PSA: If you want Rolex, don't settle for anything else

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by amh

That's my experience as well, most of the 'trusted sellers' didn't even respond to my inquiry (and I contacted all of them.) I claimed here that 'O' loses 40% of value when you walk out the AD and I still stand by this. Just brows the for sale forums and you'll see. IMO they would be a much stronger brand if they reduced their model variants by 50%.

Omega is a lot of watch for the money:
- Terrific fit & finish
- Modern in-house movements are excellent
- Some nice design features

I won't get into the things that I don't like, they're just not for me.

My comfort zone for Omega is a sub $5k pre owned watch. That’s a price point low enough that even if I trade it in, I still won’t take a huge beating and it’s already taken it’s first initial depreciation. The Omega SMP is a lot of watch for the money on the second hand market.

[jets]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

This is one of the only divers that blows me away. I detest the bracelets on most Omega as much as I like the brand. They simply make a lot of things too clunky! As great as their adjustable clasps are they are just too large. The new chronoscape clasp proves they can do a nice clean one but they choose not to too much of the time.

I sold off two Planet Oceans simply because as nice as they were they were not comfortable after extended wear. Just a nuisance really. Older SMP are great and moonwatch too but they are a different class.

I just love the Rolex bracelets!

[Adam84]

Originally Posted by Mystro

What truly frustrates me about Omega is if you want to trade it in, no one even wants to take it in on trade or if they do, it’s pennies on the dollar. This is on a mint full box set. It’s like you are trying to trade in a diseased pet??????
I knew this with my last Omega which was a desirable model in the Omega world. Omega as a company is shooting them self in the foot with every move they make each year or at least they are moving in a direction away from what I want.

Isn’t that the same with ANY brand other than Rolex, AP, Patek, VC and a couple of others?

The secret is buying at the right price. I’ve sold 3 Omegas, never made money but I broke even on one and only lost about £500 because i bought them with large discounts.

I agree with your other point about having a ceiling for certain Watch brands. I’m the same with Omega, £4000 is a nice amount of money that will get a cracking Omega….more money than that and I would rather put it into Rolex or high horology

[NachoNeal]

If I didn't recently pick up the new Explorer 1, I would have very seriously considered buying an Omega Seamaster Railmaster. They're pretty comparable.
It's just speculation but I think I would have been quite content.

[Chiboy]

I am not great at settling. Never have been. If a particular Rolex is what you want, wait for it. If something else is at the top of your list, get that.

[Dirt]

I suppose if it's got to be a Rolex, then so be it.
Settling for a substitute for pretty much anything won't cut it and it does seem especially true for any Rolex which one may have their heart set on.
There's nothing wrong with an Omega watch or anything else that's grabbed your fancy either. I would say that Rolex doesn't come close when comparing their offerings to a Speedy Pro in what ever flavour takes one's fancy. If one badly wants a Speedy Pro, nothing else can scratch that itch either

[SudiYunus]

If you want Rolex, don't settle for anything else

+1

[dannyp]

I think many of the transplant recipients out there would disagree…

[snyde]

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[wclowe]

I thought I’d share my experience flirting with buying an omega watch.

A few years ago I heard on the news that they were coming out with a new James Bond 007 special edition watch.

I immediately called the Omega boutique in Tysons and put down a deposit and thought that I was lucky to have been able to reserve one of the 700 that would be released.

Afterward I started doing some research and found that omega comes out with a special edition watch like every six months making this purchase seem like a mistake.

I asked them to refund my deposit and instead went to the Rolex AD a few weeks later. They just happened to have a two-tone Daytona with MOP dial sitting in the display case.

While I paid twice as much for the Daytona as I was going to pay for the omega I couldn’t be happier. In my mind I dodged a bullet - for me it’s not just about buying a watch that I like - I need to also feel like I’m getting good value for my money.

In my book that means Rolex over omega every day of the week…

Cheers!


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[zapokee]

Originally Posted by amh

- Value. My FIL's Sub from 1966 was $150. Today it's probably worth $10k.

A lot more than 10k if it's in original condition. 1966 was the gilt-dial era. More like $35k if it's a 1966 Gilt 5513 Sub. 40K+ if it's a Gilt 5512 Sub. Even more if the dial's got an underline, a chapter ring or any differently-colored text, or if the dial surface has faded to tropical (i.e., brown).

Make some discreet inquiries and mention to him how much you'd cherish it when he's deciding where it will end up.

[Jefferyasher]

My first timepiece was an Omega Seamaster because I didn't want to pay for a Rolex. After about 5 days I returned the Omega and purchased my 14060m. No regrets!

