Omega manufacturing

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Onequik135i

321 owner here as well & I am wearing mine as I’m typing this, the 321 bracelet wears so comfortably that it really doesn’t bother me in the least :)

Indeed it does

The quality aspect indeed is there (wherever the bracelet and clasp are made).

[brandrea]

I really hope to hear from @travelller and @logo as to their thoughts on this, as I know they are ardent 321 fans

[1William]

I don't like it and the lack of transparency for the manufacturing tells you everything you need to know.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 1William

I don't like it and the lack of transparency for the manufacturing tells you everything you need to know.

It’s a tough pill to swallow at this point (for me).

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It’s a tough pill to swallow at this point (for me).

Brian, I am not ecstatic about it either but it has been going on in the watch and luxury goods industry for decades. I hope you are not over thinking it buddy.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by DoricSpiker

Brian, I am not ecstatic about it either but it has been going on in the watch and luxury goods industry for decades. I hope you are not over thinking it buddy.

I guess this is all new to me my friend, and perhaps I am overthinking it.

Watches are an emotional purchases (for some more than others). On a practical level, sure everything about the 321 is built to a very high standard. No one would argue that including me.

I guess in my case, I’m questioning the emotional aspect of ownership. Sure it’’s “Swiss made” by definition ….

Borrowed from @cru jones

Here is what qualifies a watch as being "Swiss made" according to the the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH (https://www.fhs.swiss/eng/whoweare.html):

"Art. 1a Definition of the Swiss watch

A watch is to be regarded as a Swiss watch if:

a. its technical development has taken place in Switzerland;
1. in the case of exclusively mechanical watches, at least the mechanical
construction and prototyping of the watch as a whole,

2. in the case of watches that are not exclusively mechanical, at least the
mechanical construction and prototyping of the watch as a whole, together
with the conception of the printed circuit or circuits, the display and the
software;
a bis. its movement is Swiss;

b. its movement has been cased up in Switzerland;

c. final inspection by the manufacturer took place in Switzerland and

d. at least 60% of the manufacturing costs is generated in Switzerland"

(https://www.fhs.swiss/file/8/Guide_FH_v.5_en.pdf)

… but it’s somewhat disappointing to to me, to learn that this reference isn’t at least made with components coming 100% from Switzerland at this price point.

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I guess this is all new to me my friend, and perhaps I am overthinking it.

Watches are an emotional purchases (for some more than others). On a practical level, sure everything about the 321 is built to a very high standard. No one would argue that including me.

I guess in my case, I’m questioning the emotional aspect of ownership. Sure it’’s “Swiss made” by definition ….

Borrowed from @cru jones

Here is what qualifies a watch as being "Swiss made" according to the the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH (https://www.fhs.swiss/eng/whoweare.html):

"Art. 1a Definition of the Swiss watch

A watch is to be regarded as a Swiss watch if:

a. its technical development has taken place in Switzerland;
1. in the case of exclusively mechanical watches, at least the mechanical
construction and prototyping of the watch as a whole,

2. in the case of watches that are not exclusively mechanical, at least the
mechanical construction and prototyping of the watch as a whole, together
with the conception of the printed circuit or circuits, the display and the
software;
a bis. its movement is Swiss;

b. its movement has been cased up in Switzerland;

c. final inspection by the manufacturer took place in Switzerland and

d. at least 60% of the manufacturing costs is generated in Switzerland"

(https://www.fhs.swiss/file/8/Guide_FH_v.5_en.pdf)

… but it’s somewhat disappointing to to me, to learn that this reference isn’t at least made with components coming 100% from Switzerland at this price point.

I get it but I never thought everything would be 100% Swiss. I think the same about all of my watches. Some maybe 100% Swiss but most won’t be I reckon.
I agree the bracelet and clasp is a big chunk of the watch.
It is disappointing but I wouldn’t let it spoil your relationship with your 321. You don’t want to become the Porsche guy who will have nothing but a flat 6 911, without power assisted steering and with a manual gear box! Next stop buddy! :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by DoricSpiker

I get it but I never thought everything would be 100% Swiss. I think the same about all of my watches. Some maybe 100% Swiss but most won’t be I reckon.
I agree the bracelet and clasp is a big chunk of the watch.
It is disappointing but I wouldn’t let it spoil your relationship with your 321. You don’t want to become the Porsche guy who will have nothing but a flat 6 911, without power assisted steering and with a manual gear box! Next stop buddy! :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

thank for the pick me up my friend. I’m going to try my best to suffer through the day




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by brandrea

thank for the pick me up my friend. I’m going to try my best to suffer through the day




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s a thing of absolute beauty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by brandrea

thank for the pick me up my friend. I’m going to try my best to suffer through the day

If it helps, another way to look at this incredibly gorgeous watch.

