Excuse the idiot...
Discussion
Hi,
Currently have a Seiko Titanium Chronograph which I got ages ago, but this started playing up a few days ago and so I've had a look around some of the discussions here.
It's coming up to my 40th soon, so thought I'd have a look at something a little more "fancy" (which is the wrong word really as I tend to go for "understated" things normally). Anyway, saw the discussion thread about Titanium watches and really liked the Omega Seamaster shown in that thread - and am going to see a pre-owned one next week in London (from Watchfinder.co.uk). It's this model OMEGA SEAMASTER 300M 2231.50.00
Thing is I'm a complete novice to the world of "premium" watches (especially 2nd hand ones!) as as such I have no idea of what sort of things to look for, and even what the some of the most basic terminology is (e.g. the difference if any between quartz and automatic movements) let alone the "jewel" numbers! I've obviously heard of Omega as a make, so assume the quality of this make / model is pretty good?
Any advice or indeed comments on the particular model?
Thanks
Steven
Currently have a Seiko Titanium Chronograph which I got ages ago, but this started playing up a few days ago and so I've had a look around some of the discussions here.
It's coming up to my 40th soon, so thought I'd have a look at something a little more "fancy" (which is the wrong word really as I tend to go for "understated" things normally). Anyway, saw the discussion thread about Titanium watches and really liked the Omega Seamaster shown in that thread - and am going to see a pre-owned one next week in London (from Watchfinder.co.uk). It's this model OMEGA SEAMASTER 300M 2231.50.00
Thing is I'm a complete novice to the world of "premium" watches (especially 2nd hand ones!) as as such I have no idea of what sort of things to look for, and even what the some of the most basic terminology is (e.g. the difference if any between quartz and automatic movements) let alone the "jewel" numbers! I've obviously heard of Omega as a make, so assume the quality of this make / model is pretty good?
Any advice or indeed comments on the particular model?
Thanks
Steven
Edited by tallstevef on Sunday 15th July 10:13
Omega are a luxury/premium brand and pretty pricey. I have a 2221.80 which is a quartz "Bond" version of the one you are looking at and is brilliant.
I also have a mid-size bond for the missus and a 3570.50 (manual wind) Speedmaster. Omegas are fabulous watches and well worth the money. Automatics have a mechanical movement (springs and gears and all sorts of wonderful mechanical things) inside them with a rotor that does the actual winding as you move your arm. Therefore, they don't need batteries but will wind down if you leave them off your wrist for a couple of days.
Quartz are battery driven and will go for a couple of years without worry on one battery so will not stop if you decide to wear something else for a few days.
Servicing is required every four or five years and is much more expensive for an auto as there are many more parts that require cleaning/oiling than the equivalent movement in a quartz.
That's a very simplified version of the differences.
I also have a mid-size bond for the missus and a 3570.50 (manual wind) Speedmaster. Omegas are fabulous watches and well worth the money. Automatics have a mechanical movement (springs and gears and all sorts of wonderful mechanical things) inside them with a rotor that does the actual winding as you move your arm. Therefore, they don't need batteries but will wind down if you leave them off your wrist for a couple of days.
Quartz are battery driven and will go for a couple of years without worry on one battery so will not stop if you decide to wear something else for a few days.
Servicing is required every four or five years and is much more expensive for an auto as there are many more parts that require cleaning/oiling than the equivalent movement in a quartz.
That's a very simplified version of the differences.
I assume that was the one I posted?
Watch the titanium models, they do have a problem - the bracelet pins are steel. A friend wore one every day for a decade, and the bracelet flexes a lot, as it has worn around the pins
Other than that, Seamaster clasps are prone to scratches. Some people live with it and get the, polished occasionally. The alternative is to put a film on it (like a phone screen protector).
Other than that, enjoy.
ETA - if you happen to be London based, then I work in the West End. Happy to meet up if you want to see one before parting with money.
Watch the titanium models, they do have a problem - the bracelet pins are steel. A friend wore one every day for a decade, and the bracelet flexes a lot, as it has worn around the pins
Other than that, Seamaster clasps are prone to scratches. Some people live with it and get the, polished occasionally. The alternative is to put a film on it (like a phone screen protector).
