Originally posted by: bozack
Honestly I really must say I am very surprised to see this posted here as I never thought the Rolex/Omega debate would end up on Anandtech instead I thought it would only remain on the various watch boards.....
Shuttleteam, never thought I would see another "zoner" here on the Anandtech site, if you frequent any of the popular and not so popular watch sites you may have seen a few posts by myself there under another handle (Mathew J).
Back to the topic, Honestly Asharus I would love to commend you on being interested in high end watches, it is a very interesting hobby and truly they make a wonderful life time purchase providing you are not like me and think you buy the one only to find that you enjoy something more a year later....
Also I would like to let you know that this subject has been beaten to death on virtually every watch board out there known to humankind...these are two very popular watches and both have strong support...much like the AMD vs. Intel debate we routinely see here with Rolex being Intel and Omega AMD....both watches have their plusses and minuses....
Shuttle team directed you to [l =
http://www.timezone.com]http://www.timezone.com]www.timezone.com[/l][/L] which I think is an excellent site for general and specific info...
I would also point you to:
[l =
http://www.newturfers.com]http://www.newturfers.com]www.newturfers.com[/l][/L] a great Rolex only resource....
and in contrast:
[l =
http://www.chronocentric.com]http://www.chronocentric.com]www.chronocentric.com[/l][/L] a great Omega resource....
There have also been a great number of comparison reviews on this subject, the Magazine "Watchtime" in their June 2000 issue did a comparison test between the Submariner and the Seamaster entitled "In-depth test Rolex vs. Omega), this was an excellent read where they pitted the Sub vs the Ti SMP, they then later did another Sub review in their December 2003 issue which was also another very interesting read....
I would have linked you to a couple of really good reviews but it seems like Timezone's software isn't right and I cannot find the archives...but basically here is my highly biased opinion on the matter.....
Both watches are great watches at their respective price point...The Omega is an absolute good deal at at least 35% off of its $1700 MSRP which is the going rate (if you post a dealer recommendation on the TZ Omega forum a great dealer in DC will be recommended that gives at least 35% off)...Omega is a sub division of the Swatch Co. and Swatch is doing alot to try and get this brand in the same public perception as Rolex which is why you will soon see new and updated models comming out featuring their new "Co Axial" technology ( personally I think it is neat but don't see any real benefit to the end user as while they claim 10 year service intervals the rest of the movement is the same and should require service every five years or so, the only real benefits will be from the micro regulated free sprung balance which will provide for better long term positional accuracy).
The SMP is a well made and well designed watch, it is more stylish than the Rolex and more modern....great bang for your buck so to speak...
The Rolex on the other hand is a true classic, a design that hasn't changed majorly in the past 50 years...Rolex has a higher prestige factor and worldwide recognition along with tighter dealer controls which make it so new pieces aren't discounted and because of this combined with styles that don't change much the price of used pieces remains higher than other brands.....Rolex is a company that uses all "in house" design, what this means is that they manufacture all of the components in building their watches, compare that with Swatch/Omega that outsource some of their production to either other Swatch divisions, or as in the case of the SMP the watch head or case unit is supposedly made by another company in Italy that also does work for Tag Heuer however I don't know how accurate that rumor is.... Omega uses a modified ETA movement (ETA is another division of Swatch) ETA movements can be found in many many watch brands however the 2892-A2 used in the SMP is modified to Omega specs by ETA.....
You mention movement quality...it is really a grey area, both movements are good, and both will serve you well for a long time, however personally I would give the nod to the Rolex in terms of overall design and also prestige...first off it is a manufacture calibre, which means Rolex made it and it is only in Rolex watches...as I said before the Omega uses a modified ETA calibre, so while that iteration is only in the SMP the base 2892 can be had in many watches that cost a fraction of the price..also there is the design, the Rolex employs a full balance bridge and also a system of microregulation along with a free sprung balance and a breguet overcoil in a very thick package...all features found in very very expensive watches, all very high end, and all greatly assist with positional timekeeping and consistency and durability...(what I mean by positional accuracy is when the watch is in different positions there isn't as much deviation in time keeping as watch movements without these features)....
