Dive watch choices

[Albatross]

Hi All, Longtime reader...haven't posted much here, but I value the advice of the people here. I have always been a Rolex lover but my "collection" consists of a TT Datejust, a Stainless Turn-o-Graph (which is basically a Datejust as well) and a vintage Oyster Perpetual which was my Grandfathers watch...the one that is sometimes referred to as a 'Zephyr'.

I want to get a dive watch that is not as dressy as these others. I don't want a "beater", I want something nice...but I don't know if it needs to be "Rolex Nice" if you know what I mean.

I have been drawn to some of the Omega offerings...I think they are sharp looking and I consider Omega to be a very high quality name, but in my mind I don't feel that an Omega is on par with Rolex for some reason. Many would probably disagree though.

The issue I face though, in looking at the pre-owned market or through trusted sellers here and elsewhere (it's the only way I will buy today), is that I can get a really nice Omega Seamaster 300 Ceramic for around 3K, or I can get a nice Planet Ocean for about 4K, but by the time I do that, I am seeing some Sub no dates out there for 4.5K and Tudor Subs for about the same 4K to 4.5K or even a nicer sub than those I saw for about 5K.

To me, the difference between 3K and 5K is pretty big, but the difference between 3 and 4 is not. The difference between 4 and 5 is not.

So the question is, if you bought a nice Omega Planet Ocean for 4K, would you always think to yourself "yeah...it's nice, but for 500 bucks more I could have bought a Rolex Sub (yes an older model, yes a no date...but still a Rolex Sub). Or, for basically a watch to wear to the beach or the pool so who cares, right?...would you just plop down the 3K and pick up a nice Omega Seamaster Prodiver 300 m which I see right now I can get BNIB at around $2800 from a trusted seller. Yes it's not a Rolex...but should I be hung up on that? It's a friggin Omega which is a great watch and it's just for casual wear and I keep 2 grand in the bank. Thoughts?

[sensui]

Originally Posted by Albatross

Hi All, Longtime reader...haven't posted much here, but I value the advice of the people here. I have always been a Rolex lover but my "collection" consists of a TT Datejust, a Stainless Turn-o-Graph (which is basically a Datejust as well) and a vintage Oyster Perpetual which was my Grandfathers watch...the one that is sometimes referred to as a 'Zephyr'.

I want to get a dive watch that is not as dressy as these others. I don't want a "beater", I want something nice...but I don't know if it needs to be "Rolex Nice" if you know what I mean.

I have been drawn to some of the Omega offerings...I think they are sharp looking and I consider Omega to be a very high quality name, but in my mind I don't feel that an Omega is on par with Rolex for some reason. Many would probably disagree though.

The issue I face though, in looking at the pre-owned market or through trusted sellers here and elsewhere (it's the only way I will buy today), is that I can get a really nice Omega Seamaster 300 Ceramic for around 3K, or I can get a nice Planet Ocean for about 4K, but by the time I do that, I am seeing some Sub no dates out there for 4.5K and Tudor Subs for about the same 4K to 4.5K or even a nicer sub than those I saw for about 5K.

To me, the difference between 3K and 5K is pretty big, but the difference between 3 and 4 is not. The difference between 4 and 5 is not.

So the question is, if you bought a nice Omega Planet Ocean for 4K, would you always think to yourself "yeah...it's nice, but for 500 bucks more I could have bought a Rolex Sub (yes an older model, yes a no date...but still a Rolex Sub). Or, for basically a watch to wear to the beach or the pool so who cares, right?...would you just plop down the 3K and pick up a nice Omega Seamaster Prodiver 300 m which I see right now I can get BNIB at around $2800 from a trusted seller. Yes it's not a Rolex...but should I be hung up on that? It's a friggin Omega which is a great watch and it's just for casual wear and I keep 2 grand in the bank. Thoughts?

Same ol' topic, different presentation. Both brands (Omega and Rolex) make great watches at different price points with different marketing strategies. If you're solely looking for name recognition (from the tone of your post, this is really it), then go after Rolex. But I will say there are plenty of Omega divers old and new that are great watches and reflect those prices you see for good reason. Good luck selecting your new diver.

[cda555]

First, you can get a Planet Ocean a lot less expensive than $4k (even the coaxial models). With a little patience you can get pretty close to $3k.

Secondly, if you really want a Rolex, then get one. Sometimes there is an itch you can't scratch with something else. Even if the PO was $1000, if you want a Rolex then you will always still want a Rolex. This is coming from someone who really loves their Planet Ocean.

What a watch is worth is always going to be subjective to each individual. Only you can know what will be best for you. Either way you go, it sounds like you will have a great piece.

[Shaky]

Depends what size you want as well. Rolex you are stuck at 40mm really in your price range, whilst the PO's will go up to 45.5mm

If size isn't an issue then it's pure choice and would you be happy with an omega if you went that way.