Other than that, enjoy.
ETA - if you happen to be London based, then I work in the West End. Happy to meet up if you want to see one before parting with money.
Edited by Podie on Saturday 14th July 18:21
Indeed it was Podie - I now have someone to blame if it all goes wrong! 
Thanks for the heads up on the bracelet - I don't know if I'll be able to spot more "flex" than normal, seeing as I don't know what normal actually is!
I was a bit worried about the size of it too - Smallish (7") wrists, but I went to have a look at some of the modern ones and tried on a 42mm one, and it didn't look too big / bulky on me. It was steel and was very chunky feeling compared to my Seiko!
Thanks to the 'net I've looked up that model and from the info it appears it's an automatic (self winding chronometer) so as long as I wear it regularly it keeps itself ticking - right?
Thanks for the heads up on the bracelet - I don't know if I'll be able to spot more "flex" than normal, seeing as I don't know what normal actually is!
I was a bit worried about the size of it too - Smallish (7") wrists, but I went to have a look at some of the modern ones and tried on a 42mm one, and it didn't look too big / bulky on me. It was steel and was very chunky feeling compared to my Seiko!
Thanks to the 'net I've looked up that model and from the info it appears it's an automatic (self winding chronometer) so as long as I wear it regularly it keeps itself ticking - right?
tallstevef said:
Indeed it was Podie - I now have someone to blame if it all goes wrong!
Thanks for the heads up on the bracelet - I don't know if I'll be able to spot more "flex" than normal, seeing as I don't know what normal actually is!
I was a bit worried about the size of it too - Smallish (7") wrists, but I went to have a look at some of the modern ones and tried on a 42mm one, and it didn't look too big / bulky on me. It was steel and was very chunky feeling compared to my Seiko!
Thanks to the 'net I've looked up that model and from the info it appears it's an automatic (self winding chronometer) so as long as I wear it regularly it keeps itself ticking - right?
Thanks for the heads up on the bracelet - I don't know if I'll be able to spot more "flex" than normal, seeing as I don't know what normal actually is!
I was a bit worried about the size of it too - Smallish (7") wrists, but I went to have a look at some of the modern ones and tried on a 42mm one, and it didn't look too big / bulky on me. It was steel and was very chunky feeling compared to my Seiko!
Thanks to the 'net I've looked up that model and from the info it appears it's an automatic (self winding chronometer) so as long as I wear it regularly it keeps itself ticking - right?
You'd know, the bracelet I've seen bends to a banana shape (from watch head to clasp).
I have 7.5" wrists and it's not too big IMO. My Navitimer and Railmaster (42mm) are certainly larger.
If you wear it, it'll keep going. You can still wind it up if required.
At a place I was working at years ago, there was a chap due to retire, who I noticed one day had a nice, fairly plain looking Omega watch.
I'd worked with him for years and never really noticed his watch until this particular day.
I said 'that looks like a nice watch Ron'. He replied 'thanks - I bought it when I finished my apprenticeship when I was 21, as a present to myself. It's never stopped working actully, and I've had it serviced maybe two or three times - a bit naughty really as it's supposed to be done every 5 years I think...anyway, it still works well, and gives accurate time even now.'
So he'd had it and worn it every day for 44 years...
On the back of that, I bought a Seamaster Automatic Chronometer in 2000. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't wear my watch.
Like Ron though, time slips by pretty quick, and I missed the first 5 year service interval too...but in the last 12 years, it's given sterling service, and is so accurate it's unreal - I have to adjust the time by maybe 2 minutes or so about every 2 or 3 months.
Feeling guilty, I had another PH'er on here who owns a jewellers and watchmakers give it a full service and a bit of an external re-furb at the end of last year.
He stripped it, cleaned and adjusted it internally, and replaced all the seals and a couple of small plastic bits. He also stripped the bracelet, polished the tiny thin bits within the bracelet that are supposed to be shiny, and cleaned up all the other bits of the bracelet that are supposed to be matt / brushed. He finished this off by replacing all the bracelet pins. Cost was about £400.
