re: Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster?

Omega

The more I look at it I really like the speedmaster moon watch

I have both

Granted my seamaster is the Planet Ocean chrono (orange bezel/dark grey dial).

They are both good but I do prefer the Omega as it’s MUCH heavier and the bracelet is money with the fine adjustment button.

What’s crazy is the Omega was $9300 in February but my sub was appraised a month ago at $10500 (bought in 1996).

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I think the speed master moon watch is perhaps the best watch for the money - particularly the newest incarnation. It is an unbelievable watch, with a great design. Never get tired of my 1861 (the hesalite version).

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I think it is a GREAT watch. But I don't think I'd say it is the best watch for the money. First, it's fully manual (not self winding). It's not like it is an arduous task to have to wind the watch every day. But it can be a bit of a pain if you don't wear the watch every day. Second, while the new movement is much better, the older movement(s), while classic, are somewhat outdated relative to other movements Omega offers. Third, I know hesalite is more authentic. But you can get Seamasters for less $$ that come with sapphire crystals.

Point being, IMO you can get better (mechanically) Omega watches for less than the moonwatch. Especially in the Seamaster line. With the moonwatch you are paying more for the tradition and history.

ALL of that said, I could see a day where the moonwatch will be part of my lineup. Hell, I thought long and hard about it when I ultimately decided to buy a Seamaster last year.

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I have a '71 Submariner from my father that I only wear for special occasions, but never realized the prices of the watch market.

Apparently I need to get that on my home owners insurance. I would never sell it, but just assumed it was worth a couple grand because of the name. Samsonite, I was way off.

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You should wear it more. Sitting isn't good for them. Or at least keep it in a winder. I wear my 82 16800 every day.

And yes get it on your policy You will probably need a it on its own or a special jewelry policy. Our jewelry max wasn't nearly high enough to cover it so we got a separate policy for all of that.

I will concede one of your points: while I think the Omega Speedmaster is a great value, I think the new Seamaster, dollar-for-dollar, may be the best value in watches, period. The only other option that comes to mind is the BB58.

That said, I think your negative points are off base. First, the hand wound movement is great! It is a pleasure winding it every morning. And because it has no date, or anything like that, it only takes a couple minutes to set. Personally, I enjoy the engagement. (Then again, I generally prefer manual wound chronographs). Second, while the 8800 movement, with its co-axial escapement, is a fantastic invention, I am not sure it is any better or worse than the new movement in the 3861. It is more technically advanced, certainly. But I have always had an issue with how thick the 8800 movement is. Third, don't knock the hesalite! It adds a warm glow to the watch that the sapphire crystal just cannot replicate. Further, it is very easy to clean with polywatch, and it is very inexpensive to replace if you ever decide to do so.

I have a number of watches and, specifically, a number of watches far more expensive than the Speedmaster. However, the Speedmaster is the watch I reach for far more often than not. At this juncture, it is one of the only sports watch "icons" that you can actually purchase, and I think it may be the most aesthetically pleasing in the $10,000 and under range (I have a soft spot for the 5711/12 and 15202). While I would love a Daytona, I do think that the Speedmaster is objectively a more aesthetically pleasing watch.

That is a great looking watch.

I too have been torn between these for almost as long as this thread has been active.

Decided to re-read from the beginning. As of now:

OMEGA - 20 VOTES
ROLEX - 34 VOTES

OP bought the OMEGA.


It amazes me how many people assume watch enthusiasts are in it for the opinion of others. I'm also curious how many people couldn't fathom spending 8K on a watch but will gladly drive a new truck or SUV off the lot, losing that much value plus some.

My Vote - Omega

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I sure did!

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mmmkay... judging by the picture you posted, you didn't go with the submariner.

Omega. Larger