zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

In my collection, I own both an Omega Seamaster Pro Chronograph as well as a newer Rolex 50th anniversary Submariner (with green bezel). Here are a few interesting points that influence my perspective on this matter.

point 1: A WATCH DOES NOT A PERSON MAKE. . . . this salesman's self esteem was apparently insulted that you undervalued his watch by ~60% (for regular sub) = personality issues. Personal preferences aside, even if someone mistook your Lotus Esprit for a Pontiac Fiero, it should not really cause emotional turmoil unless you have other issues, which this person apparently has.

point 2: I find that Omega wins hands down in case and design quality (no question here - even without regard to given price points), but Rolex still wins, albeit slightly, with their movements. From my understanding Omega still uses modified ETA mov'ts (which are very widely available - not sure about the Co-Axial system's availability to other manufacturers) while Rolex has moved to proprietary in-house design & manufacture that is not distributed to any other manufacturers. I heard that ETA is vigorously trying to limit the distribution of their movements (a bit too late in my opinion).

point 3: In my opinion, the ROLEX vs OMEGA debate is a playground fight amongst children trying to fight about 'who's father is tougher'. . . . ie. a useless argument as the lowest ranked professional fighter will probably decimate them both. My point is there are watches and manufacturers in horology that produce watches that cost more than the GDP of some governments with a finish quality that can NEVER be achieved by mass manufacturers. Both ROLEX and OMEGA make great but 'reasonably priced' watches for the general public that most people can reasonably aspire to own in their lifetime. As different as many may say ROLEX is versus OMEGA, both fall into the same category if you look at the larger picture of horology. Although I personally feel OMEGA gives a better bang for the buck, this depends on who you ask and what they value.

I enjoy all my Omegas and Rolexs for their respective strengths, and there will alway be space in my collection for future acquistions from these manufacturers.

: The guy changed his mood immediately after I
: asked him if he was also wearing an Omega,
: and told me in no uncertain terms that his
: watch was NOT SIMILAR TO YOURS. He really
: brushed me off and walked away immediately
: to the watch maker in the back who was
: working on my Omega bracelet.

: It turns out that the guy was wearing a Rolex
: Submariner. I guess he realized that he was
: a little rude and later came back to me and
: mentioned that Omega has very strong tech
: forum presence online, and that “it’s all in
: the movement” and that “loosing 1-3 min a
: month is OK for an Omega watch”.