Omega POC 9300 v. Subc v. Explorer II

[TxAG]

I am new to the forums but have been lurking for sometime. I am looking to upgrade my Seamaster Pro that I have worn for the past five years. I stopped by an AD today and tried on all three. I honestly can't make up mind. All three are gorgeous and I can only buy one. Help a newby out and tell me which one it should be.

[balboa73]

Subc or Explorer 2

Subc because its a 'sub'

Explorer 2 because they are 42mm and look incredible

[psv]

Not the Omega IMO, it is just too thick.

[Americandave]

If you like your omega, why not consider the PO 8500?

I tried on a POC recently. It was just insanely large. It actually makes the PO XL look modestly sized in comparison.

[Cesium133]

A friend of mine owns the PO 9300 and it's a truly thick case. I prefer a slimmer design so I would go with the SubC or Exp II. If the 9300 was a few mm thinner I would go with it, though.

[Andrés G]

I would go for a PO 8500 or the Exp II.

[Boardman]

Couldn't decide myself....got two of them. Apparently orange is my new favorite color.

[Chad072]

I'd rule out the Omega since you already have one. As far as the SubC vs Exp II...when you think of Rolex, what immediately pops into your mind? For me, the Sub 16610 was always the Rolex in my mind, so that's what I went with.

[psv]

This is the POC on a 7 1/4 wrist.



Enough said.

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by psv

Not the Omega IMO, it is just too thick.

But once you go thick youll never want a stick!

Originally Posted by Americandave

If you like your omega, why not consider the PO 8500?

I tried on a POC recently. It was just insanely large. It actually makes the PO XL look modestly sized in comparison.

Hi Dave, Nice to see you again here at the Forums... Hows life there at OZ? I see you are still loving your 8500...

Originally Posted by Andrés G

I would go for a PO 8500 or the Exp II.

I would agree.

Originally Posted by Boardman

Couldn't decide myself....got two of them. Apparently orange is my new favorite color.

the only thing I dont like about the Orange one is that the Bezel is not Ceramic. I hope they change this in the future like Rolex Makes Blue and Green Ceramic Bezels

[Americandave]

Hey Alfred, good to hear from you! Yep, still loving the PO and wearing it daily...except for today - tudor black bay on the wrist.


TxAG, just for some context - I've been wearing a PO 8500 I got from Alfred (FNFZ4) since October with suits, casual, and swim wear...never once was it out of place!

Do have a look at the PO 8500.

[gilv]

Maybe this will help in your decision as others have noted. Works well in most situations and wears comfortably, especially on OEM Rubber. I also considered the POC but just found it too thick. Of course, the SubC or EX II are not bad choices. You can't go wrong with this dilEmma.

On another note, I also picked this up from Alfred aka FNFZ4 and could not have been more pleased with the experience.

[FNFZ4]

Thanks guys

I guess budget is not an option because of the broad choices.

bang for the buck, Omega... They are really making great watches lately. They also give 4 year warranty on the new movements. Technologically, they are more advanced IMHO... Silicone Hairspring, longer power reserve, longer warranty etc etc....

But a Rolex will always be a Rolex. Thats why we are all here in this wonderful community because we are all Rolex lovers. But sometimes, its hard to justify 7k or 8k for a SS watch...

[TuonoRider]

Originally Posted by Boardman

Couldn't decide myself....got two of them. Apparently orange is my new favorite color.

So which gets more wrist time? I totally have that dilemma, but won't be pulling the trigger on both...you're a tempting sunnava-gun ain't-cha? :) Good grief seeing both side by side does me NO favors.

[TxAG]

^ You are right about that. I could close my eyes and pick one and still be happy.

[Boardman]

Haha. I'm here to help. :)

The exp II gets more wrist time as its more suitable for work. But weekends its the PO

Between the two I actually prefer the PO though. I like the simplistic face, easy to read with great contrast. The AR coating helps. Not a huge fan of the cyclops either. It seems to distract rather than help. Just wish the PO was a tad slimmer. No way I could handle the POC.

[TuonoRider]

Is your PO the 42? Looks like it is...


The thicker case of the PO is what has me with the Exp ahead in the race. The Exp will be my weekend watch which will spend lots of time under a motorcycle glove, so thinner is something I think about.

Man, that PO is sharp with its dual AR and orange bezel and clarity/simplicity of the hands.

[dconner2006]

I have the 9300 and love it. Yes it is thick, but that just gives it more wrist presence. The explorer is nice, but not in the same class as the PO IMHO.

[mcorliss]

Don't want to state the obvious, but why not the Deep Sea Sea Dweller, as it gives you a little of everything, and it is a lot cheaper than what I did which is buy a Sub-C and Planet Ocean Chrono. I love them both as they meet different needs/moods, but the DSSD might have been a better choice. Good luck!

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by dconner2006

I have the 9300 and love it. Yes it is thick, but that just gives it more wrist presence. The explorer is nice, but not in the same class as the PO IMHO.

Couldn't agree more about the explorer, as it just don't have as much character as it should for a Rolex. It would be way down on my list, but to each their own.

[psv]

I tried on the POC 9300 again in the Omega Boutique the other day, I must say it has grown on me. A lot. Sure, it is insanely thick, but the weight is balanced and it doesn't feel top heavy. Surpremely comfortable on the OEM rubber strap. Mint used at south of $5,500 I actually think it is a very good buy and value.

[Jeepman464]

I actually have all 3 and honestly, the Exp II would be my choice. It's as large as the PO 8500, but it sits much lower and more comfortably.

[GermanyMatt]

Given that you have an Omega already, and I think the new PO's are too thick, I'd go SubC all the way. Whatever you do, save yourself a little green and buy from one of the trusted sellers in the classifieds.

