Why doesn't Omega make watches like they used to?

[mikesan420]

I was browsing the internet and stumbled across this picture of an old vintage Omega model and was amazed at the beauty before me. I have seen different vintage Omega's and can honestly say that I personally like a lot of the older models more than what has been out in the market Post some pics if you've got them. It would definitely be nice to see. Thanks.

http://www.chronoworld.com/new/produ...product_id=268

[CKLinLA]

I think they have left that to their sister company Longines, which retains a full line up of the traditional styles including vintages style chronos.

[jmsrolls]

Omega has and does make a collection of museum pieces.

Here are a couple of current offerings:




Here's the 1938 Pilot's watch I once owned:



In 1999, Omega re-issued a replica of the 1957 Speedy Pro that looked like this:



Fr. John†

[mikesan420]

The 1938 Pilot watch is simply amazing. I don't even think pictures can do this watch any justice.

[jmsrolls]

Here's a press kit photo of the Pilot's watch:



Note that the 12-hour bezel was used to adjust for a second time zone.

Fr. John†

[esm]

loved the 1938 pilots watch in the magazines and internet and wanted to buy - one of the ADs in London had it in stock, so i tried it on.... it wasnt the case, it didnt sing to me.

[mikesan420]

I have seen many vintage Omega's that look very similar to some of the watches produced by Jaeger Lecoultre master controller line. If Omega would stay classic, maybe they would be doing a little better but it just seems like their styles are a bit too trendy looking. This is classic and I know Omega can step it up. If Jaeger can make a simple choice to market such a great classic look and be successful, I don't see why Omega doesn't do it. They've done it before and I'm sure many people would greatly admire those fine time pieces.

[bcacncnc]

Interesting topic. I guess styles and trends depend in your age and other demographics. Personally, I don't mind things a little fashionable/modern looking.

[esm]

IMO - the Omega DeVille range has a more mature/vintage feel than the rest of the current collection

[Widows Son]

Originally Posted by esm

IMO - the Omega DeVille range has a more mature/vintage feel than the rest of the current collection

I agree completely. The dress Seamasters and bumpers were great dress watches. These watches on straps work well with a suit. When people started to believe that divers were to be worn with a suit, the idea of a true dress watch was lost.

[mikesan420]

I must say gentleman that after thinking about this topic I went out on the hunt for classic styled watches and stumbled across this bad boy at the Jaeger AD today. I tried it on, looked at it for quite a bit and was in love with the look and feel of this watch. It kind of reminded me of the old vintage classic look that I am looking for. This one can be yours for about 8.8k at the AD.

I'd also like to post another picture of another fine looking watch made by another company called JS Watch Company. I'm tempted to purchase the JS Watch Company watch simply because of the simple elegance and quality that I can get for the price which I believe is 3k. You can even get your name engraved on the rotor! I just wish Omega had something along those lines because I actually am a huge fan of that company but lately feel that they just don't cut it for me anymore. They're not keeping up with the times.

Even IWC has a really sharp classic watch that I also tried on today at the local IWC AD and the price was fairly reasonable at about 3k retail. That watch looked amazing without even trying.

[mikesan420]

And here are some other pictures that I found on the JS Watch Co.

[mikesan420]

A vintage classic Omega Seamaster owned by fellow forum member Martin AKA JDC from the UK. A great wrist shot of a simple yet elegant watch that Omega once produced.

It simply is just amazing that we have other great brands out there that are smart enough to capitalize on this great style but yet Omega does nothing to even remain competitive. It would be great to have this style brought back by Omega.

[Mike B]

I think Omega might have lost a little of it's "touch" when it comes to making watches like they used to. However, Omega is starting to be much more modern in their watches currently. The design of the PO for example, provided a mix of watch design from the classic Seamaster from years ago, while mixing it up a bit.
With the supposedly high pricing Omega is going to though, I don't think that is a great idea.

[jmsrolls]

Here are a couple of my vintage pieces.

An 18k RG, cal 332 bumper from 1950:



And a cal. 26.5 manual wind from ~1930:



The white porcelain dial and blued hands would be worth reproducing today.

Fr. John†

[0037ksm]

I bought this late last year. A 1953 vintage with bumper movement.

[IMG][/IMG]

Chris

[belk7]

Omega was really my start into the world of better watches. My dad bought a Constellation in 1960, quit wearing it in the mid '80s, and then finally let me have it in 1990. I had it serviced and cleaned up and got the original beads of rice bracelet repaired and have enjoyed it ever since. I bought the gold bezel Connie quartz dress watch for myself about 20 years ago. The first photo shows my four Omegas - the two older pieces along with a newer Speedy and a 45.5 mm PO. Seemed kind of appropriate for this thread to put them together. While I tend to gravitate toward more classic style watches, I appreciate them all.

Omega Quartet.jpg

IMG_2029.jpg

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