zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Hi,

: I've been left some money and have decided to
: get an Omega watch but I'm struggling to
: decide between a black faced Aqua Terra
: Chronometer and the Broard Arrow GMT
: Chronometer. Any advice or recommendations?

: Many Thanks

Both of these watches use Frederic Piguet based column wheel chronograph movements, so the base movements are very similar. However, the GMT has the addition of the co-axial escapement, a sapphire display back, and, of course, the GMT function. You also pay about $2000 extra for this ($6300 vs. $4250 for the Aqua Terra), so you'll have to decide how much you want to spend.

The Speedmaster GMT is also larger and thicker, so I'd make sure you try both of these on before choosing. The one downside is that you have chosen two watches with the Piguet-based movements. These movements have been problematic since day one, so I'm personally very hesitant to recommend watches with these movements to people. I just don't feel confident that Omega has adequately addressed the problems and corrected them once and for all.

Of course, that's just my opinion based on the failure reports I've read and the first hand accounts written by owners. It is YOUR money and YOUR choice, so if you really love these watches, then I certainly wish you the best of luck with your decision.

-John