Moving from Rolex to Omega

[Rollieboy]

Hi all,

I have owned a Submariner and a Sea-dweller now for almost a year. I love Rolexes for everything they are. But now I think it's time to try something different. I might get a Rolex later on.

What do you think about this: http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...21330424001001

I really love the way it looks and would welcome the chronograph functions. Will it be a lot heavier than the original 16600 Sea-Dweller? Any comments on the quality of this watch when compared to the SD ?

Thanks!

-Rollieboy

[improviz]

I don't think weight-wise it will be appreciably different than the SD; in fact, it might be a tad bit lighter, but again I'd think they'd be very close in terms of weight.

Quality-wise, both have time-tested, very rugged, very reliable, very accurate movements, and should give you years of trouble-free ownership. The SD, of course, has a much greater depth rating, but for 99.9999% of owners this wouldn't be a factor.

One other option: you could find a Seamaster Chrono pre-loved and save some $$, and hang onto the SD; this way you could enjoy them both without having to give anything up, just a thought...

[Dweller of the Sea]

Originally Posted by improviz

I don't think weight-wise it will be appreciably different than the SD; in fact, it might be a tad bit lighter, but again I'd think they'd be very close in terms of weight.

Quality-wise, both have time-tested, very rugged, very reliable, very accurate movements, and should give you years of trouble-free ownership. The SD, of course, has a much greater depth rating, but for 99.9999% of owners this wouldn't be a factor.

One other option: you could find a Seamaster Chrono pre-loved and save some $$, and hang onto the SD; this way you could enjoy them both without having to give anything up, just a thought...

+1

I have owned one. Great watch, I can recommend it.
I own a SD now, and they wear very similar. The weight feels about the same, and they are both thick watches.

I would rather have a SD, than the Omega, but having both is

[STEELINOX]

Ive dondat, and got stuck in the middle !

[Mitchbo]

Originally Posted by improviz

I don't think weight-wise it will be appreciably different than the SD; in fact, it might be a tad bit lighter, but again I'd think they'd be very close in terms of weight.

I have an SD and an SMPC AC (smooth black face, sword hands, America's Cup designation). The Seamaster chrono is noticeably heavier than the SD due to the thicker case and heavier bracelet. Both are beautifully balanced and very comfortable. The workmanship on each is outstanding. They are my two favorite watches hands down.

My 2 cents,

Mitch

[rad87gn]

I’ve owned since 2007 the discontinued Omega Seamaster 300M Chrono 2594.52 which has the 3301 movement instead of the 1164. Not sure if the model you are looking at has the same basic SS case our not but I'd assume it does. They are both are listed as 41.5mm. The bracelets are different. I also own a Sub LV, TT Sub, SD, GMT-II, and Omega Speedmaster Pro. So, going off my experience and research here is my input.

All of the Omega Seamaster Chrono models are very nice and well built. Rolex has in my opinion a slightly better in-house movement. But, the 1164 movement has a very great reputation and the Omega will last for decades if properly taken care of just like the Rolex. The build quality is very similar as well but I’d put the Rolex slightly better. The Seamaster Chrono that I have is much thicker and heavier than the SD. Even though it’s bigger (taller and 1.5 mm wider) and heavier it wears extremely comfortable. Overall day to day wearing doesn’t make much difference between them to me.

Cool thing I like about the Seamaster is you can operate the chrono buttons under water all the way down to its rated depth. The SD has a lot more depth rating but unless you are out to break a world record diving it makes no difference. The helium valve is automatic on the SD and manual on the Seamaster (have to unscrew it). No use for the HV anyway unless you dive professionally in that environment. Rolex have more resale value than Omega. The Seamaster Chrono have a domed crystal with anti-reflective material inside so it won’t scratch off during daily use. The clasp on the Omega will show more scratches but is no big deal. Polishes easy and is very thick.

http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...diver/25945200

[Rollieboy]

guys,

thanks a lot for all of your input, appreciated!

One more question: I have a relatively small wrist, but the SD fits me perfectly. Would the SMP chronograph be too big (41.5mm vs. 39.5mm) with a 6.5" wrist?

- Rollieboy

[jwalther]

Originally Posted by Rollieboy

guys,

thanks a lot for all of your input, appreciated!

One more question: I have a relatively small wrist, but the SD fits me perfectly. Would the SMP chronograph be too big (41.5mm vs. 39.5mm) with a 6.5" wrist?

- Rollieboy

Of more concern is the thickness of the Omega. My wrist is slightly larger than yours:



If weight is an issue, look for the discontinued Ti version.

[Rollieboy]

Omg it is THAT thick :O !!

[brkanand]

Yes. Somewhat thicker for me. Otherwise, a nice changeover from Rolex.

[Rollieboy]

It looks way too thick tbh. A lot thicker than SD for sure.

[Andad]

It's not as thick as some, Tero.

[Puffy]

doesn't look too bad

[Rollieboy]

Originally Posted by directioneng

It's not as thick as some, Tero.

"as some" ?

[Rollieboy]

Ok I went to the local watch shop that has Omega.

