Are Omega losing their way?

[Brandon(phila)]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

That's true! Low in number and expensive - probably desirable to someone. The Speedy with the silver coin face is, however, the worst LE type watch I've ever seen. It's unattractive and unreadable. The Arnold AP actually isn't bad looking, if you like the big black style watches, but the name association is a bridge too far.

It's the whole Richmont Group...with all the Limited and Celebrity endorsed watches...Arnold....there's a basketball - Dwayne Wade AP...I think there is a Valentino Rossi JLC....Do people actually buy a 20K + watches that looks like basketball netting stitched into the band?
I have to hand it to Panerai, I'm pretty sure they started the whole LE, boutique thing, which the first few years was pretty cool (1998 to 2004ish) but it's starting to get tired now.

[applebook]

Originally Posted by Brandon(phila)

Do people actually buy a 20K + watches that looks like basketball netting stitched into the band?

A lot of rappers and wannabes would.

Yes, that coin face Speedy Pro is gross!

[Dream99]

Surely this is taking Limited editions to the extreme !

[khoalety]

Originally Posted by Dream99

Just noticed this Speedmaster on Omega web site under new products. its the manual wind moon watch @ 42mm Diameter. Following the release of the PO GMT, maybe Omega are going a bit wayward with what to bring out next scenario ??? what do you guys think?

This moon watch reminds me of Tintin's rocket! I like it...

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...9QEwBQ&dur=412

[Dream99]

This moon watch reminds me of Tintin's rocket! I like it...

Now I know who they are aiming this watch at. One sell then to.... Tin Tin

[aprasert]

+1
Nailed it.

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Not liking it. Lost their way is a bit much, the 42mm titanium is a beautiful piece. Their problem is too much diversity and attempting to be too edgy and fresh. They need to focus on strengthening the existing products.
The GMT PO is a bold and welcome move but executed horribly. The colors are too polarizing and the size is too big for most.
There's details that would help, they have two main issues right now that push buyers away. A combination of both big and thick, that combination can push many away.

-thinner cases, I didn't really notice the thickness of my 42mm PO until I compare it to my Deepsea. I don't mind the Deepsea it has a reason, can't seem to justify it in the PO. Buyers generally don't mind one thick watch but not a whole collection.

-smaller diameter, 42mm is about the limit for most. Panerai have big watches but they're thin.

-details, little things become big to some. The black date wheel is an eye sore. The symmetrical dial of the PO line is beautiful but needs a differentiating marker at 12 o'clock or something else because at night even though the watch is on your wrist it can be slightly difficult to orient the watch at first glance.

-Stop all the limited editions, so many and so often make it not so special and cheapen the brand to me. The LM PO was an excellent move, the olympic models and all the speedys....not so much. The a-magnetic Aqua Terra is amazing but where is it and again, it doesn't need a funky hand, that is a bit too much of a draw to the Milgauss.

I'm sure they'll bring out the PO GMT in normal colors but by then most people already bought something else or have formed an irreversible opinion.

This has all been happening since Hayek senior past, that guy was a genius. Omega needs to tighten up it's shot group and focus more inside the box not out, or I do feel they will loose their way.

[mikkemus23]

Originally Posted by Rolexis

Omega is trying to do now what Rolex was able to do in the 60's and 70's for free. Get on the wrist of actors and celebrities. In the 60's and 70's it was Rolex because it was the best. Rolex didn't pay as much as omega is dishing out now. The two companies that are spending big on movie and tv show hidden advertising is GM and Omega. Every tv show they are driving GM cars with a Seamaster on. Omega was very lucky to be awarded the moon flight in the 60s. If it wasn't for that Omega would irrelevant now. I think Omega won because JFK knew Jackie would be pissed if he approved the Rolex due to Marilyn's birthday gift.

[andromeda160]

heres another one lol, I liked the Rifled barrel face 007, but wouldn't want somthing with it written all over it

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

heres another one lol, I liked the Rifled barrel face 007, but wouldn't want somthing with it written all over it

omega missed a real opportunity to replace the hour hand with the word "JAMES" and the minute hand with the word "BOND".

[MichaelB_Can]

The new speedy is maybe a young guys watch , some young guy looking for something big & flashy -a first time Omega buyer ! People that love the Speedmaster will be turned off by it , but if someone wants a watch to be noticed ....... well this would do the job.


Mike B , Canada ⌚

[capote]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

omega missed a real opportunity to replace the hour hand with the word "JAMES" and the minute hand with the word "BOND".

