Got the bug bad and need advice on next purchase - Maybe Seamaster?

[Pompey Fan]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and have come to accept that I've become a bit of a watch addict!

Bought a Sub ND (non COSC) a couple of years ago and now can't seem to stop. I guess that's going to sound familair to a lot of people here.

Anyway, I was looking at the Seamaster at the time, but the Sub just seemed to call to me. It looked better and of course it was a Rolex. Price wasn't too much of an issue. There was no Sub with a date at the time and I just can't get to like the Cyclops anyway (I know some people love them).

So, i had it for a year but wanted something "special." I bought a TT Daytona Blackface. I tried a white face one but it just looked awful on me for some reason. Anyway, great watch, and very comfortable, but definitely one for wearing with a suit and not casual.

So, two great watches but neither has a date. Its surprising but you find you don't NEED the date, its just a "comfort" thing as you tend to remember or you can look at your mobile etc.

The thing I love about the sub ND is the classic clean look - its an icon and the watch from the earlier Bond movies. However, I don't find the bracelet too comfortable and it does have a bit of an irritating squeak from time to time (the non SEL I guess).

I want to keep both watches for the reasons already given, but fancy a day to day quality watch thats a bit more comfortable to wear and has a date function. The Omega Seamaster seems good to me. I like the "Bond" link, the bracelet seems very good and the price is very reasonable.

Any thoughts on this, or alternatives to recommend?

[Watch Fan]

I own sereral Omegas including several Seamasters. They are very nice watches and are comfortable to wear. It really depends what you are looking for, but the 300M seamaster black #2254.5 is very popular with the Omega guys and so is the "Bond" blue wave #2222.80. Also the Planet Ocean either 42m or 45m are also very nice. Omega gives you a good value for the money. My advise is to go to an AD and try them on, then see what you think. I love my Rolex watches, but I also like other brands as well. Good luck.

[BiG JeEzY]

I think an Omega Seamaster is not a bad choice at all. Go for the blue dial version with the wave pattern on the dial. Those are really sharp.

Possible alternatives I would consider would be the Rolex Explorer II. I think its a very functional watch, plus its one of the fewer sports models left without any exterior updates/changes to it. You still get the look of the brushed SS bracelet, really a nice finish. I would prefer the brushed finish instead of the polished finish on the center links of the bracelet that you are starting to see now on the GMT Master II.

[gasguy98]

I am a Seamaster owner and I don't think they can be beat in terms of value for price.

[mike]

I've had the 2254 and it is a wonderful watch. I really loved the sword hands and timekeeping was excellent. To be honest, I had a problem with the bezel. As one who uses a bezel a lot, I found it very tight and hard to use. I found using it with gloves was very hard.

Other than that (and perhaps it's just me) it's an excellent timepiece.

[Tony-GB]

I owned a (Bond ) Seamaster & LOVED it. Very, very comfortable & from what I understand from the feedback on this forum, Omega's are great value pound for pound.

I do seem to remember reading on this forum that the clasps seem to give way after a while, so maybe use the search box to investigate that. You won't find anyone on this forum giving any unjust criticism. They'll always give sound advice.

Have you tried the pre owned route for a Sea Dweller (16600)? I think the SM will depreciate to a point but the SD is now discontinued & likely to hold value more.

Good luck.

[Pompey Fan]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm likely to go for the Blue Wave Seamaster.

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, PAL!!!

Please try Subdate LV first. Look so BEAUTIFUL!!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

Personally, I would go for the SMP GMT. You get the same water resistance, but lose the Helium valve and still get the nice swords hands.

[Tony-GB]

Originally Posted by Pompey Fan

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'm likely to go for the Blue Wave Seamaster.

Great choice. One of my favourite watches ever.

Getting the Co Axial?

[lorsban]

I had a blue wave seamaster. Very cool watch indeed.

[ken72]

I think if I were you, I would go in a little different direction. I would consider an Omega Aqua Terra. They have a very nice sport and dress look and it has the date. The sub and seamaster to me, are too similar. I have an omega SMP and have decided that my first Rolex will be anything other than a sub.

[Tools]

Subs and Seamasters go together nicely:

[tphan]

I had owned blue SMP; blk GMT; and silver Speedmaster...

They were nice watch for the money, however IMHO I wouldn't buy Omega again.

Don't get me wrong, Omega makes very fine watches.