I tried on the chrono and then the regular 300m automatic. The chrono was ok, not as bulky as it looks like in the photos. I am slightly biased now towards the black chrono model that I linked in the first post.

We'll see...

[jekuo]

I have my 300M Chrono SMP on the Omega rubber dive band and it is very confortable, lightweight, and easy to wear and the watch is not too thick at all. The silicone rubber they use is of great quality and still looks great after 4 years of almost daily wear. The metal bracelet looks good too, but is much heavier than most Rolex bracelets, is harder to adjust, and adds significantly to the overall weight of the watch.

[Dream99]

Hi Rollieboy.
I have to disagree with some comments made on this subject. I have owned the Rolex Deepsea (briefly) and am about to buy the Omega Seamaster 300M diver chrono in a day or two's time.
I have to say I found the Rolex the most uncomfortable and heavy watch I have ever wore, it is massive and does not sit well on the wrist and is very top heavy, in that it is always rolling on the wrist, rubbing/hitting the wrist bone... not very good feeling all day long and I do not have small wrist either (8 1/2 ") Whereas the Omega Chrono is much more comfortable, sits well and stays on the wrist, its a fair bit lighter and I would say shallower too.
Buy the Omega Chrono you will love it. (before it is superseded with the newer more expensive version without the "waves" on the Dial. It's every watch you'll need.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by Dream99

Hi Rollieboy.
I have to disagree with some comments made on this subject. I have owned the Rolex Deepsea (briefly) and am about to buy the Omega Seamaster 300M diver chrono in a day or two's time.
{snip}.

You're mistaken. OP does not own a DSSD; he stated explicitly that he owns a 16600 (original Sea-Dweller).

[Rollieboy]

Thanks everyone. I've made up my mind, I'm getting the watch :).

Yes, I currently own the original SD 16600. It's a "baby watch" almost compared to the Omega (and the Deep-Sea of course).

[Matt_24]

I've owned that Omega since last July. I'm rough on this watch. I've done a lot of travelling with it, and wear it every day. Sometimes I forget about it and PT with it. It is definitely a well-built watch! I love it and think you've made a good choice.

[Arby]

I have the blue version. It's a very nice watch and keeps excellent time.

[Rollieboy]

Ok boys..

I got the black version, and I Love it :D. It feels awesome on the wrist and looks fantastic. Very happy about the purchase. Got it new, from the local dealership.

Now, a question. As with Rolex modern divers you didn't have to think about where the minute and hour hands are when quick-setting the date. I've heard that with the Omega you need to have it for instance in 3.30, or 6.00 to avoid some kind of mechanical damage. Is this true?

[improviz]

Originally Posted by Rollieboy

Ok boys..

I got the black version, and I Love it :D. It feels awesome on the wrist and looks fantastic. Very happy about the purchase. Got it new, from the local dealership.

Congratulations, and enjoy!!

Originally Posted by Rollieboy

Now, a question. As with Rolex modern divers you didn't have to think about where the minute and hour hands are when quick-setting the date. I've heard that with the Omega you need to have it for instance in 3.30, or 6.00 to avoid some kind of mechanical damage. Is this true?

Thus spake Omega:

When does the date of most OMEGA watches change? OMEGA uses the slow and the quick date-change systems:

Slow date-change on calibres 1128, 1150-1-2, 1164, 1270, 1379, 1400, 1424, 1426, 1429, 1430, 1432 , 1438 , 1441, 1449, 1479, 1530, 1532, 1538, 1675, 1866, 2520, 2600, 2628, 3603, 3606.

OMEGA uses the slow date-change system so that the date-change is clearly visible around midnight and that there is no confusion as to the moment of the date-change. The date of the ending day can be seen in full until 11.30 pm. At midnight, the date of the ending day is still entirely visible at the bottom of the date window, with the new date appearing at the top of the window. Then, the new date moves down through the window and the previous day’s date gradually disappears. This operation is completed between 1 and 3 am.

Avoid changing the date manually between 8 pm and 2 am, since this is the period during which the automatic date-change is in operation.

Quick date-change on calibres 1120, 2300, 2500, 2601, 2610, 2627, 3221, 3301-3, 3304, 3320, 3313, 3612, 3888, 3890, 8500, 8501, 8520, 8521, 8601, 8611

OMEGA uses the quick date-change system, which starts to change the date at about 11.30 pm and comes to its end at 00.10 am. The date of the ending day can be seen in full until 11.50 pm. Between a period of 10 minutes before and after midnight, the calendar jumps and lets appear the date of the next day.

Avoid changing the date manually between 08 pm and 2 am, since this is the period during which the automatic date-change is in operation.

[Rollieboy]

Thanks!

I actually found info in the manual of the watch that it's not permitted to move date when the hands are between 21:30 and 01:00 (9:30 PM - 01:00 AM).

I love the watch... it feels really good on the wrist. I am glad I got over my "it's too big" initial impression seen in the wrist shots I found with google :).

[dsio]

The heavy bracelet balances out the head fairly well, just don't swing your arm when you roll over in bed because if you hit your significant other in the head with it, there could be a need for stitches ;)

[Rollieboy]

It's incredible how fast you get used to this watch. It's been 5 days, and it really feels good on my wrist. :)