[Duke Nukem]

As a former Planet Ocean owner, this would bother me immensely. Especially given Omega's audacity with the false advertising of "every part of an Omega watch is made in Switzerland" on their website. As tempting as it is to purchase another Omega, (I really do like the new FOIS from afar) I won't vote give them another dollar. Their aftersales service is what I find to be the most appalling in the industry.

In your case OP, you do like the 321 and it's been trouble free for you, so I wouldn't try to worry. Just enjoy it and take this info in stride. If anything, it might make you more diligent when buying your next watch.

I've had the most success with dealing with the independent brands, not ones that belong to large luxury conglomerates. Rolex has fully integrated their production in house, so everything is truly made in Switzerland in their case. Sure, some of the raw material may come outside of the country, of course, but the foundry, production, and assembly is all done in Switzerland.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If it helps, another way to look at this incredibly gorgeous watch.

Ya …. That’s NOT helping

[Duke Nukem]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If it helps, another way to look at this incredibly gorgeous watch.

Savage!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Duke Nukem

As a former Planet Ocean owner, this would bother me immensely. Especially given Omega's audacity with the false advertising of "every part of an Omega watch is made in Switzerland" on their website. As tempting as it is to purchase another Omega, (I really do like the new FOIS from afar) I won't vote give them another dollar. Their aftersales service is what I find to be the most appalling in the industry.

In your case OP, you do like the 321 and it's been trouble free for you, so I wouldn't try to worry. Just enjoy it and take this info in stride. If anything, it might make you more diligent when buying your next watch.

I've had the most success with dealing with the independent brands, not ones that belong to large luxury conglomerates. Rolex has fully integrated their production in house, so everything is truly made in Switzerland in their case. Sure, some of the raw material may come outside of the country, of course, but the foundry, production, and assembly is all done in Switzerland.

Thanks for your comments and it certainly has made me more aware. This is not something I ever imagined.

I’ll take some time to process this information for sure. No rash decisions as it is one heckuva beautiful watch regardless of where the bracelet and clasp originate. I just wish Omega were more transparent.

Buyer beware indeed

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Duke Nukem

Savage!

He’s a real bugger @cru jones. I promise not to blow up your WhatsApp with this topic any longer

[Duke Nukem]

Surprised the resident expert omar-rye hasn't chimed in yet in his defensive of Omega. Perhaps the discovery of Omega confirming their bracelets aren't made in Switzerland sent him into shock.

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If it helps, another way to look at this incredibly gorgeous watch.

Reminds me of someone I met in Germany in the 90’s !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Ya …. That’s NOT helping

Originally Posted by Duke Nukem

Savage!

Oh sh*t guys, really, I wasn't joking or trying to be an a@@, I really meant my photo to be supportive/positive (and a little cute/funny, yes). D@mn, I misjudged it.

Sorry!!

[ajw45]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Thanks for your comments and it certainly has made me more aware. This is not something I ever imagined.

I’ll take some time to process this information for sure. No rash decisions as it is one heckuva beautiful watch regardless of where the bracelet and clasp originate. I just wish Omega were more transparent.

Buyer beware indeed

With the recent hype in the industry it is definitely buyer beware. It's not beware of getting a pos watch, modern manufacturing means most watches are solid, it's more about transparency and clarity about what it is you are getting for your money.

I would love an Ed White, I visited 3 omega boutiques hunting for one last week, and I'm okay with all the different industrial manufacturing processes used to create it.... at the current msrp. However, I wouldn't be okay with it at twice the price. The point is less whether it's a good or bad watch as much as a value proposition and the shady marketing disingenuously trying to add value that isn't there.