I am lucky enough to own a SubC and a PO. I love them both dearly for different reasons. If you seriously consider the PO have a good think which one you want. The inhouse movement or the ETA. Most people will go for the I house but a lot of officianados think the ETA 2500D model is the classic and best proportioned PO.

You won't go wrong with either imo.

[AK797]

A few years ago I was weighing up a PO as I liked the price, but I wasn't quite feeling it, then I tried on a subc and it felt just right, smooth and sleek, so I was happy to then pay the extra. And if you stay on this forum, keeping extra money in the bank is not an option!

[faz]

While I have liked Omega watches and always been drawn to them (James Bond, Cindy Crawford, other celebrity endorsements etc.), every time I have approached them as a serious buyer, I have ended up liking Rolex offerings more. But that is probably just me.

Now I have been looking at their divers more, and thinking to diversify in a safe and cost effective fashion, and when I get really serious about them, I kinda have to be honest with myself and remind myself that they will not get any rotation time in my small collection.

And yes, there is always that nagging 'could have/should have' voice in the back of your head that you have to worry about. Long time ago (back in 2002) I bought a brand new Mercedes C240 while I really wanted the C320, but during the dealer visit and process of buying I went with practicality and reason and ended up getting the C240. Well, it didn't take long before I hated myself for getting the 240 and every time I drove it, it was a painful reminder that I should have spent the extra money and got what I really wanted to begin with.

If you have to ask the question in this thread, then I say go with Rolex and save yourself the pain of losing money to flip from Omega to Rolex at a later point.

[mjclark32]

Have you looked into Tudor?

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Albatross

So the question is, if you bought a nice Omega Planet Ocean for 4K, would you always think to yourself "yeah...it's nice, but for 500 bucks more I could have bought a Rolex Sub (yes an older model, yes a no date...but still a Rolex Sub)

Yes.

[KBM]

From your post, it sounds like your heart is set on a Sub, but there is an attempt to rationalize the PO somewhere in there. This hobby is everything but rational. My advice is to go with your gut, which seems to be the Rolex.

I understand that the 2k difference may be substantial, especially looking at the numbers in relative terms. However, if you factor in the decades of use this watch is expected to get, the 2k difference gets diluted to insignificance in that period.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by kauebm

From your post, it sounds like your heart is set on a Sub, but there is an attempt to rationalize the PO somewhere in there. This hobby is everything but rational. My advice is to go with your gut, which seems to be the Rolex.

I understand that the 2k difference may be substantial, especially looking at the numbers in relative terms. However, if you factor in the decades of use this watch is expected to get, the 2k difference gets diluted to insignificance in that period.

Great post.

[vipereaper30]

3 or 4k for a watch that isn't THE watch for you is a waste imo. 5k for one that you dream about is a smart buy. Sounds to me like you should get a submariner.

[Karlig]

Get what you really want. If the sub is a little above your price point, save for a while and get it. I've made this mistake numerous times and lost a lot of money trading up to satisfy myself.

[GermanyMatt]

Agreed. Save up and get the sub. You'll save money in the long run.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Get a 5 digit sub. Plenty around in great condition and the watch will serve you well for the rest of your life if you maintain it.

[MCO1]

If you want an Omega get an Omega if you really want a Rolex get a Rolex. I have found anytime I have a choice to make between two things one more expensive and one less so that if I end up choosing the more expensive I quickly forget about the less expensive. If I choose the less expensive I am never satisfied and end up getting the more expensive anyway. In the end the choice always costs me more money in the long run.

[westsideclock]

You say "yes an older model, yes a no-date". First off, I think you should go with the Rolex. Why spend all that money on the Omega, when a Rolex is what you really want. I could see if you were going for an older Seamaster, which can be gotten in excellent condition for around 1500 bucks. That would be a major difference in price, and you could buy the Seamaster, while still saving for the sub and when you saved what you wanted to, sell the Seamaster and get the Sub. Of course, if you really like the Seamaster, you could keep it save a little more and have both. But do not think of the no date as less than the date Sub. Think of them as different. There are a lot of people on this forum that love the no date for it's purity. The fact that it happens to be less is just a bonus. If you don't like it as much as the date sub, and the only reason that you would get it is because it is 500 bucks less, spend the extra 500 and get the watch that you really want.

[Fleetlord]

ROLEX first.

End of discussion.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by vipereaper30

3 or 4k for a watch that isn't THE watch for you is a waste imo. 5k for one that you dream about is a smart buy. Sounds to me like you should get a submariner.

Concur. Never settle. Say you buy the Planet Ocean. You will likely keep thinking about the Sub and never be truly happy with it. You may end up selling it down the road, most likely at a loss and end up getting the Sub anyway. I speak from experience, as I have done the same thing with different models.

[toolr]

I have both the Omega Seamaster 300 ceramic and a Rolex Sub ceramic 114060 and like them both. The Omega is a fine choice, especially when the adjustable clasp is added, and would be my choice if price were a big consideration. Five digit Sub ND's appear to be going up in price so not sure what condition you may find in the $4k range.

