Omega vs Rolex "rivalry". Never understood it.

[Brny11]

Lol. You don’t understand Omega vs Rolex? Do you understand Nike vs adidas, Apple vs Microsoft, Nissan vs Toyota? If you don’t, we can’t help you. If you do, then close your eyes and rethink Rolex vs Omega. They are the same thing, luxury watches. Take your personal preference out for one second and understand your moonwatch sells for like 6-7k at an AD and I can get one new for like 3.5-4K right now. A sub which sells for 8.5k, you will have to shell out 9-10k to get right now. I agree, Omegas are pretty cool, but I’d compare it more towards Tudor (I’d prefer a Tudor all day over Omega). For the record, I think Movados are cool as well. Rolex is something much more, IMO.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by shalako

I don’t agree with the OP but I guess it’s about perception. Omega are way ahead of Tag Heuer and not sure why you would think IWC is better than Omega either.
Just because something is much more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better, I think the price disparity between Rolex and Omega for instance is more about market forces than the quality of the product.

I sold and traded watches for almost 10 years but I'm not qualified to determine which is "better". That's why I find it fascinating that people say that "TAGs are shit compared to Omega". How do they know? How do they measure it? Yeah Omega modified their ETAs and TAG used bulk. Does THAT really make the difference?

People often say that "my uncle's Rolex has been ticking for 30 years without losing a minute". But guess what... my 30-year old Timex has never lost a minute, either.

I just quickly picked up IWC and Breguet because they're more expensive and thus more comparable to Rolex (imho). I never said they're better or worse than Omega... just more expensive and in that sense more logical "rivals" to Rolex.

Peace.

@Hodog16: I heard that same thing here in Finland about Rolex/Breitling. Has there anything official written about it? Cheers.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Brny11

Lol. You don’t understand Omega vs Rolex? Do you understand Nike vs adidas, Apple vs Microsoft, Nissan vs Toyota? If you don’t, we can’t help you. If you do, then close your eyes and rethink Rolex vs Omega. They are the same thing, luxury watches. Take your personal preference out for one second and understand your moonwatch sells for like 6-7k at an AD and I can get one new for like 3.5-4K right now. A sub which sells for 8.5k, you will have to shell out 9-10k to get right now. I agree, Omegas are pretty cool, but I’d compare it more towards Tudor (I’d prefer a Tudor all day over Omega). For the record, I think Movados are cool as well. Rolex is something much more, IMO.

It looks like you misunderstood the opening post.

Yes... I respect both brands equally, it was NOT about my personal preference.

The point was that comparing something that costs three times less than the "rival" is a bit strange and unique rivalry.

Maybe the subject title was misleading a little bit and THAT offended a lot of people here. For that I apologize. I never wanted to insult anyone's Seamaster.

[watchguru1]

Originally Posted by JP.

How do they know? How do they measure it?

How do you measure that a Patek 5522A is better (i've read it in this forum) than a Zenith Pilot Type 20? What makes the Patek better?

Originally Posted by JP.

I just quickly picked up IWC and Breguet because they're more expensive and thus more comparable to Rolex (imho) than Omega... just more expensive and in that sense more logical "rivals" to Rolex.

Dude, they're are compareable in price positioning but not in segments which means they're actually not compareable. If someone looks for a specific type of watch he will compare to a manufacturer competing in the same segment despite price differences and not for something widely different but same in price.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by watchguru1

How do you measure that a Patek 5522A is better (i've read it in this forum) than a Zenith Pilot Type 20? What makes the Patek better?

Now we're talking. That's what watch forums are all about, right? Let's discuss these things like adults.

There's an alternative to these debates though. I can post pictures of my 16710 GMT Master for the 100th time. But you've seen that f*cking watch already.

How about this discussion? Is it too much to take... without having to hyperventilate into a paper bag? Personally, I find all watch debates interesting.... that's why I come to these forums.

Are Omega and Breitling trying to play the "price game" too? I've seen Breitling and Omega retail prices increasing all the time. If they want to play on the same field I guess that's what they have to do... because Rolex prices and "exclusivity" have only one direction (as we have seen). Omega's endless "special editions" aren't doing any favors to the brand, imho.

[brandrea]

I prefer not to make direct comparisons and focus more on the watches themselves.

[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by JP.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

So you’re comparing watches based on price alone and not the quality? Do you know about the history of the Speedmaster! I would argue that a Speedmaster Professional is a comparative watch to a Daytona. Maybe even more so. Your fixation on price is odd which is why the car comparisons don’t work. Think about the quality and craftsmanship of the watch and movement. I wonder what you think about Grand Seiko?

