Time to get a new watch and I’m up to my elbows in manual / automatic chronographs. I’ve got a “limited edition” Speedmaster Moon Watch (one of a couple thousand), a 60’s Breitling chronograph I had restored to new condition, an Omega Day-Date (3520.53.00), and a 90’s circa TAG Heuer SEL (Link) chronograph. In that my eyesight isn’t what it used to be, it’s getting harder and harder to see all those tiny dials, yet I do find the timing functions of a chronograph useful. I have other watches, a couple of Concords, a couple of TAG’s, and a SS/Gold Rolex GMT. The watch I wear most is the Omega SM Day-Date, the TAG SEL is second and the Rolex is third only because I travel a bit and the GMT function is quite useful.
I’ve been looking at multifunction watches because (1) they combine the GMT and timing functions into one watch, and (2) my impression is they are easier to read in varying light conditions. I love mechanical watches and hate batteries but I only know of the Tutimi that combines GMT and chronograph functionality although I’m not sure how readable it is. Then there is the new KOBOLD Polar Surveyour that combines these functions (see http://www.koboldwatch.com/polar.htm) and is a big 41.3mm so it may also qualify on the readability front, but I digress.
So I’ve been looking at the TAG Kirium F1 and the Omega SM X-33. I haven’t spent much time with either watch although I have seen both in person. My impression is the TAG is the more aesthetic of the two. I think the X-33 could grow on you, but it looks like it was designed by a committee. Also, the TAG seems a little more intuitive in terms of operation. Check out how complicated it is to synchronize the digital and analog time on the X-33 (http://chronocentric.com/forums/omega/index.cgi?read=14687). Do I really want to carry a watch manual with me? Price is within a couple hundred dollars of each other. The TAG (with the digital display turned off) probably goes better with a suit than the X-33. Otherwise, I’ve heard all the talk about the differences between Omega’s and TAG’s; I’ve owned a couple of both over the years. I tend to agree that in the quality and attention to detail departments, the Omega’s win although when you get into your higher-end TAG’s, it gets a little closer. Omega’s probably have more “pull” with the watch aficionado crowd, and the TAG’s with the general public.
Considering all the above, and I’ll take into account this forum’s preference for Omega’s, what’s your opinion, especially for those who have owned either of these watches. Thanks and look forward to your comments.