[run23]

Both great watches. Cliche answer, but get which one you like better (thinking with your heart, not your head).

I started with an Omega Seamaster Master 300 and sold after a few months for a 2 line no date Sub and couldn't be happier. The Omega was technically as good or better than the Sub, but the Sub just felt right. You can find a pre-c ND Sub for around $4,500 with box and papers, and the good thing is they are easy to flip. If you really want the Sub I think it's a mistake to get the PO as you'll just be lusting after the Rolex.

[travisb]

Sounds to me like the Sub is what you're really after.

[ChuckFinlay]

In my opinion, if you're buying for yourself, you'd be hard pressed to beat a Seamaster Ceramic with the Omega OEM adjustable clasp from the SM300.

If you're buying because it has to say Rolex on the dial, then only you can decide if a Sub is 2 to 3 times the watch of a SM-C.

I've been doing lots of research recently on a new piece and could have bought either brand, specifically I was comparing DJ-41 to Aqua Terra Master Coaxial. Unless you are swung one way or the other cosmetically which is purely subjective, I don't think the DJ is twice the watch of the AT.

If resale is an issue, then Rolex, but if buying to keep, without considering resale and you like the cosmetics of both equally, then nowadays I think my money would go to Omega.

[Bfd70]

If you want a dive watch for the beach and pool, buy a seiko. Save and add to the remaining $3,900 and buy the sub when funds allow.

[Muzz]

My Ploprof is a better Dive watch than my Sub any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

But if you want a Sub (which I fully support clearly as I own a few) then get a Sub.

[1William]

The Rolex is the answer. Nothing wrong with Omega and I have owned several over the years but for me it is always Rolex. I would look for a slightly pre-owned 114060 which is complete with box and papers. This watch can be had in the $5600-5900 range. This is more than what you wanted to pay but you get the modern case, dial, lume and most of all the glidelock bracelet. With the older Sub, that is going to be in the 5K range, for a good example with box and papers don't forget that it has no warranty and you may be in line for a $600-900 service. If you add the service cost, no warranty and age together I would think you are close to the 114060. Just my thoughts. Save and get what you want.

[beshannon]

I buy watches because I like them, not because I want to pit them against each other in a cage match.

Buy what you like and want to wear, that answers the question.

[Mystro]

I own them both. The classic PO is the best quality bargain diver going. You will pay up for Rolex but the resale value, bracelet and clasp, easily justifies the up cost. The new Submariner wears like a 42mm. The new PO are way to thick. IMO. Omega has lost total focus with where the PO is going. I am going to recomend a Breitling chronograph as they are built like a dive watch and in your price point. If you want a Rolex, payup and be satisfied as there is no substitute. I dive with all my watches and the Submariner at WR300 is all the dive watch anyone needs. I couldn't begin to push the Sub to even half its WR capability.

[DRKBC]

I probably spend more time researching things than I should because really it doesn't take long to narrow it down. Once I have made my choice, I am really just backing up my decision and entertaining myself until I can afford to buy what I want.

I don't think it is ever wise to settle for something you feel is almost what you want, it provides little satisfaction and costs you more money in the long run. If it was between a PO and something that was 10 times the price that you really couldn't or shouldn't afford that would be a different but in this case the dollars are pretty close. Just be patient and get what you want.

[Shaky]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I own them both. The classic PO is the best quality bargain diver going. You will pay up for Rolex but the resale value, bracelet and clasp, easily justifies the up cost. The new Submariner wears like a 42mm. The new PO are way to thick. IMO. Omega has lost total focus with where the PO is going. I am going to recomend a Breitling chronograph as they are built like a dive watch and in your price point. If you want a Rolex, payup and be satisfied as there is no substitute. I dive with all my watches and the Submariner at WR300 is all the dive watch anyone needs. I couldn't begin to push the Sub to even half its WR capability.

So for being a little off topic, but it's still relevant choice wise.

As I said earlier I own the classic PO, which I love. I also agree with your comments about the new PO crop. I looked at them yesterday in an AD, I thought they looked really Mickey Mouse. They seem to have really lost their way and pure diver look they used to have.

The old PO and the Sub were/are simple honest dive watches, the omegas now have all sorts of colours and crap all over the dial. Not my cup of tea and not worth the extra money over a pre-owned sub or PO

[carwash66]

Originally Posted by Albatross

in my mind I don't feel that an Omega is on par with Rolex for some reason.

That is your answer. Probably won't be satisfied unless you get the Sub. Save for it, and then later pick up a PO on the secondary market.

I currently have 2 of the 5 digit subs (16803 & 16613)and a SD4K. I am looking at the 43.5 mm Planet Ocean from a TS here on the forum.

Might try posing this question on the Omega forum, if you haven't already.

Good luck.