[alphasports]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

but quality per dollar you pay for, Rolex is unrivaled .

Couldn't disagree more. If anything Omega qualifies for drastically better value per dollar than Rolex. People are lined up around the block to pay 15k+ for a stainless machine made Rolex watch...that's not value, that's brainwashing.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

So you’re comparing watches based on price alone and not the quality? Do you know about the history of the Speedmaster! I would argue that Speedmaster Professional is a comparative watch to a Daytona. Maybe even more so. Your fixation on price is odd which is why the car comparisons don’t work. Think about that the quality and craftsmanship of the watch and movement. I wonder what you think about Grand Seiko?

I'm well aware of the "traditions" of the Speedmaster... I've been into the watch scene for almost 20 years. Almost 10 years professionally. There must be 1000 threads about the "traditions" of the Daytona and the Speedmaster.

I'm not "fixated" on the price. But once again... the point of this whole thread was the price. I find it amusing that Omegas are seen as a direct rival to watches that costs so much more. There's nothing wrong about it... people keep creating strange straw man arguments from my text... I just wanted to discuss this subject with this particular price element in mind. i.e bring a little bit different "approach" on the table.

Grand Seikos are amazing watches for real "watch guys". I actually compared GS to my Ebel BTR (that I wrote about here). I'm sure someone gets offended of this article, too. :D
https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.c...r-chronograph/

[Krash]

Omega is far closer to Rolex than VW is to Mercedes. That’s for sure.

I think Omega is closer to Rolex than IWC is too. I put Omega above Breitling and Tag. Breguet is niche brand and difficult to categorize.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by watchguru1

Aren't you the pussy here, hence why you posted this crap in the first place? You look hurt because your mighty crown gets compared with something undesireable like Omega. You don't compare a Breguet La Tradition with a Daytona 116509 because of similar price range, lol.

One thing we do not allow of forum is insults and profanity so please do not slam the door on the way back Somalia.

[DasKptl]

Oh, "watchguru1" has just been banned.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Krash

Omega is far closer to Rolex than VW is to Mercedes. That’s for sure.

I think Omega is closer to Rolex than IWC is too. I put Omega above Breitling and Tag. Breguet is niche brand and difficult to categorize.

Personally, I think Breitling equals Omega... or even surpasses it. Why? I think Breitling dials, bracelets and the overall "feel" is a bit nicer. There's nothing nicer than the Breitling bracelets. The end links fit is superbly and the tolerances are minimal... they literally scream quality. I'm always impressed when I take macro pictures of Breitlings.

But I have ZERO sensible arguments to back up this statement. It's just a "gut feeling"... and my PERSONAL opinion. See? It's a difficult to compare these brands with any "scientific" facts... that's why I used the price argument.

[omx5o]

I have only ever bought Omega and Rolex in the luxury category. Probably a lack of imagination on my part but it’s a good example of direct competition between these two particular brands.

[rolexinfl]

Omega USED to be Rolex's competition. Not anymore.

Now they are left in the dust and TAG and Breitling are the competition for Omega.

Basically sums it up.

[bobernet]

Omega today is a shadow of Omega of old. Buying the Daniels escapement that everyone else in the industry saw and passed on is their “innovation.” Endless James Bond and Snoopy Limited Editions. What are there now, 37 different Speedmaster variations for sale? Omega and Panerai are much more competitors than Omega/Rolex.

It wasn’t all that long ago that Omega was full of ETA movements.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by JP.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

Not so sure. Many Omegas are six grand or more new so pretty close with Rolex at MSRP.

That you could get a 20% discount on most models and they don’t hold value as well on the pre-owner market is more a popularity thing.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by JP.

Personally, I think Breitling equals Omega... or even surpasses it. Why? I think Breitling dials, bracelets and the overall "feel" is a bit nicer. There's nothing nicer than the Breitling bracelets. The end links fit is superbly and the tolerances are minimal... they literally scream quality. I'm always impressed when I take macro pictures of Breitlings.

But I have ZERO sensible arguments to back up this statement. It's just a "gut feeling"... and my PERSONAL opinion. See? It's a difficult to compare these brands with any "scientific" facts... that's why I used the price argument.

I can’t argue with that. Navitimer dials are stunning. The thing about Breitling though is that I’m not a big fan of their other models.


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[2nastie]

Originally Posted by JP.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

There are a bit more about being a rival than your suggested new and secondary markets sales. If that’s your whole point then you are looking at it wrongly.

