one was a Rolex, as it feels more robust (case and bracelet) to me. If they were hummer vehicles Rolex would be the military version and Omega the cilvian version.

I think that's a fair assessment. Im a complete Omega fanboy, also a fan of other brands...but id give Omega a 9 or 9.5 out of 10 and put Rolex at 10....for the most part they feel half a point better built....

....with that said, i prefer most Omega designs with the Speedy, Seamaster and Conny because i find their dials and cases more interesting and dont feel the half a point is worth the increase in RRP over Omega, especially when you can get Blancpain, Glashutte Original, JLC for the same price as a Submariner these days.

Its nice we can all agree to disagree in a jovial manner

[Krash]

Originally Posted by 911991

However, Omega was there too, but as many mentioned not the marketing and exposure like a Rolex.

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[Talon84]

Originally Posted by Krash

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Other than the olympics for 3 weeks every 4 years, Omega sports marketing is quite niche when compared to Rolex with F1, Equestrianism, golf, sportscar racing, tennis, yachting.

Personally i love Bobsleigh, but doubt Omega get the same reach as Rolex in F1

[MHB]

I’ve been wearing my Speedmaster 2020 Tokyo Olympics Panda for the last couple of months straight. I purchased the new bracelet style for about $600 which works flawlessly on the previous Speedmaster models. It is a near perfect chronograph in terms of wearability, comfort, aesthetics, and it doesn’t carry the Rolex baggage while also being a piece I get complimented on from time to time.

I also own a Lefty Sprite on jubilee (I’m left handed) and an Explorer 39 mk2, both of which I also enjoy and wear frequently. I find the jubilee a bit blingy though and it gets noticed. I get relatively frequent compliments and “is that a Rolex?” questions and sometimes I’m just not in the mood. If I could only keep one watch the rest of my life it would probably be the Explorer.

All that said, omega makes a lot of models and the vast majority are not my cup of tea. If you find the right one though, then absolutely an omega can be as good if not better than any Rolex model. It’s all personal preference.

[Eagles4133]

It's down to preference really. Also, marketing and perceived value have a large impact. You can see that with Omega moving more towards the boutique model with tighter controls. Omega's discounts were 18% pre 2022 and Rolex you could get roughly 5-10% pre 2019 even on "desirable models. As far as innovation goes, that is how Omega built it's reputation in the early years and they continue to do so now. I have owned many models from both brands, I perceive them as equals.

[warrior]

Excellent point. I bet that a good majority of Americans have no clue that Omega is the Official Timekeeper of the Olympics which occur every 4 years, as you say.( As an aside, I have a friend who has loved the Olympics for years and sees as much as he can, is not a watch guy, and had no clue that Omega was the timekeeper of the Olympics) How often does a Bond movie come out? Every few years? Nowhere near the marketing prowess of Rolex IMO.

In terms of quality, I’d say they are about equal…movements and innovation a bit better on the Omega side, cases and bracelets on the Rolex side.

Originally Posted by Talon84

Other than the olympics for 3 weeks every 4 years, Omega sports marketing is quite niche when compared to Rolex with F1, Equestrianism, golf, sportscar racing, tennis, yachting.

Personally i love Bobsleigh, but doubt Omega get the same reach as Rolex in F1

[Jackie Daytona]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

In this case Omega was better when it really mattered

Although I see your point in the matter, many of the early astronauts did indeed wear Rolex to the moon as well. Although in an unofficial capacity more as a personal watch/good luck charm. So I see the point in it, but I wouldn’t say that they didn’t go to the moon or space.


I think on the original debate. A lot of the design language combined with marketing comes into play. I really do like Omega as a brand, but I never can quite find the one that is really perfect for me. The Rolex design language IMO is a bit more classic and timeless.

Additionally I think Omega to an extent has kind of diluted their own brand value a bit. How many special editions and random variants of every line are available?

Take the Seamaster for instance. How many variants of that model have there been over the years that are so vastly different they really should t even be in the same line? I think it is a bit confusing for the average consumer or to an extent like me where you just can’t quite find the right one. Where Rolex with a very consistent mode range has stayed classic and in demand.

Great watches and quality is consistent and on par with Rolex, they are just doing too much I think. However it is a bit of the Omega culture it seems to do so as well.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by Talon84

Other than the olympics for 3 weeks every 4 years, Omega sports marketing is quite niche when compared to Rolex with F1, Equestrianism, golf, sportscar racing, tennis, yachting.

Personally i love Bobsleigh, but doubt Omega get the same reach as Rolex in F1

Lots of eye balls on the Olympics.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Talon84

Other than the olympics for 3 weeks every 4 years, Omega sports marketing is quite niche when compared to Rolex with F1, Equestrianism, golf, sportscar racing, tennis, yachting.