Generally, I like swatch group brands. I think their marketing isn't too crazy and the brands provide great value compared to say Richemont brands.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ajw45

With the recent hype in the industry it is definitely buyer beware. It's not beware of getting a pos watch, modern manufacturing means most watches are solid, it's more about transparency and clarity about what it is you are getting for your money.

I would love an Ed White, I visited 3 omega boutiques hunting for one last week, and I'm okay with all the different industrial manufacturing processes used to create it.... at the current msrp. However, I wouldn't be okay with it at twice the price. The point is less whether it's a good or bad watch as much as a value proposition and the shady marketing disingenuously trying to add value that isn't there.

Generally, I like swatch group brands. I think their marketing isn't too crazy and the brands provide great value compared to say Richemont brands.

I truly hope you land one soon

[ButtButt]

It doesn't really bother me as long as the fit and finish/quality are up to standards. I still love my 321 and actually think the bracelet is amazing in looks and feel. Maybe if you told me the entire watch was made in China I'd think twice but if most of the watch is still Swiss made I'm cool with it.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m trying to sort out exactly how I feel about this. I’m not thrilled to find this out that’s for sure.

I've been thinking about it a lot and still absolutely love my Omega watches. However, it'll likely have me looking elsewhere for additional future purchases.

The new Speedmaster pilot as an example really appeals to me, even though I felt it was a bit steep for what it was and that's before I was even aware of this. Can't imagine paying MSRP for something like an Ultra deep, regardless to bracelet quality, when they money could be put towards many other suitable options.

[Easy E]

Two weeks ago anyone with a 321 would point out all of the quality in the watch and bracelet. Knowing that same quality didn't come from exactly where you thought doesn't change the quality of the part. Just sayin'.

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Two weeks ago anyone with a 321 would point out all of the quality in the watch and bracelet. Knowing that same quality didn't come from exactly where you thought doesn't change the quality of the part. Just sayin'.

Agree.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RolexBHR]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Two weeks ago anyone with a 321 would point out all of the quality in the watch and bracelet. Knowing that same quality didn't come from exactly where you thought doesn't change the quality of the part. Just sayin'.

True

[dchang81]

If this stuff bothers you (which it does me to some extent) don't buy stereo equipment. I know some brands literally get kits from other countries and screws them together to get a made in badge. Others don't even put a made in badge, just slaps the name of the country as if it were made there. There was a photo of a production line in China, which showed all kinds of exotic 5 figure amps on the same line that were supposed to be made in Europe.

[Andad]

Do we know the source of the long metal bars?

"Bracelet making starts off with long metal bars, which arrive at the manufacture pre-shaped with a lengthwise recess down the center."

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Two weeks ago anyone with a 321 would point out all of the quality in the watch and bracelet. Knowing that same quality didn't come from exactly where you thought doesn't change the quality of the part. Just sayin'.

Yep, I admitted to that earlier.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ButtButt

It doesn't really bother me as long as the fit and finish/quality are up to standards. I still love my 321 and actually think the bracelet is amazing in looks and feel. Maybe if you told me the entire watch was made in China I'd think twice but if most of the watch is still Swiss made I'm cool with it.

Originally Posted by RW16610

I've been thinking about it a lot and still absolutely love my Omega watches. However, it'll likely have me looking elsewhere for additional future purchases.

The new Speedmaster pilot as an example really appeals to me, even though I felt it was a bit steep for what it was and that's before I was even aware of this. Can't imagine paying MSRP for something like an Ultra deep, regardless to bracelet quality, when they money could be put towards many other suitable options.

Thanks guys. Make no mistake, I love the reference and the quality is certainly top notch, I haven’t wavered in that regard. I guess I’m just wrestling with what I thought was an exclusive piece entirely made by Omega. It’ll take some time to let this cink in.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by dchang81

If this stuff bothers you (which it does me to some extent) don't buy stereo equipment. I know some brands literally get kits from other countries and screws them together to get a made in badge. Others don't even put a made in badge, just slaps the name of the country as if it were made there. There was a photo of a production line in China, which showed all kinds of exotic 5 figure amps on the same line that were supposed to be made in Europe.

No 60% rule there

Thanks for the heads up