Is Cal. 8500 that much better than the 2500?

[Drum]

Hi guys,

Newby to the forum and, not really a watch collector or anything, but I have inherited a healthy respect for an accurate watch from my dear departed Dad.

I am wanting an Omega automatic and cannot quite seem to decide between a PO 2201.50 and the new AT with the 8500 movement.

I have decided that I like the looks of the PO better than the AT (though I am worried it might be way bigger than I am used to) but from everything I have read, the Cal. 8500 is the superior movement.

So, the question I put to this group is this;

Would you choose movement over aesthetics or the other way around?

Stuck on the horns of a dilemma as to whether to choose the PO with 2500 or go with the less attractive (to my eye) AT because of the superior movement.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on the topic.

Drum

Edit: Second question, for those who have both... is the PO significantly bigger than the AT (231.10.39.21.06.001)? I have tried the AT and found it comfortable, but all the shop had when I was there were 45.5mm PO's and they seemed kind of enormous and heavy. Is the 42mm PO much smaller/lighter than the 45mm?

This latter question may decide this for me. I would rather have a great movement on a comfortable, yet somewhat less aesthetically pleasing watch than a nice looking watch that is not comfortable.

Thanks for reading and for your thoughts on this too.

[dsio]

The 8500 isn't just better than the 2500, its better than the majority of current in-house jobs on the market. Are you after a sports watch, or a dress watch? The AT is more dress (actually reminds me of the Rolex Milgauss in ways) the PO more sports.

If dress is what you like, the Omega Hour Vision with the 8500 is the halo watch for the company at present, similar to the AT in ways, but more elegant and absolutely stunning.

[Drum]

Well, I am thinking I would be willing to wear a PO with a suit, but I see your point.

The Rolex has always served very nicely for dress purposes, heck, I wore it every day. So I guess the answer to the question is that I want a sturdy every day wear watch that will shrug off water and minor abuse.

Is the AT going to much more fragile than the PO or would they be about the same?

I appreciate the tip on the other line of watches though. Headed over to the Omega site now to check those out.

Cheers,
D

[dsio]

AT's are tough as nails, don't let the difference in pressure rating put you off at all, its more to do with how heavily secured the crown is and how thick the sapphire crystal is than any aspect of sturdiness (the AT's still rated for 150M, just not the bombproof 600M of the PO).

The Hour Vision would look more distinguished with a suit, and can be worn with a strap as an option, and has a full sapphire case, which as you would imagine, is quite strong indeed. It too has a 100M water rating, and will stand up to any abuse, but its one of the most unique and stunning dress watches made in a long time.

[Drum]

Wow, you're right! Had not really investigated the Deville series as yet. Had sort of a Seamaster-centric focus, I guess.

I really like the Hour Vision and also the Deville Coaxial Chronometer, both equipped with dark dials and steel on steel.

They look pricey... I am hesitant to even begin the research on those! The AT seems almost too dear to me as it is.

Anyway, thanks for confusing me even further!!!



Cheers,
Drum

PS: Just kidding about confusing me... I am leaning toward something with an 8500

[dsio]

Originally Posted by Drum

Wow, you're right! Had not really investigated the Deville series as yet. Had sort of a Seamaster-centric focus, I guess.

I really like the Hour Vision and also the Deville Coaxial Chronometer, both equipped with dark dials and steel on steel.

They look pricey... I am hesitant to even begin the research on those! The AT seems almost too dear to me as it is.

Anyway, thanks for confusing me even further!!!



Cheers,
Drum

PS: Just kidding about confusing me... I am leaning toward something with an 8500

The MSRP's are shocking, but grey market prices for BNIB are very reasonable, and gently used prices are extremely good, I saw an SS Hour Vision sell for $2,700 not too long ago in mint condition, and grey market values are around the 5-6k mark.

[Perdu]

Well you've got to like the watch you wear. The PO uses a modified ETA 2892-A2 (2 more jewels, Rhodium finishing with gold accents, better winding efficiency and most important a new escapement).

The 8500 is a totally new movement designed and built from the bottom up and being somewhat of a movement nut I'd love to own on of these. One day of course they will put the 8500 in the PO.

[Mystro]

The 8500 being better than the 2500C is very debatable at best. Buy the watch that speaks to you most. My PO is by far the most accurate automatic I have ever seen at 0 + or - seconds in 45 days. Not many quartz can do better.

[Perdu]

Yes, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the 2500C

[dsio]

Originally Posted by Perdu

Yes, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the 2500C

Nothing wrong with any ETA based movement.

But if you've got the option of having one with a better power reserve, and more importantly, are looking at purchasing a watch with a display-back, the 8500 is Natalie Portman while the 2500 is a bit more Jeff Bridges.

[G.J]

There is indeed nothing wrong with a ETA or ETA based movement.

ETA makes excellent movements.

In fact, even the new 8500 movement is build by ==> ETA