EXP 39mm vs. Omega AT8500

[chogge]

Wich one to choose?

AT8500 midsize 38,5 mm with the new dial black-teak or the 39mm Explorer???


I can´t decide, please post your opinion.

/Chogge

[HyperM3]

If you dont need a date Id be all over that Rolex. Looks beautiful and I personally like the difference the numbers make on the dial(even if its only 3 of them). The Omega just doesnt do anything for me personally.

[btrue]

I really like both of these watches, and I have heard so many good things about the 8500 movement. I also like the date feature on the Omega. The one drawback, I found, to the Omega is the bulk of the watch. They sit so high off the wrist. I tried them on before Christmas and was shocked at how much space the 8500 movement takes up. The people at Omega in Chicago told me that the case had to be huge to fit the new movement. For that reason alone, I would choose the EXP I, though I have had my eye on the 214270 for a few months for many other reasons. I want one pretty bad!

[F&Iguy]

the EXP 1 for sure! I have one and it's great. good luck

[aardvarkbark]

(c) All of the above. Grey teak is great. Get polar Exp II for white dial.

[Hansch99]

I like both of these watches a bunch. I like the details in the dial and caseback of the Omega, and for that reason I think it looks just a bit nicer. Also, I think the Aqua Terra looks better on a leather strap, which gives it some extra versatility. However, the Rolex has by far the better bracelet, in my opinion, with the fliplock (as opposed to butterfly) clasp and true screws (as opposed to a screw-and-pin combination).

Ultimately, the reason I didn't by the Aqua Terra when I was between it and a Rolex (a 14060M) is because I couldn't bring myself to spend that much for an Omega when a Rolex was in the same ballpark. And in full disclosure, I own a Speedmaster, so I like Omega as a brand...I just don't like paying "Rolex prices" for them.

I'd go with the Explorer.

[Lion]

Hands down, I would definitely buy the Rolex Explorer over the Omega!!!

[Art 1]

The ex out of those two. But if you mentioned the larger Omega it would be that.

[jrpippen]

I like both, I prefer the Omega movement, and to be honest I think it looks better too, but but but, it wont hold its value like the Rolex will.

I think a black Dial date just 2 would be a fairer comparison TBH.

Explorer / Railmaster

AquaTerra/ Datejust

[nothen2do]

I vote the omega, it is very classy to me while the explorer is a little ho hum

[Fredwatch]

I would expect responses to this question from a Rolex forum be definitely skewed to Exp I.

For me, I would go for AT 8500. I have two Omega’s and two Rolex’s so I know it’s a bit of stereotyped to say one is over the other. Even in the same price range, I would not pick one based on “why pay the same price as the other”. Maybe Rolex has been overcharging their products and people have been paying a lot for goodwill only.

I’d choose AT8500 because of the more interesting movement, unique fit and finish of the dial and display back. The Exp I is purely a tool watch but I’d described AT8500 as a hybrid that you have the best of both worlds. The dial face and markers never get bored whenever I look at their pictures on internet and at dealer stores. The movement is an innovation (though not necessarily means more accurate than the proven 3000) and is beautifully finished as you can see it through the display back. The bracelet is also very well made. I once considered the 41mm version last year.

Having said that, I finally chose Grand Seiko SBGE001 SD GMT, which triumphed both EXP I and AT8500.

[Cru Jones]

i prefer the pedigree of the explorer name, but, not a fan of the non-lume 3/6/9 and short hands, plus the omega has a date, which is always nice....that, and, to me, the omega looks better on your wrist.

can't go wrong with either, though.

good luck with the choice!

[Rippin]

On looks alone, I'd choose the Aqua Terra.

[tkerrmd]

I'm a die hard Rolex guy and would choose the Rolex. But between the two both are great watches and I really need a date for a daily wearer type, so hate to do it but would go AT. Or choose a different Rolex!!

[slcbbrown]

I like both watches, but if the prices are close I'd buy Rolex over Omega almost every time. The only exception, for me, is the Speedmaster Pro, and it really doesn't compete with a specific Rolex.

[bassplayrr]

I'd go for the 8500 AT without hesitation. The Explorer I is an outstanding watch, but the detail of the 8500 AT is superb and by all accounts the 8500 movement is at the top of it's game. Also, it just looks better IMHO.

[mike]

Between those two the EXP wins for me.

[agsstructures]

most of the time i would choose rolex but in this case I like the AT. Movement is very accurate, i like the grey/black dial and it has a date which is nice to have. Either way you cannot go wrong and good luck!

[le_baroudeur]

Whatever suits you best.. which one does break you heart?

Here I think that the AT suits you better. Superb 8500 movement too !

[bugawako]

I'd go for the Omega. Not only does it have a date, but it looks a lot better on your wrist. It would definitely catch my eye first.

[Feras]

ROLEX all the time except for the 34mm ones

[kilyung]

Rolex

[al_bongo]

Found this link while I was researching a Planet Ocean with the 8500 movement (heard great things). Psychologically put me off the PO since with introduction of the Co-axial movement they reduced the beat speed from 28 800 to 25 200.

http://www.luxurytyme.com/movement/index.html

Probably insignificant in the over all scheme of things and just one view but it doesn't seem like progress to me either.

[jrpippen]

Originally Posted by al_bongo

Found this link while I was researching a Planet Ocean with the 8500 movement (heard great things). Psychologically put me off the PO since with introduction of the Co-axial movement they reduced the beat speed from 28 800 to 25 200.

http://www.luxurytyme.com/movement/index.html

Probably insignificant in the over all scheme of things and just one view but it doesn't seem like progress to me either.

George Daniels told omega from the outset that the co ax was not supposed to run at 28. They ignored him. After being bombarded with complaints about issues with the early PO's they bowed to his massively superior knowledge.
The co ax was designed to run a little slower than the lever.

It defiantly is progress as its more reliable, needs servicing less often / less lubrication and is at least as accurate as a lever in a Rolex. If only Rolex were using it!!

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by jrpippen

George Daniels told omega from the outset that the co ax was not supposed to run at 28. They ignored him. After being bombarded with complaints about issues with the early PO's they bowed to his massively superior knowledge.
The co ax was designed to run a little slower than the lever.

It defiantly is progress as its more reliable, needs servicing less often / less lubrication and is at least as accurate as a lever in a Rolex. If only Rolex were using it!!

Only the escapement has a longer lubrication time frame. The rest of the movement is the same as any other mechanical watch. That is why Omega shorten the recommend service interval.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by chogge

Wich one to choose?

AT8500 midsize 38,5 mm with the new dial black-teak or the 39mm Explorer???


I can´t decide, please post your opinion.

/Chogge

Explorer

[RRGHOST1]

Omega does nothing for me even though its got probably a better movement in,so its the Rolex for me every time.

[karmatp]

I think there are some new AT's that are just a bit larger, maybe 41mm and thy have some different dial variations that are stunning. Basically they blow the Explorer out of the water, but it is your wrist. Best of luck with the decision.

[Cabaiguan]

This isn't a fair fight....the 8500 AT.

[The GMT Master]

I'd have the Aqua Terra