[Ed Rooney]

Generally the folks who like the 14060M but not the bracelet move into a Sea-Dweller, but remember, for the cost of the SD you can get a 14060M and a Seamaster 2254.

I love the 2254, and I am certain I will own one someday.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by tphan

I had owned blue SMP; blk GMT; and silver Speedmaster...

They were nice watch for the money, however IMHO I wouldn't buy Omega again.

Don't get me wrong, Omega makes very fine watches.

I have the 2220.80.00 from Casino Royale and it is amazing, wearing it right now. Omega is a great brand and does offer great alternatives but for me i'll probably never buy one again unless it is such a good price pre owned it can not be refused.

[-Subsevens]

Originally Posted by BiG JeEzY

I think an Omega Seamaster is not a bad choice at all. Go for the blue dial version with the wave pattern on the dial. Those are really sharp.

Possible alternatives I would consider would be the Rolex Explorer II. I think its a very functional watch, plus its one of the fewer sports models left without any exterior updates/changes to it. You still get the look of the brushed SS bracelet, really a nice finish. I would prefer the brushed finish instead of the polished finish on the center links of the bracelet that you are starting to see now on the GMT Master II.

I agree, the Explorer II is a great watch and if I were to purchase another Rolex, this would definitely be it!

[Steven79]

I'm not an Omega fan whatsoever. They make wonderful watches at a great value. BUT, once you are in the Rolex playing field; Omegas, Tags, etc.. just don't satisfy my taste buds anymore.

Have you considered a Sea Dweller, Explorer II, etc.?

[nko51]

You want just a basic dive watch then get the 14060M, you want something more pretty get the TT Blue Sub.

[Baptistman]

I'm a newish owner of the 14060M COSC and I love it. I can't get over how comfortable it is and the lovely clean dial. Its a beaut for sure.

[CHRONOLEX]

I haven't been able to buy anything except Rolex since my first. For some reason, no other watches really appeal to me. Good news about the Omega is that you can probably get an excellent discount on new, or substantial discount on pre-owned. I have heard they don't hold their value as well in the secondary market. For that reason, though, you might have a hard time finding one. Good luck!

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by CHRONOLEX

I haven't been able to buy anything except Rolex since my first. For some reason, no other watches really appeal to me. Good news about the Omega is that you can probably get an excellent discount on new, or substantial discount on pre-owned. I have heard they don't hold their value as well in the secondary market. For that reason, though, you might have a hard time finding one. Good luck!

Same here when I go to any AD other than Rolex no matter how nice they are nothing appeals to me and could never see myself buying it at all. The discounts on Omega are great but if the person is the type who sells the current watch to help fund the new then not worth it at all..... Omega does have long term growth for some espectially with how they are "trying" to play the Rolex game and boost up their brand. A member once stated how some Omega's he got back in (I think) the 1960's or 1970's for under $100 are now worth around $1,000.00 or more. So it would have to be more long term as the collectors are the ones who in the end place the actual value on things.

In 1957 the Stainles Steel Submariner Date sold for $180.00 USD, imagine the cost of one now.... lol

http://www.minus4plus6.com/PriceEvolution.htm

[CHRONOLEX]

Originally Posted by RW16610

Same here when I go to any AD other than Rolex no matter how nice they are nothing appeals to me and could never see myself buying it at all. The discounts on Omega are great but if the person is the type who sells the current watch to help fund the new then not worth it at all..... Omega does have long term growth for some espectially with how they are "trying" to play the Rolex game and boost up their brand. A member once stated how some Omega's he got back in (I think) the 1960's or 1970's for under $100 are now worth around $1,000.00 or more. So it would have to be more long term as the collectors are the ones who in the end place the actual value on things.

In 1957 the Stainles Steel Submariner Date sold for $180.00 USD, imagine the cost of one now.... lol

http://www.minus4plus6.com/PriceEvolution.htm

Two excellent points here:

(1) I judge an AD exclusively by their Rolex selection - that tells me everything I need to know about their sales volume, likely repeat business, customer service, reputation, etc. If they have a lot, they must do a lot of business, get a lot of traffic, stand behind their product, etc. If they have very few, I take that as a sign of a larger problem and leave immediately. It doesn't matter to me what else they sell.

(2) If you EVER plan to sell your next watch, then do not buy an Omega. You won't soon recover the 40%-50% you just lost on the purchase. A Rolex is pretty liquid and if you hold it for 3-4 years, you can usually get back your money for the next.

