zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier questions. I've pretty much decided on an automatic, despite the periodic maintenance it will require. Looking at the options at a local jeweler, at least one Omega is in the running--the Seamaster 300 M GMT (Ref. 2535.80.00). (The less frequent maintenance is a big attraction of the coaxial movement.)

Here are a few questions:

(1) Is the dual-button release on the band sturdy enough? I think it's nice looking and easy to use. But I'm worried it might come loose unintentionally. Any problems with this?

(2) The watch has a sapphire crystal back. I like the idea of being able to watch the innards at work. But are there any tradeoffs involved with this? Is the case as durable with the crystal back? Is the back crystal likely to get unattractively dirty or scratched from rubbing against the wrist?

(3) While the blue dial with wave pattern is attractive, I find that it can be hard to read because of reflection (off the dial, not the crystal) in some lighting. I can't find the watch at the Omega web site in any color other than the blue. Is that the only option? Or is it possible to get the same watch with black dial and bezel?

(4) This is a much bigger watch than I'm used to. While trying the watch on at the store, I couldn't figure out where to wear it: outside the shirt cuff or under the shirt cuff (with the cuff buttoned). The former pushes the cuff up uncomfortably. The latter makes it hard to get at the watch. This is probably a dumb question, but how do you guys deal with this?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Scott