zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

I got my SM120 (silver dial) as a college graduation present to
myself four months ago. I have been meaning to write a review for some
time now. Actually, I'm glad I waited a little longer than one or two weeks.
Now I "know" my watch much better than when I first got it.

A few months before my college graduation, people
began asking me what I wanted as a graduation present. Well, that got me
thinking... I then remembered how much I had wanted a good watch! For me,
something like an expensive watch is a difficult and complex decision.
Basically, I decided I should search for it and buy it myself. I
then began what would be a two-month intensive search. What brand and
style would I get? I found Bretlings and Tags' designs to be too busy and
cluttered. From what I read, they were not of the quality of Omega or
Rolex. I liked Cartier a lot, but the prices were prohibitive and there
were not any dealers nearby. I also like the Baume Mercier Capeland
watches. My gut feeling was to go for an automatic, but which one?

After reading a lot on the Internet, my short list was a
Submariner or Seamaster (leaning toward the latter.) How much that
opinion changed when I saw the watches in person! Upon examination, I
found I didn't like either! I much preferred the clean lines of the
Rolex Datejust and Airking, and with Omega I preferred the Speedmaster.
Unfortunately, I didn't really want a chronograph and I didn't want
to spend 3K. Quite by accident, I asked the jeweler "what's this one?" As
it turned out, it was the SM120 with silver dial. From first trying it
on, I had a feeling the "this was the one."

So why a SM120? There are many reasons why I love my SM120. As
compared to the SMP, I immediately felt its the right size for my wrist
(Now, I see the SMP's size as part of its distinctive charm.) As compared
to the Rolex's often copied design, the SM120 remains unique. It's basket
weave bracelet is beautiful, comfortable, and wonderfully finished (I liked
the oyster bracelet equally, but found the jubilee bracelet to feel
cheap.) Many people have commented that they don't like the SM120's
bracelet clasp (also found on some GMT's), but I love the hidden clasp and
little square of gold with a simple "Omega" symbol.

The face of the watch is also adds to its personality. I'm a fan
of the sword hands which reveal their blue in the sunlight. I love the
contrast of the circular graining, wave decor, and raised hash marks.
Although I wish the Omega symbol was in the same raised metal. The sweep
second hand and "chronometer" text are subtle, but constant reminders of
the mechanical heart beating within. In fact, all the text, small
numbering, second, and sub-second (what for, I'm not sure? any
conjectures?) markings are crisply painted in handsome fonts. I love
examining this watch! Sometimes when I go out on the weekends with
friends, they ask "why are you looking at the time so much?" I'm not
looking at the time, I'm admiring my watch!

The simple wave decor and sea-monster with only "seamaster"
written make this caseback among the most striking I have seen. The only
casebacks that I find equally attractive are the transparent models, but
that's a slightly different look. The screw-down crown and guards on the
side of the watch look and feel solid, the same is true of the bracelet.
I especially like the contrast of the shiny rhodium plating and the satiny
brushed steel. Upon close (magnified) examination and reeaxmination, I
conclude that the watch's finish exceeds that of any other watch of
similar price point. Omega's peers are Rolex and IWC rather than
those other brands with similar prices.

On a more subjective note, I love the SM120's overall styling.
Like the Rolex, it has a subdued retro look. When I saw a picture of the
original SM120 I noticed a strong resemblance. The individual elements of
the watch impressive, but the way they are put together does them justice.
I love the way that light plays off the watch. I love that I have a
rather distinctive, yet conservative watch. In all my searching for "the
perfect watch," I could not find a single model that encompassed my entire
list of attributes, but I must say Omega has come closer than any other
manufacturer.

Now after I got my watch, I expected a whole slew of complements
on how stylish/handsome/cool/fasionable it was. I got none (except for
one from my girlfried, prompted by me mentioning how much I liked my new
watch.) But, I did start looking at other peoples' watches. I find it
very entertaining to see who wears what. I spent a three-week
vacation in Palm Beach and Miami Beach, FL (prime watch spotting
territory). You know where I saw more fancy watches than anywhere
else? On the wrists of shoppers in Costco and waiters on South Beach!
There is something odd about a place where almost every waiter and street
musician wears a Rolex!

I have mixed feelings about the movement. For the first month,
the watch was running about -1 sec/day, and I was very happy. Then it
started running about -3 sec/day. Now its running about -10 sec/day, I
hope that by playing with the night time position I can get it down to its
initial level. It could be the watch "settling in," but could it be
partially due to the summer heat or could it have gotten magnetized (any
suggestions?) I can accept an accuracy of ~5 min/month, but I would be
happier it it were at < 1 min/month.

Scratches! I am sure everyone here remember the agony felt as
their watch sustained its first few scratches. On my first day of work, I
was given a beautiful new desk. At the end of the day, when I took off my
watch, I say major scratches all over the links where my links touched the
desk. Arrrgh! Apparently, my desk is made with some high-tech super-hard
material. No scratches on my desk, but many on my watch. Since then, my
watch has sustained a few other scratches. The first were shocking, but
after a while they get kind of buffed together and don't look so bad.

Overall, I am very happy with my watch. I really must thank
all the contributes to the chronocentric and timezone forums, and
especially Derek Ziglar for his wonderful Omega website. I find myself
returning often to read the interesting discussions. In retrospect, I realized
that I missed looking at several brands that I may have considered (IWC and
Zeinith). But as many of you have observed, one watch is never enough.
I could write much more, but I have probably made this post too long already.

Best regards to my fellow Seamasters, Speedmasters, and Connies,
Isaac