Tag Heuer Carrera or Omega Seamaster?

[Speed Badger]

Hi all, wrestling with myself at the moment with watch choice, just wondered for people's opinions of the following - Tag heuer carrera chronograph calibre 16 or Omega Seamaster Chronograph?

They are about the same to purchase used now, the Omega is older but I prefer it to the newer version. I do a lot of cooking and find it very helpful to have a chrono function and dive bezel for multiple timing purposes (I know it's not what is meant for but at least I use it!). The Carrera is more racing orientated and has a day function, but is a bit busier on the dial.

I like both in different ways, just need a deciding factor that maybe I haven't thought about, thoughts welcome.

[bristolbaron]

Between the two I’d go for the Seamaster. If we’re talking 70’s versions I’d have gone the other way!

[The Dictator]

Omega hands down for me.

Get an Amazon Echo Dot for the kitchen timing, we use ours daily and because you can name each timer, you know what the hell each one is for :-)

[liner33]

The Seamaster will be quite thick though so trying on will be essential so you need to try both on.

[Speed Badger]

I'm leaning towards the Omega as I've had the Tag Carrera before (had to sell for financial reasons), they both wear quite chunky as the are modified versions of the same valjoux movement, but the Omega obviously has the thick dive bezel. The Tag wears very big at 43mm, the Omega is 41.5mm which is nigh on perfect. I think I might go Omega and if I don't get on with it for whatever reason then just sell it on and make a different choice.

[Welshbeef]

Surely there is a good chance now to secure cracking deals as these and so many companies have stock to sell/churn.

The other thing is it a smart more now to tie up £5k ish in a luxury over holding off to see how bad this recession will be and who will be out of a job.

[Baldchap]

My vote is for the Omega, simply because I think the dial looks less cluttered.

The Omega is capable of withstanding depths down to 300m, rather than 100m. For most of us with dove watches that's fairly academic. But at least you know you can wash up or swim in it.

[Speed Badger]

I will be buying used, both of these can be had for around £1700-£2000, so not silly money to part with. I am in a secure job, so very fortunately that isn't an immediate consideration, although the watch can be re-sold on without much issue if something did happen.

[AJB88]

Omega

[liner33]

Budget £500 for a service on a used chronograph

[SlickSwissToni]

Omega for me.

I've got a 2220.80 Seamaster as my daily watch, can't fault it at all!

[anonymous-user]

I had the exact Omega in the OP post for approx 10 years.

Nice size and weight compared to modern, larger watches. Workhorse movement, and good detail on the dial and indicies. Really nice watch for a mid 2000's omega design. I paid £1970, new in 2008ish.

The TAG, in comparison looks cluttered and I don't think has the same feel or quality.

[Speed Badger]

Well I had a bid on an Omega on a popular auction site, but it's gone beyond my budget. It's probably worth it for the condition it's in, but I don't want to pay any more.

Regarding the quality of the Carrera - I've previously owned an Omega Seamaster ceramic and the Tag is right up there in terms of quality. I know people are a bit sniffy about Tag Heuer, but the way I look at it, Ferrari will also sell you some branded sunglasses and cologne, but they make amazing, finely engineered motor vehicles too.

The points that make me favour the Carrera over the Omega is the 'day' complication, the Chronograph dials made to resemble the speedo/rev dials in an old race car and the sapphire case back.

The things that make me favour the Omega are the slightly smaller size, the dive bezel and the less cluttered dial.

[KungFuPanda]

I'd say the Omega purely based on the higher use values if you were ever to sell it.

[anonymous-user]

I think fundamentally they are two different types of watch.

The Carrera's natural Omega competitor is the original speedy - the broad arrow; an early 2010's version of those, when they were still three dial but had the domed crystal and display back is an excellent choice IMO.

[SturdyHSV]

I have the Carrera with the blue dial / bezel, and it's significantly less clustered looking from a distance, and the depth of colour on the dial is really pleasing in the sunlight, especially contrasted with the numerals.

I personally prefer the bracelet of the TAG, it is sort of cleanly chunky.

I really didn't like the particularly carrera until trying it on / seeing it in person, I preferred the much cleaner appearance of the 1887 and simpler carreras, if you can try one on (and the blue) I'd recommend giving it a go

[h0b0]

I have one of these




and one of these;



Granted, not the same watches in the OP but close...ish. The Omega gets worn 1000 times more often than the Tag as it feels more robust. Having said that, I am never parting with either of them because I enjoy wearing the Tag when I do.

[Speed Badger]

I like both of those - although doesn't the planet ocean clock in at 46mm? The Seamaster I'm bidding on has gone up to my maximum and I'm trying hard not to go beyond! The values on the wave dial seamasters, both chrono and non-chrono are really holding firm, it might be better for resale should I choose to.

[nikaiyo2]

I think they are both pretty much on par with each other. Have owned both, still have the Omega (would still have the Tag but it was stolen.) For clarity it was a different Carrera, but stil 7750 based.

Same movement, both really nice quality there is no difference between them at all. I don’t really like metal bracelets so maybe a difference there, not sure.

Edited by nikaiyo2 on Thursday 28th May 20:00

[h0b0]

Speed Badger said:

I like both of those - although doesn't the planet ocean clock in at 46mm? The Seamaster I'm bidding on has gone up to my maximum and I'm trying hard not to go beyond! The values on the wave dial seamasters, both chrono and non-chrono are really holding firm, it might be better for resale should I choose to.

Omega have used many different sizes for both the chrono and no-chron. Often the movement dictates the size. In the case of the Tag I posted it is the El primero movement from Zenith that was used in the original Rolex Daytona and is considered one of the best Chrono movement.