[logo]

This thread is funny. Either you like a watch or you don’t. Simple as that. Defining “value” for a luxury item is a fools errand.

[TimeAZ]

Originally Posted by amh

Learned a bitter lesson recently. I fell into buying 'Brand O' at the local AD:
- Figured I should branch out and find out what 'O' is all about. After all, they have a loyal following
- The watch looked good on paper! METAS certified, great power reserve, good warranty
- Maybe trying something different would help me cure my fixation on Rolex.

Alas the move backfired. Wearing the 'O' was like trying to accept a donated organ - it just didn't feel right (size, shape, weight, appearance and of course the bracelet.) Massive buyer's remorse! Ten days later I traded it for a Rolex.

Anyway now I can put it all behind me.

Why Rolex stands out:
- The bracelets! There is nothing like a modern Rolex bracelet. We can argue about Glidelock vs Easylink or brushed vs polished but they are all excellent. They set the standard for comfort, appearance and reliability.
- Water resistance. We don't even need to think about this - all the watches can handle anything a normal individual is going to encounter. Swimming, diving, washing dishes, summer sweat, sauna, hot tub - nothing is an issue!
- Design. Some will say Rolex is boring, every year we hear the same old refrain: "20xx was the worst year ever for introductions!" Yet the consistency is part of the attraction! The watches of today are similar to those of 50 years ago and they retain all the best features that made them successful. All the right elements and nothing extra. Each model is purpose-driven and it shows.
- Accuracy. The modern Rolex -2/+2 spec is fantastic. With nightstand regulation this can be brought close to zero error. It's no Spring Drive but it's still damn good.
- Value. My FIL's Sub from 1966 was $150. Today it's probably worth $10k. It is this value retention that has fueled the current "Tulip Craze." Be careful out there...

I agree with all of this. I would add that Tudor is closest to reaching Rolex, although a step down in general as a result of case design and bracelet/clasp.

[chaokuay]

The more I look around, the more I appreciate Rolex.

[brandrea]

Part of the journey … you have to experiment a bit to know what works and what doesn’t.

I see pros and cons in many different brands. I guess for me, Rolex cuts the widest swath and that’s why I gravitate toward them

[7enderbender]

To each their own. I like my Omegas. Between these two here it would be a difficult decision if I could only keep one. I’d probably keep the Speedy.

[HideMyWalletPlease]

I actually went into into the Omega boutique and nothing spoke to me. There was one exception. I really liked the ploprof. It is a huge monster but I tried it on and it was practically weightless. The newer ones are all titanium. To me it was a very cool watch because it isn’t trying to look like anything else. It’s obviously not an every day piece but it’s the only omega on my radar.

[cdmorenot]

Interesting thread.

I have the most sought after sport SS Rolex watches there are right now and they get absolutely no wrist time.

I bought a SMP 300 a year ago and a speedy and they’re my favorite watches ever.

After 5 or 6 years of switching Rolexes I settled on 3 safe queens and two phenomenal daily wearers.

To each their own!


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[zapokee]

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

I actually went into into the Omega boutique and nothing spoke to me. There was one exception. I really liked the ploprof. It is a huge monster but I tried it on and it was practically weightless.

The Ploprof is a beast size-wise, even more so than the DSSD. Too hefty for me, but a good conversation piece if you're among watch nerds.

There are probably cheaper ways to strike up a conversation, though...

[goodolejr]

I think Omega would do a lot better of they made thinner cases and lugs as well as reducing the variations for each model.

[Rori]

Originally Posted by Mystro

What truly frustrates me about Omega is if you want to trade it in, no one even wants to take it in on trade or if they do, it’s pennies on the dollar. This is on a mint full box set. It’s like you are trying to trade in a diseased pet??????
I knew this with my last Omega which was a desirable model in the Omega world. Omega as a company is shooting them self in the foot with every move they make each year or at least they are moving in a direction away from what I want.

Agree. Rolex is a one of its kind phenomenon.


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[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by Mystro

What truly frustrates me about Omega is if you want to trade it in, no one even wants to take it in on trade or if they do, it’s pennies on the dollar. This is on a mint full box set. It’s like you are trying to trade in a diseased pet??????
I knew this with my last Omega which was a desirable model in the Omega world. Omega as a company is shooting them self in the foot with every move they make each year or at least they are moving in a direction away from what I want.

I’m not sure they are shooting themselves in the foot. They couldn’t care less what things go for in the secondary market. They already sold the watch. And they are selling plenty. The good thing with them is you can walk into a store or two and have food chance of walking out with the watch you wanted. Rolex can’t keep up with demand and has more limited production capabilities.