[RW16610]

Small selection is never good. Not only for watches but anything in my eyes. I hate going to stores who say "Oh we do not have that but we can order it for you". Well no thanks I am the type of man who wants my stuff yesterday.... The majority of Omega dealers I been to have a moderate to small selection on display. One had a shocking amount in such a small space and it said it all. Not to mention at that Omega AD it was among those where I got the best treatment. Some stores have watches sitting down for AGES. At one Omega AD in Feb 2008 they had the older Chronograph SeaMaster to the bond version still there as new old stock.... It kinda made me think.


Some may not consider a watch to be an investment but for various reasons it kinda is. Life is unpredictable and we change like all else and it is hard to say if we will alwauys want such a huge collection. Having a bunch of Omega's that were bought new when listed for sale would be a HUGE hit. One must be certain they will keep it long enough.

Even my old Raymond Weil that was sold to a close friend. With the discount the Gray dealer gave me, I wore it for 1 year+ and sold it for pretty much what I paid and it was still a good deal to him. For my assets I prefer they hold value the best possible or of course increase with time.

[CHRONOLEX]

Absolutely! I see buying a Rolex as just shifting around assets on your balance sheet. While it's not a "true" investment, it offers some marginal benefit of diversification as well as pure fun. There are few things you can buy, use all the time and then convert back to cash when you're through with it, or just need the money back.

[RW16610]

Indeed and it is what made me more facinated with the brand and the luxury Swiss Watch. Rolex is more the type of watch a person could own just one or as many as they like but for the Original Poster I suggest if you plan to get the Omega's get one new and the rest pre owned to avoid taking too big a hit if you wish to sell them early in. With all Omega does they are a good long term possibility.

They are basically mimicking what Rolex did back in the day. Starting with the James Bond exposure. A good way to get the brand and watch model well known, sought after and a status symbol. Now with Omega's new Black SeaMaster (same as the Casino Royale, not the PO) it seems SOOOOOOOO similar to me. Would buy one pre owned possibly but that is it. They came to realise that certain actions such as are partly what made Rolex as a brand and the Submariner as a watch the icon it currently is. Not to mention it is likely the best looking divers watch out.

[kelly56]

I was on vacation earlier this month and decided to leave the Rollie at home and wear my Omega SMP. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed putting my Sub Date back on after I got back. Omegas are very nice, but just cannot measure up to Rolex.

[CHRONOLEX]

I would say that with the deep reputation that Rolex has - and that you get all of that when you buy a Rolex - you're either getting the Rolex at a great discount or paying a real premium for the Omega. Omega is a great watch but if you asked 10 people on the street what "Omega" is, you'll hear 10 different answers, and I bet only one or less would actually say "a brand of watch." Likewise, if you ask 10 people about Rolex, well, you get the point...

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by kelly56

I was on vacation earlier this month and decided to leave the Rollie at home and wear my Omega SMP. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed putting my Sub Date back on after I got back. Omegas are very nice, but just cannot measure up to Rolex.

I know what you mean. When ever I was in a Rolex AD and put my SeaMaster beside the Submariner.... it was like no contest. Probably why a lot of Omega owners go on to own Rolex.

Originally Posted by CHRONOLEX

I would say that with the deep reputation that Rolex has - and that you get all of that when you buy a Rolex - you're either getting the Rolex at a great discount or paying a real premium for the Omega. Omega is a great watch but if you asked 10 people on the street what "Omega" is, you'll hear 10 different answers, and I bet only one or less would actually say "a brand of watch." Likewise, if you ask 10 people about Rolex, well, you get the point...

That's the thing that people have pointed out here before too. Ask any person, regardless to if they like watches or not and they will know what Rolex is and it's status, basically among the best.

[CHRONOLEX]

Originally Posted by kelly56

I was on vacation earlier this month and decided to leave the Rollie at home and wear my Omega SMP. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed putting my Sub Date back on after I got back. Omegas are very nice, but just cannot measure up to Rolex.

Great observation. I bet that while you were on vacation, you felt all the time that you weren't wearing your "good" watch (despite the fact that Omegas aren't cheap) and constantly had to remind yourself that you were still a Rolex owner even though no one could tell. One solution is to get the wife a great Rolex so everyone assumes you've got one too!