Then there is the case and bracelet issue...the Omega features a solid and thick bracelet whereas the Rolex has a much lighter and thinner design with hollow center links, the Rolex uses screw pins and End links that are fully flush with the case...the Omega uses friction pins and Solid end links that use retaining wings which mar the back of the case, the Clasp on the Omega looks superior and feels superior but IMHO the Rolex is a more functional design as it offers double locking measures, where if one lock fails there is a backup, I prefer simpler methods of getting a job done especially if the piece is used for actual diving....
Also the Rolex uses springbars which are nearly twice as thick as the Omega along with a crown system that is really impressive....
The Omega does have a HEV valve (helium release valve) which is pretty useless and just a gimmick since 99.99999% of divers would never use it and all of the other companies use auto HE valves which require no user intervention, it is my belief that they only incorporated it for the James Bond gimmick factor.....
Positives for the Omega also include a domed Sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating on the inside and greater legibility underwater and at night due to the sword hands and broader markers...The Rolex has a better bezel for diving as it is easier to grip with gloves and as mentioned the crown system...many also complain about the cyclops bezel over the date however I like the look of it...
Finally there is the issue of service/support....Rolex has three top tier service centers in the US alone, standard service is about $300 and serivce is recommended every five years or so...Omega has one service center in Lancaster PA and a few remote local auth service centers, all of their centers are hit or miss and the general concensus suggests mailing the watch back to Bienne Switzerland which is costly and time consuming...generally Omega service costs are slightly less but with the additional expense of sending it overseas the cost is comparable to Rolex....
Omega only guarantees parts for 15 years after a movement/Watch is discontinued whereas Rolex guarantees 30..however in either case parts shouldn't be an issue as both are plentiful, the only concern is with case and other cosmetic parts as those are generally changed more frequently on the Omega....
as for my recommendation, I always suggest you try to sit on the decision as long as possible before making up your mind...if you are only considering the Omega because of the price then you WILL end up wanting the Rolex....I generally recommend to those who cannot decide that they buy a Non Date Submariner and then also an Omega SMP, that way they spend the same money as a Date Sub yet get the best of both worlds with the Omega and Rolex....
Personally if I had to chose one and money was not an option I would get the Sub as it is the archetype of the genre...it is the ultimate diving watch and has been for the past 50 years, it is a classic with a great design and has a great company and service network backing it...sure it is expensive but the value retention is there and it is something that will truly never go out of style...
The Omega is great also but too modern looking for my taste, if I wanted trendy and fashionable I would buy a Tag Heuer instead, I would have rather Omega re released their old Seamaster 300 than this newer modern version...also little things about the Omega bother me, such as friction pins in the bracelet, manual HEV valve and a crown system that just doesn't seem nice, heck the Breitling Super Ocean Professional has a screwed link braclelet, automatic HEV valve and a better easier to use bezel design for the same or less than the SMP...not to mention the Tudor hydronaut is another great option in that price point...I just think that the Rolex was designed for Diving and evolved into a luxury piece with its white gold boardered markers and hands and gloss dial whereas the SMP was designed to be a conversation piece with a gimmicky HEV and wave pattern dial....
If looking for a real dive watch my only real choices would be:
Rolex SeaDweller
Rolex Submariner
Breitling Super Ocean Professional
Tudor Hydronaut
Seiko Diver
in that order...however the SeaDweller and Sub can be interchangable if only looking for a recreational diver type watch....
Also if you are dead set on the Omega go for their GMT...same Water resistance as the SMP but no silly HEV valve plus you get a second timezone for not much more money....also rumore has it Omega is in the process of upgrading their watches with the Co Axial, so I would guess in a year or two all of their automatic watches get this movement which will put them on par with Rolex from a movement standpoint and also a price point as they are jacking prices about a grand across the board with this update....
good luck and feel free to PM me or something with any questions...it is a hard choice...