When I collected it, he commented that the insides were still like new, and exhibited no signs of wear and tear at all.
I love my watch so much - after 12 years it's pretty much part of me now, and I hope very much that it lasts for 44 years like Ron's did - and I'm sure it will. It still looks fabulous to me, and I feel priviledged to wear it.
The main thing I like about it, is that it's not a big, flashy or distracting watch, and doesn't bling me up like a Rolex or something of that ilk. People rarely notice it at all.
The only people who do ever notice it or comment on it, are only people that I'd like to notice it - either other owners of the same, or jewellers and watch specialists.
On the few occasions someone has said to me 'nice watch you have there', after I've thanked them and asked why they commented, on most occasions they've replied 'I deal in watches and jewels - and what you have there is a very nice, very special timepiece that you should be proud of.'
Here's a pic:
I'd worked with him for years and never really noticed his watch until this particular day.
I said 'that looks like a nice watch Ron'. He replied 'thanks - I bought it when I finished my apprenticeship when I was 21, as a present to myself. It's never stopped working actully, and I've had it serviced maybe two or three times - a bit naughty really as it's supposed to be done every 5 years I think...anyway, it still works well, and gives accurate time even now.'
So he'd had it and worn it every day for 44 years...
On the back of that, I bought a Seamaster Automatic Chronometer in 2000. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't wear my watch.
Like Ron though, time slips by pretty quick, and I missed the first 5 year service interval too...but in the last 12 years, it's given sterling service, and is so accurate it's unreal - I have to adjust the time by maybe 2 minutes or so about every 2 or 3 months.
Feeling guilty, I had another PH'er on here who owns a jewellers and watchmakers give it a full service and a bit of an external re-furb at the end of last year.
He stripped it, cleaned and adjusted it internally, and replaced all the seals and a couple of small plastic bits. He also stripped the bracelet, polished the tiny thin bits within the bracelet that are supposed to be shiny, and cleaned up all the other bits of the bracelet that are supposed to be matt / brushed. He finished this off by replacing all the bracelet pins. Cost was about £400.
When I collected it, he commented that the insides were still like new, and exhibited no signs of wear and tear at all.
I love my watch so much - after 12 years it's pretty much part of me now, and I hope very much that it lasts for 44 years like Ron's did - and I'm sure it will. It still looks fabulous to me, and I feel priviledged to wear it.
The main thing I like about it, is that it's not a big, flashy or distracting watch, and doesn't bling me up like a Rolex or something of that ilk. People rarely notice it at all.
The only people who do ever notice it or comment on it, are only people that I'd like to notice it - either other owners of the same, or jewellers and watch specialists.
On the few occasions someone has said to me 'nice watch you have there', after I've thanked them and asked why they commented, on most occasions they've replied 'I deal in watches and jewels - and what you have there is a very nice, very special timepiece that you should be proud of.'
Here's a pic:
Edited by Ray Luxury-Yacht on Saturday 14th July 19:09
tallstevef said:
Any advice or indeed comments on the particular model?
To understand the basics, take a look at the FAQs section of the Watchfinder sticky thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Titanium is a great material (although it will in most cases be an alloy, usually with aluminium) - it has the ability to self heal to a small extent, thanks to the thin layer of surface oxidation that generates over time, and, of course, it is strong and light.
It does scratch, as most things do, and it is a tad softer than steel (hence the use of alloys to harden it) but practically speaking, it offers a similar day to day strength.
The automatic Seamasters are real workhorses, in that they will last and last and last. They also offer excellent styling and quality way above their price bracket, and with the new, more expensive ceramic versions being launched, the previous models represent a comparative bargain. Buying pre-owned should also minimise your loss if you ever resell, thanks to steady resale values.
Like the Submariner, they are a watch for every occasion, classy enough to be tasteful, without being overly showy. Once you've tried one on, I'll be very surprised if you aren't smitten!
tallstevef said:
Podie - Thanks for the offer! YHM
Ray - you should have been a writer, a heartfelt account if ever I heard one! Who was the PH member who did your servicing for you? It might be worthwhile keeping their details (and maybe they can fix my Seiko!).