Omega has tons of watches that sell close to a new Rolex watch. They equally have those that sell below Rolex as well (often quartz models for men). You see the Moonwatch at a lower value since it has a manual movement inside. You look at any automatic Speedy’s and their prices are almost exactly the same as the Daytona.

Certain Omegas are also priced less in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The way you price things is a competing factor in a rivalry... lowering or upping a price doesn’t make the brand less or more of rival to another. It’s just different marketing strategies used in hopes of gaining an edge.

It’s about the brands general target audience/purchaser. Rolex and Omega are going for the same group of buyers. At this point, generally Rolex is winning the market but in Asia... Omega has quite a foothold.

[Greg 59]

Wow, this is a very emotive thread and as a passionate owner of both Rolex and Omega watches I feel like I want to chip in but the comments have become too heated so I will save my opinions for another day.

Hopefully we can all agree that they are both equally as important in the watch manufacturing industry.

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[Moggo]

Let’s not kid ourselves though, if the value didn’t fall off an Omega the minute the cash register rang we would be all over them. Especially if they were worth double after buying like Rolex.

Even though I certainly don’t buy for investment I don’t like the idea of losing hundreds/thousands the minute I leave the store.

I have a Seamaster and it’s a lovely watch but you need to buy them right to make sense in my opinion.


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[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Moggo

Let’s not kid ourselves though, if the value didn’t fall off an Omega the minute the cash register rang we would be all over them. Especially if they were worth double after buying like Rolex.

Even though I certainly don’t buy for investment I don’t like the idea of losing hundreds/thousands the minute I leave the store.

I have a Seamaster and it’s a lovely watch but you need to buy them right to make sense in my opinion.


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I think this applies to some of the newcomers, but certainly not me. I have been collecting Rolex long enough to remember when you could get 20%off any model other than Daytona without even trying. The recent “craze” is certainly not what interests me.

[ppalasthira]

I think they are Rolex’s closest rivals.


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[JP.]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

There are a bit more about being a rival than your suggested new and secondary markets sales. If that’s your whole point then you are looking at it wrongly.

Omega has tons of watches that sell close to a new Rolex watch. They equally have those that sell below Rolex as well (often quartz models for men). You see the Moonwatch at a lower value since it has a manual movement inside. You look at any automatic Speedy’s and their prices are almost exactly the same as the Daytona.

Certain Omegas are also priced less in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The way you price things is a competing factor in a rivalry... lowering or upping a price doesn’t make the brand less or more of rival to another. It’s just different marketing strategies used in hopes of gaining an edge.

It’s about the brands general target audience/purchaser. Rolex and Omega are going for the same group of buyers. At this point, generally Rolex is winning the market but in Asia... Omega has quite a foothold.

Thanks. Excellent points.

[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by JP.

Thanks. Excellent points.

Agreed. And thanks for starting the initial discussion JP, lots of interesting perspectives have been raised.

[Flyoverguy]

Rolex has mastered marketing to an extent Omega never has. However it is the number 2 swiss brand by volume so it does not appear that they cannot sell anything. Now with the scarcity of Rolex people are looking at other brands which IMO is a good thing.

I like my Speedy and I like my SkyD. I wear them both along with the others in my collection. Brand v. brand stuff is for fanboys to argue. You either like the watch or you don't.

[Alex_TA]

Originally Posted by JP.

Yeah... it looks like it's impossible to start a even watch discussion in watch forum without offending or "triggering" someone these days. Amazing!

Because the thread is banal and just superfluous.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Alex_TA

Because the thread is banal and just superfluous.

I disagree... I think it's developing to a potentially interesting watch discussion. You see... adults can have different opinions and still discuss things in civilized fashion. If someone has different opinion or different approach it doesn't mean you have to get offended.

Who forced a gun to your head and made you read this... or forced you to come back to this discussion? Isn't there other threads for you to follow... ones that don't annoy you so much with "extreme banality"?

I've been here for 11 years... since the days of JJ. It has always been a relaxed, good forum with good vibes.

It's people like YOU who poison the atmosphere in the watch forums... people who contribute nothing but negativity.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by alphasports

Couldn't disagree more. If anything Omega qualifies for drastically better value per dollar than Rolex. People are lined up around the block to pay 15k+ for a stainless machine made Rolex watch...that's not value, that's brainwashing.

Its not what you pay,its what it is worth .That is exactly just that .. value.

[vicsdca]

I own both and for me Rolex and Omega are pretty much equal. I think that if Omegas were not so heavily discounted the brand would get the respect it deserves. It's just bad marketing on their part. In terms of movements, I've been more impressed by Omega than Rolex when it comes to accuracy.