zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Hi Scott,

I know exactly what you mean. Here's my perspective:

When Citizen debuted the Eco-drive technology, I thought I found the holy grail of watches. And I did, actually... these watches are AMAZING. Solar powered quartz drive with no changing of batteries for a lifetime. Forget automatics and Seiko kinetics (auto winder mechanics charge a battery that runs a quartz movement). Some Citizen Eco-drive watches can go for 5 years on an initial full charge (meaning, tuck it in a drawer after 1 day of sunlight, and 4 years 12 months later you'll find it still keeping time). My Citizen Modena gains 3 seconds per MONTH. No maintenance needed EVER.

But there is a certain style and nostalgia with pure automatic watches that is absent in quartz watches. After a while, I began to appreciate them... and finally made the leap to own one. I love my old Omega Seamaster De Ville. Yes, I know this watch will eventually need maintenance... but it won't be a daily wearer and will be well taken care of when not worn. If I have to shell out $50 to $100 to get it properly tuned and regulated some 8 years from now, that's nothing when looking at the joy of ownership for that time.

After reading this, you still feel that durability and low maintenance is your pet peeve for ALL of the watches you own, then don't get an automatic. There are plenty of beautiful quartz watches that will satisfy you. But if you are open to the idea of having one "special" automatic watch that you'll wear on several occasions a year, get one.

Let us know what you end up with! :-)