Ray - you should have been a writer, a heartfelt account if ever I heard one! Who was the PH member who did your servicing for you? It might be worthwhile keeping their details (and maybe they can fix my Seiko!).
Thanks mate!It's one of the few things in my life which seem to be built to do it's job extremely well, look nice, and last.
I wasn't (still aren't
) rich when I bought it, so it represents, for me, a pretty big investment.Funny story when I bought it though...I went into Ernest Jones to buy some jewellery for my Girlfriend for Christmas. As they were showing me whatever it was (earings? f
k knows, can't remember ) on top of the glass counter, these Omegas were underneath the glass, shining away under the lights - looking just lovely.The Magpie in me was happy looking at them, and I commented to the salesthing how nice they were.
Within a nanosecond, one was out and being offered to my wrist for inspection.
I said how nice it was, but that there was no way I could afford one (I think back then they were about £1300).
The salesthing said 'no problem - we do 10 month's interest free credit - £300 down, and £100 a month...
Sold
But yeah, strapping it on each day gives me as much joy as, I dunno, coming out of the house to a lovely car I guess? It still makes me happy, 12 years on. How many things can you say that about other than your kids or something? (I would imagine - I don't have kids...)
Anyway - the PH'er on here who did it is Eddie, 'ecain63' he has a little jewellers down in Bournemouth.
Well, thanks to the comments and things to look for mentioned on this thread I've "upgraded" from this:
to this:
A couple of very small / hardly visible marks on the Omega, it almost looks brand new and fits perfectly (without adjustment). I'm keeping the old Seiko and will treat it to a service and refurb...
I know how much you guys like the pics, so thought I'd just give you a peek Excuse the size of the pics - I'm new at this!
Watchfinder were v.easy to deal with and sorted things out (including 0% finance) v.quickly. Thanks to Oliver and Jonathan
to this:
A couple of very small / hardly visible marks on the Omega, it almost looks brand new and fits perfectly (without adjustment). I'm keeping the old Seiko and will treat it to a service and refurb...
I know how much you guys like the pics, so thought I'd just give you a peek
Excuse the size of the pics - I'm new at this!Watchfinder were v.easy to deal with and sorted things out (including 0% finance) v.quickly. Thanks to Oliver and Jonathan
Edited by tallstevef on Wednesday 25th July 22:04
tallstevef said:
Well, thanks to the comments and things to look for mentioned on this thread I've "upgraded" from this:
to this:
A couple of very small / hardly visible marks on the Omega, it almost looks brand new and fits perfectly (without adjustment). I'm keeping the old Seiko and will treat it to a service and refurb...
I know how much you guys like the pics, so thought I'd just give you a peek Excuse the size of the pics - I'm new at this!
Watchfinder were v.easy to deal with and sorted things out (including 0% finance) v.quickly. Thanks to Oliver and Jonathan
Oooh, well done you, it's delightful to this:
A couple of very small / hardly visible marks on the Omega, it almost looks brand new and fits perfectly (without adjustment). I'm keeping the old Seiko and will treat it to a service and refurb...
I know how much you guys like the pics, so thought I'd just give you a peek
Excuse the size of the pics - I'm new at this!Watchfinder were v.easy to deal with and sorted things out (including 0% finance) v.quickly. Thanks to Oliver and Jonathan
Edited by tallstevef on Wednesday 25th July 22:04
I am sure it will give you as much pleasure of ownership as mine does to me.
Keep this to yourself, because most of PH would call me an 'OCD'er if they found out, but I take mine into the bath with me, massage a little liquid soap into mainly the strap and the watch itself, and gently work a scrubbing brush into the strap links and around the watch - and when I get out of the bath nice and clean, my watch comes out with me shining like new
I then pop it into the airing cupboard overnight to dry.
It's amazing how dull it becomes, and how much gunk the strap links accumulate just from day to day wear...
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