zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: The automatic (chronometer) version, model
: 2531.80, is the watch worn in the last three
: bond films. The quartz version, model
: 2541.80, was worn only in GoldenEye in 1995.
: The chronometer retails for $1750 while the
: quartz version retails for $1395.

: The chronometer is a true timepiece that does
: not run on a regular battery like the quartz
: version. The quartz version will keep better
: time and does not need to be worn everyday
: to keep it wound. By contrast, the
: chronometer should be worn at least every
: other day to keep it wound. I have the
: chronometer, wear it every day, and find
: that my watch gains 2-3 minutes per month.

: Basically, it's a matter of choice. Most people
: on this forum would go with the chronometer
: because it is a finely tuned timepiece that
: incorporates a lot of intricate
: craftsmanship. It is also the official Bond
: watch. The quartz version uses the same
: battery that would run a cheap Timex, so
: there's nothing truly unique or special
: about its mechanism.

: On the other hand, most people would agree that
: the quartz version is far more practical for
: someone who just wants a nice looking,
: quality watch. You have to appreciate the
: craftsmanship that goes into making the
: chronometer to select it over the quartz
: model.

: You'll have to judge your boyfriend's interests
: in making this decision. If you think he'd
: like a finely crafted timepiece that is the
: official Bond watch, then go with the
: chronometer. If he's the kind of guy who'd
: wear the watch only once in a while or get
: annoyed at having to reset the time every so
: often, then the quartz is the better choice.

I'm a newbie as far as Omega watches. I recently purchased an SMP auto.

I've always had quartz watches, but when I decided to treat myself to a new watch I went with the automatic.

I'm an electrical engineer and wanted something that was "a precision instrument" for the money I was spending.

If your friend is that type of person go with the automatic. If he is the type that just wants to wear a watch and is not concerned with the innner workings of the mechanism go for the quartz.

Enginneers are geeks and geeks like things that have lots of parts with sophisticated names with obscure meanings that do magical things such as keeping time.

Auto's are not as accurate as quartz, but the workmanship and detail to precision is what drives watch fanciers to the automatic.

I'm just a newbie here, and my auto poops out every other day, but for engineering types it's fun to wind'em up once in a while.

So if your friend is this type of person who likes to tinker with things and appreciates fine craftsmanship I say go for the auto