[xamwell]

SubC is probably the most timeless selection, and considering a 5 year turnaround I´d vote for SubC!

[jamison237]

I'm considering the Omega PO ceramic and the SMP C vs the Rolex Sub C. I want to go rolex but I hate that they don't use anti reflective coating. Look at pics of both watches side by side. You can always see the Rolex crystal while the Omega looks as if there is no crystal. The other thing I prefer with Rolex is the service department. At some point you have to send these babies in for a Doctors appointment and I've heard mostly bad about Omega service. My local dealer quit carrying Omega due to the service complaints.
That being said, I own an Omega SMP 300m (before the ceramic. 2220.80) and it had been a perfect watch. Loses about a second a week. Keeps incredible time. Looks as new as when I bought it new, about a year and a half ago and I might just buy the new Omega SMP C.
Decisions, decisions.. Either way you can't go wrong unless your heart is always crawling back to one in specific. If that's the case, buy that watch at all costs or you will just come back and buy it later anyway.

[Rashid.bk]

Btw the Sub and the PO I would get the PO unless your just obsessed with Rolex. I own the Deepsea and the PO 8500, love both brands and they both have a special something the other doesn't.
However, from a pure dive watch point of view the PO is just hands down better in every way except resale. Better movement(imo), higher depth, He valve, double ar coating, better lume, bigger dial, and transparent case back. The clasp on the Rolex is better but the PO's is so much easier to live with day in and day out once you have it sized correctly.
I personally love the domed crystal and no date cyclops.
The PO is a bigger watch, it's thicker and a 42mm case, so that may be a consideration. I had the 2500 before and can't tell the difference in thickness now that I have the 8500 plus I like the 42mm size. I had a SD and that watch felt tiny, I would choose the PO even over that model. You have to go to the Deepsea or the GMTc for me to overlook the PO.

The Omega service is issue is pure rubbish. I've had amazing experiences with Omega. I've walked into the NY boutique and had my watch regulated on one occasion and demagnetized on another, I've also stopped in to get the seals checked....all done for free on the spot and all while the watch was outside the warranty period.
I walked into the service center in Buenos Aires because the idiot(very nice man but wasn't a watch maker) who sized my watch in the Buenos Aires boutique scratched it up, they polished the swirls on the spot.
I think their service has been top notch. I have heard a few horror stories but then again I've read the same from Rolex(there's probably three in the general section right now) and even the AP section has had some issues.

I love my Rolex and I love my Omega and would buy from both again.
Buy what you like, research each one extensively and try both on, one will sing to you, get that one.

[WJGESQ]

Planet Ocean---i just didn't feel the Rolex was in the same league. Each to his own, but I think the Omegas are damned tough to beat at any price.

[Tatsnguns]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Btw the Sub and the PO I would get the PO unless your just obsessed with Rolex. I own the Deepsea and the PO 8500, love both brands and they both have a special something the other doesn't.
However, from a pure dive watch point of view the PO is just hands down better in every way except resale. Better movement(imo), higher depth, He valve, double ar coating, better lume, bigger dial, and transparent case back. The clasp on the Rolex is better but the PO's is so much easier to live with day in and day out once you have it sized correctly.
I personally love the domed crystal and no date cyclops.
The PO is a bigger watch, it's thicker and a 42mm case, so that may be a consideration. I had the 2500 before and can't tell the difference in thickness now that I have the 8500 plus I like the 42mm size. I had a SD and that watch felt tiny, I would choose the PO even over that model. You have to go to the Deepsea or the GMTc for me to overlook the PO.

The Omega service is issue is pure rubbish. I've had amazing experiences with Omega. I've walked into the NY boutique and had my watch regulated on one occasion and demagnetized on another, I've also stopped in to get the seals checked....all done for free on the spot and all while the watch was outside the warranty period.
I walked into the service center in Buenos Aires because the idiot(very nice man but wasn't a watch maker) who sized my watch in the Buenos Aires boutique scratched it up, they polished the swirls on the spot.
I think their service has been top notch. I have heard a few horror stories but then again I've read the same from Rolex(there's probably three in the general section right now) and even the AP section has had some issues.

I love my Rolex and I love my Omega and would buy from both again.
Buy what you like, research each one extensively and try both on, one will sing to you, get that one.

what a great and honest review and from the personal take of someone who has both.

I have two rolex subs back in the day the standard black dial , date version and the two tone date sub. I got the 2nd of them just due to wanting , dreaming and coveting that damn awesome blue dial LOL I sold both due to size honestly it was probably unwise due to resell purposes but I just didnt wear them anymore so I moved onto omega first the seamaster which was a great automatic and the bracelet was just sooo damn nice compared to the stock never ever changing oyster bracelet of rolex. Then I moved onto the planet ocean 45.5 awesome watch just wished it was thicker and heavier for me personally I love a great heavy tool watch that can handle abuse . Just makes me feel all warm and cozy.

they are both great companies and great watches if I had to buy a rolex right now id either go with the sub c no date which looks wise is just pure sexy or id get the dssd like this gentlemen suggested ,, Omega wise the 3 handed automatic 8500 series is the bomb and just a joy to own .. either way good luck

[Tatsnguns]

Originally Posted by mcorliss

Don't want to state the obvious, but why not the Deep Sea Sea Dweller, as it gives you a little of everything, and it is a lot cheaper than what I did which is buy a Sub-C and Planet Ocean Chrono. I love them both as they meet different needs/moods, but the DSSD might have been a better choice. Good luck!

Im most certain that if offered as a combo you could easily find a dssd owner willing to swap =)

theres a few folks out there who have the dssd and wish they had something smaller or lighter =)

[Tatsnguns]

Originally Posted by psv

This is the POC on a 7 1/4 wrist.



Enough said.

lol nuff said LOL