...And an enamel dial with Daniel Craig's one expression face on it

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by capote

...And an enamel dial with Daniel Craig's one expression face on it

Don't be silly. That's reserved for the Special Limited Edition model's caseback!

[Perdu]

One model I think they did mess up (well I can think of a few) is the new antimagnetic AT. What a great watch and what a mess of a second hand. It screams I want to copy Rolex but it looks a mess. Omega make some great watches but have a knack for touching some of them with the ugly stick, like the new PO Gmt. They need to be more conservative and less funky in some of their designs. And why spoil the AT with all those colors on the captain's watch. Like someone else said - less is more.

[shnxx]

These are some god awful looking watches

[Shade]

I think Omega is trying to be innovate these days and are WAY too cheesy about it. They should get a new designer. Their Speedmaster line should stay as is and offer less wierd dials in the line up.

However I do pity that the omega line up is VERY expensive these days. I went to a boutique one day and asked about the all gold ladymatic (with diamond bezel), and it costs some 22k!

With that kind of money I'd rather get myself a Rolex, an AP, or a STEEL PATEK for goodness sake. They should rethink their brand and pricing positioning.

[shnxx]

Originally Posted by Shade

I think Omega is trying to be innovate these days and are WAY too cheesy about it. They should get a new designer. Their Speedmaster line should stay as is and offer less wierd dials in the line up.

However I do pity that the omega line up is VERY expensive these days. I went to a boutique one day and asked about the all gold ladymatic (with diamond bezel), and it costs some 22k!

With that kind of money I'd rather get myself a Rolex, an AP, or a STEEL PATEK for goodness sake. They should rethink their brand and pricing positioning.

22k lol!!!

[MilgaussMan1]

the entire watch economy...

"milking" the consumer... the amount of money and margin they make off watches is insane!

[htc8p]

are you kidding?! that would be the ultimate watch to strap to dynamite

[Shade]

The margin wouldnt be as insane as you think actually. With all the ad campaigns the luxurious boutiques, the celebrity, events endorsed, sponsorship and adf all that to a small production amount, their cost is pretty high up there. But i do agree still a ladymatic shouldnt have costed 22k unless it has diamonds covering every single surface of at least the dial and lugs too..

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Shade

I think Omega is trying to be innovate these days and are WAY too cheesy about it. They should get a new designer. Their Speedmaster line should stay as is and offer less wierd dials in the line up.

However I do pity that the omega line up is VERY expensive these days. I went to a boutique one day and asked about the all gold ladymatic (with diamond bezel), and it costs some 22k!

With that kind of money I'd rather get myself a Rolex, an AP, or a STEEL PATEK for goodness sake. They should rethink their brand and pricing positioning.

Just out of interest, why shouldn't an 18ct Ladymatic not cost more than an equivalent Lady Datejust, especially with a full diamond bezel?

Chris

[Cuts33]

I'm a big Omega fan and we obviously do not have the benefit of their actual production and sales numbers but I do agree that from an outside perspective, they need to consolidate their line ups and offerings.

The sheer number of watches they now have available is exhausting and frankly for some of the models, I can't fathom who they are even marketing to and who is buying them.

[Jason71]

I'm not much of an omega fan, and this might have already been covered.......but how long has omega been manufacturing bracelet parts in China? I'm not dissing Chinese-made watches, but it seems at the Omega price-point that they would adhere to Swiss-made parts as Rolex does

Borrowed pic

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by capote

Yes, as have all other watch makers, especially in the sport watch segment. What is duller than the heritage/homage/fake patina and/or limited edition crap that every company seems to be doing. And Rolex have ruined pretty much every watch in the line-up with bling and poorly designed cases the last years. I can't think of any sport watch designed this decade that I would buy.

What will the next generation look back and adore with watches released in 2013. Nothing, thats what. On the bright side there are many pre-owned masterpieces out there

Totally agree.

[tfduff723]

Originally Posted by Dream99

This moon watch reminds me of Tintin's rocket! I like it...

Now I know who they are aiming this watch at. One sell then to.... Tin Tin

You Sir are correct! I went to this event at the Omega Boutique near me in July. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=307132

They had that watch on display for that evening only. The sales manager explained to me that Omega actually wanted to do a "commemorative" Speedmaster based on Tin Tin's space adventures. They were unable to get official licensing rights and so this watch is what they decided to do anyway. Supposedly to be released late this year early next.

Not making this up.