And to those who are saying that Rolex is the more expensive and “better” watch I disagree. In the current state I think Omega has an advantage with better movements and, well, more variety. Not saying one is better than the other. They operate in a different space to some degree and with a vastly different business model. I like both. And with the current models I see more in the Omega catalogue that speaks to me than the new Rolex design language. I really only want the new Explorer of the recent models, while I can think of at least three Omegas that tickle me.

[5thLegion]

I picked up a used Speedy this year and am "on the list" for a Sub. Might be kind of a let down if I like the Speedy better! Regardless, the Speedmaster is a must have IMO.

[amh]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

I’m not sure they are shooting themselves in the foot. They couldn’t care less what things go for in the secondary market. They already sold the watch. And they are selling plenty. The good thing with them is you can walk into a store or two and have food chance of walking out with the watch you wanted. Rolex can’t keep up with demand and has more limited production capabilities.

And to those who are saying that Rolex is the more expensive and “better” watch I disagree. In the current state I think Omega has an advantage with better movements and, well, more variety. Not saying one is better than the other. They operate in a different space to some degree and with a vastly different business model. I like both. And with the current models I see more in the Omega catalogue that speaks to me than the new Rolex design language. I really only want the new Explorer of the recent models, while I can think of at least three Omegas that tickle me.

Omega is diluting the brand:
- Endless "special editions"
- Countless variants within every product line (Is it a Diver or a Chrono? Usually neither fish nor fowl)
- Confusing product SKUs (reads like 32-digit credit card number)
- Swatch collab
- Movie/cartoon marketing

Is it wrong? No, it's obviously exactly what they want. If it gets more people to wear old school mechanical watches I'm totally ok with it. They'll just find it challenging to go upmarket given that they're also catering to the very low end at the same time.

They do make a quality product, no doubt. In terms of movements and fit & finish they are on par or ahead of Rolex. Very good value when comparing MSRP.

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by amh

...
Why Rolex stands out:
- The bracelets! There is nothing like a modern Rolex bracelet. We can argue about Glidelock vs Easylink or brushed vs polished but they are all excellent. They set the standard for comfort, appearance and reliability.
...

This is how I solved the longstanding Omega bracelet problem:





Next week I should also receive an elastic orange band, ready for Summer!

BTW, I wore Rolex for most of my life, from 16 to 50 years old. I still have one of them but I don't see myself wearing the crown anytime soon, I really despise the brand nowadays.

[s0leful0ne]

Originally Posted by fmc000

This is how I solved the longstanding Omega bracelet problem:





Next week I should also receive an elastic orange band, ready for Summer!

BTW, I wore Rolex for most of my life, from 16 to 50 years old. I still have one of them but I don't see myself wearing the crown anytime soon, I really despise the brand nowadays.

Love the bracelet, would you mind sharing a link or name? I may get it for my speedy.


(back to topic) - I agree with OP - Don't buy anything else if you want a Rolex. Buy an Omega, Tudor, Cartier, whatever if that's what you want, but not if you think it's gonna scratch the Rolex itch.

[rolexjackson]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

I would agree with not settling 100% of the time.

I would GENERALLY agree with you on Rolex over Omega as well - 99% of the time.

I wasn't interested in any Omegas (tried the Speedy in 3 different iterations, sold each one fairly quickly after buying) and I do think that they're bracelets are not the nicest to look at. However, the Seamaster 300 in ceramic / Sedna gold truly knocked me out and on the Omega rubber strap, it is very hard to beat.

I'm very content with my current Rolex collection and branching out to Omega for a new daily driver is something I'm really happy about as well. In terms of technology and what they're able to do with ceramics (just look at the way they're able to shine it in different ways like Steel), Omega is second to none.

this piece looks great, however try to turn the bezel... its not easy and the "click" isn't anywhere close to that of a Rolex. just sayin...

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by daveswordfish

Two thoughts.

- don’t buy a brand, buy the watch. Buying an Omega is pointless if it’s not a reference that you love, which clearly you didn’t. Similarly, not every Rolex is a winner…really.

- Rolex’s strength is while they may not be the absolute best in any one element of watch design/manufacture, they are pretty close across all elements. To me that’s their strength and it’s something incredibly hard to do. If you look at other brands and expect them to do everything as well or better than the crown, you’re going to be disappointed. Find pieces from other marques that you love and have one or two amazing attributes and enjoy. Going through a brand v brand checklist is just going to preclude you from enjoying some truly amazing watches.


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+1 Well said

[subprimero]

I like and own both brands. I usually buy used, so depreciation is not an issue for me.