Personally i love Bobsleigh, but doubt Omega get the same reach as Rolex in F1

Actually they would since Rolex isn’t sponsoring F1 next year

[warrior]

Ask your average Joe on the street ( ie not a watch person) who the Official Timekeeper of the Olympics is right now when the Olympics are going on, and I’d bet a good majority would have no clue.

Originally Posted by Krash

Lots of eye balls on the Olympics.


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[Talon84]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Actually they would since Rolex isn’t sponsoring F1 next year

LOL! true

[911991]

The current fastest man in the world Noah Lyles wears Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8

https://robbreport.com/style/watch-c...nt-1235800740/

[whattimeyougot]

With Omega you can walk into an AD and buy one. No tricks, no games. Some would say this is a negative, but neither Rolex or Omega watches are exclusive. Both are mass produced luxury goods.

From a technical perspective, Omega is superior. They have objectively better movements.

Aesthetics and on wrist feel are all subjective. Only you can determine that for yourself.


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[Casey VP-26]

I wish Paul Newman was here to see what he started.

[samson66]

I think the big thing in Rolex's favor is they have more truly iconic models

Daytona, "Pepsi" GMT, Submariner, Datejust

Omega really only has one, the Moonwatch

That doesn't make Rolex better than Moonwatch, but it says a lot about the perception of the brand. For most people when you think dive watch you think Submariner. When you think GMT watch, you think Rolex. Even though when you think of a chrono the Omega may be the most iconic, I still think many if not most would mention Daytona first. And in spite of all the sport watch fans on this board, the Datejust may be the most iconic watch ever made and the one most associated with Rolex.

[911991]

Originally Posted by whattimeyougot

With Omega you can walk into an AD and buy one. No tricks, no games. Some would say this is a negative, but neither Rolex or Omega watches are exclusive. Both are mass produced luxury goods.

From a technical perspective, Omega is superior. They have objectively better movements.

Aesthetics and on wrist feel are all subjective. Only you can determine that for yourself.
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True dat, it actually felt strange being at an AD and being able to look at several rows of watches that were available for sale and no "Snob factor" at all.

I came to purchase a DSOTM Apollo 8, but came close to buying 2 other models that looked and fit very nice. Omega is not a watch for "flippers" but if you really like watches, its hard not to like an Omega....

[911991]

Originally Posted by samson66

I think the big thing in Rolex's favor is they have more truly iconic models

Daytona, "Pepsi" GMT, Submariner, Datejust

Omega really only has one, the Moonwatch

That doesn't make Rolex better than Moonwatch, but it says a lot about the perception of the brand. For most people when you think dive watch you think Submariner. When you think GMT watch, you think Rolex. Even though when you think of a chrono the Omega may be the most iconic, I still think many if not most would mention Daytona first. And in spite of all the sport watch fans on this board, the Datejust may be the most iconic watch ever made and the one most associated with Rolex.

Absolutely, Rolex marketing and branding is second to none. Just like people use to say Xerox machine instead of copier machine, etc...

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by whattimeyougot

With Omega you can walk into an AD and buy one. No tricks, no games. Some would say this is a negative, but neither Rolex or Omega watches are exclusive. Both are mass produced luxury goods.

From a technical perspective, Omega is superior. They have objectively better movements.

Aesthetics and on wrist feel are all subjective. Only you can determine that for yourself.


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Not entirely correct, did you try to buy Snoopy, EDwhite 321, or Seamaster bond anniversary?

[stevestil]

Honestly, I love and own both brands and cannot really say that Rolex is that much better than Omega. Rolex has the upper hand in many factors, but my daily watch is a seamster 300m which I enjoy wearing.

It really comes down to personal preference. As far as movements go, Omega movements are just as bulletproof, if not better than Rolex movements.

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by Mystro

One of the huge benefits of the Omega movement is the double barrel mainspring. It runs stronger and longer with optimum accuracy by maintaining a higher amplitude throughout its entire power reserve. It’s obvious on the wrist and on a scope the benefits of a double barrel main spring. That’s probably the most tangible benefit and it is significant.

Good point, but then why Rolex accuracy rating is higher than Omega -2/+2 Vs 0 to 5 sec? And despite double barrel spring also the power reserve is less than Rolex?

I own 3 Omega watches, one of which is SM Diver 300 and all my Rolex watches keep better time with less variance, My Omega PO Chrono with 9300, is the most accurate Omega that I have which is on par with the Rolex watches.

[misochew]

For me it’s simple. Both brands make well built, good looking watches. So I own both, don’t worry about which one is better, and buy the models that float my boat.