Omega advice needed

[DiamondJack]

Hey fellow Omega aficionados

I have been buying fairly heavily into Rolex over the last 6 months and have gathered an early 64 Explorer, a 1680 Red Sub, a transitional 16800 with crazy tango lume, a new TT GMTIIc and most recently a new WG Sub. Oh and also a Rolex Tudor (panda dial) Oysterdate.

I am now turning my attention back to Omega as I feel a status change coming over the next 3-5 years and was wondering what you guys and gals feel would be a nice addition or two to my collection.

It can be new or old but probably max size of 40mm. Currently, my Omegas are a pre-moon 69 Moonwatch (currently on an Ofrei racing strap but I also have the original bracelet with the angled omega sign), a 58 international series small seconds on alligator, a black face 67 Seamaster date on the original 9 row beads of rice bracelet and lastly a "frankenstein" 1931 (originally a gold pocket watch) conversion.

Any ideas welcome and a brief reason why? And to whet your appetite, here's a few pics of the ones I have already I am looking for something that has wrist presence

Please post photos too

[The GMT Master]

Hi Steve,

I can certainly help you out with recommendations for new models from the Omega range. I think a De Ville Hour Vision would sit very nicely in your collection - there are quite a few variants and options too. In steel, you get the choice of three dials, silver, black (with silver and red highlights) and blue: the silver and black are regular models, whilst the blue is being produced in conjunction with ORBIS. It was the association with ORBIS that finally persuaded Daniel Craig to be an Omega ambassador, and Omega have pledged to donate at least one million dollars to the charity from the watch's sale. I tried it on for the first time the other day, and I was really impressed - expect that variant to be very sought after. The Hour Vision is available on strap or bracelet, and also in Red Gold versions: the same variants (barring the blue) are available in an Annual Calendar version too. The big selling point of the Hour Vision is its panoramic view of the movment - not only does it have a display caseback, but it also has sapphire crystal in the side of the case to give a whole new perspective to the movement.

Tech Specs:

Movement: 8500/8501 (for RG versions)
Case Diameter: 41mm
WR: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire with AR treatments

For something a little more sporty, I would suggest the new Planet Ocean in its 42mm size. Somewhat unusually for Omega, the changes visually have been quite subtle, and it really is an evolution of the previous Planet Ocean's design ethos. The vast majority of work isn't noticeable at a glance - it gets the cal. 8500 (instead of the cal. 2500 in the previous version) with the Silicium hairspring, giving the watch a 4 year guarantee; it gets an updated bracelet with screw and pins (much easier to adjust now), and an updated clasp (smaller, and the pushers have been re-engineered to give a much more solid feel); and, if we're talking about the black variant, it has a new ceramic bezel. This is unusual as, instead of the high gloss finishes we tend to see on ceramic bezels, it's been given a matte finish, which matches really well with the dial. The Orange is still an aluminium insert, however. The bracelet, I will admit, is not quite as beautifully done as Rolex's current diving bracelets and clasps, but Omega have thrown in a curveball by creating an excellent rubber strap, certainly the best I've ever tried on. It's hard to describe, but it's very smooth to the touch, and not sticky in the slightest - very high quality, and suits the watch really well

Tech Specs:

Movement: Cal. 8500 with Si14 Hairspring
Case Diameter: 42mm (also available in 38.5mm and 45.5mm)
WR: 600m
Crystal: Domed sapphire with AR treatment

Hope this helps, and if you'd like more suggestions or have any questions, don't hesitate to ask

Chris

[DiamondJack]

Hi Chris

Thanks for your reply and the fantastic and extremely useful information provided. I really appreciate the effort you have gone to and will now get on with the fun process of trying them out with the inevitable wrist check.

The De Ville hour vision sounds amazing and I can't wait to see it. After all, I need a dress watch.....

[dsio]

X2 on the Hour Vision, the vintage Constellation's modern successor IMO