Omega Seamaster Helium Escape Valve
Ok, we need to talk. I don't understand why people are so heated about this thing. It's quintessentially Omega. It doesn't cause issues while wearing and it's functional.
Listen, I get it. It could be a bit prettier, it could be integrated into the case, heck it could be placed somewhere else on the case, but here's the thing, it wouldn't be an Omega Seamaster.
As an owner of the current model, I love it. All of it. I've lusted after this thing since I saw Pierce Brosnan (one of my favorite actors of all time) wearing one as 007.
What are your thoughts on it this seemingly polarizing piece of Omega seamaster history?
Image: omegawatches.com
Watch enthusiast/collector. Watches are an art form, a muse of sorts, an inspiration from the past for the future. A watch does more than tell us the time of day....They should inspire us. Reddit: htt...
I think the He escape valve on the SMP line is perfect.
It's like Rolex's stupid cyclops, it marks the watch as clearly Omega.
In a world where people call $10K watches "tools", we have space for eccentric styling.
I‘ve had people tell me it is uncomfortable on their wrist. While this isn’t the case for me, I can certainly see how that could be the case. I agree, that maybe it’s not the prettiest addition. However, as you said, it is quintessentially Omega!
No need to get heated about anything watch related. In my opinion this watch would just look better without it. Also in my personal philosophy adding something to a watch that is completely unnecessary just doesn’t sit right with me.
Is it functional, though? Aesthetically I don't really care either way, but it seems like not having an extra hole in the case would be better.
It is functional according to the instruction, but none of us are likely to ever use it. It’s clearly part of the design statement. I agree, it’s like the Rolex cyclops or the tachymeter scales. I’m still a fan of the overall watch and it doesn’t affect comfort on my wrist. I almost did not get this because of the escape valve, but it’s become a favorite wear.
So the valve is useless to most everyone. So are the ugly screws all over the faces of the Santos, Richard Mills and Royal Oak. For expensive watches they could have found a more discrete way to hold down the bezel. And what about the Nautilus with all that unfinished steel on the front of it. You don't see screws on a Rolex and it's all finished nicely.
It doesn’t bother me. I have a Planet Ocean and I actually like it. But if I start to think about all absurd watch crap that annoys me (Snowflake hands, subdials that cut off arabic numbers, 4:30 date windows, hands that are too short…so many more) I can’t possibly judge anyone for hating on the HEV.
It’s a functional and characteristic design element. People just like to gripe and fuss. If someone does’t like it, just wait for a Submariner instead of buying two Seamasters today. Or get a Tudor. All good choices, depending on what you like and can afford.
I don’t mind the HEV, and I find the non-tapering bracelet that NATO strap dealers complain about quite comfortable, adjustable, and quieter than my Rolex’s bracelet.
I used to dislike the HEV until I ended up getting the SMP300 and now appreciate it makes the watch its own thing and gives it its own distinct style. I never notice on my wrist, and the valve does make it an Omega - not a Rolex wannabe.
If you dont like the valve, dont buy the watch I guess. I have no idea why people get so heated about it.
There are lots of watches that I dont like the style of, and I wont buy because of that. However, I dont get angry about it. Lifes too short - buy another watch you actually do like.
I am sure Omega sell enough SMPs already not to worry too much about it.
I used to dislike the HEV until I ended up getting the SMP300 and now appreciate it makes the watch its own thing and gives it its own distinct style. I never notice on my wrist, and the valve does make it an Omega - not a Rolex wannabe.
If you dont like the valve, dont buy the watch I guess. I have no idea why people get so heated about it.
There are lots of watches that I dont like the style of, and I wont buy because of that. However, I dont get angry about it. Lifes too short - buy another watch you actually do like.
I am sure Omega sell enough SMPs already not to worry too much about it.
You are 100% right about buy the watch you like. I too, never understood why people would get so heated about a design feature they don't like. If you don't like it don't buy it. But hey, people get heated about all sorts of things because they like drama, I guess.
I think the He escape valve on the SMP line is perfect.
It's like Rolex's stupid cyclops, it marks the watch as clearly Omega.
In a world where people call $10K watches "tools", we have space for eccentric styling.
I agree. I get people being picky about watches, especially in this price point, but it's such a small thing imho.
Is it functional, though? Aesthetically I don't really care either way, but it seems like not having an extra hole in the case would be better.
It is functional. Comments from Omega's website.
Frequently asked questions | OMEGA US® (omegawatches.com)
It is functional. Comments from Omega's website.
Frequently asked questions | OMEGA US® (omegawatches.com)
I didn't mean that it doesn't have a function, just that it doesn't perform a function for any of us, or 99.99% of other Seamaster owners.
How many saturation divers are there working in the world? 100? 500? How many of them buy Seamasters?
Even without taking that into account, why is a manual crown a better solution than an automated valve?
I didn't mean that it doesn't have a function, just that it doesn't perform a function for any of us, or 99.99% of other Seamaster owners.
How many saturation divers are there working in the world? 100? 500? How many of them buy Seamasters?
Even without taking that into account, why is a manual crown a better solution than an automated valve?
ahhh ok...makes sense. Yes, many of us like to have but don't need many features on watches. 😂
I reckon the He valve is a part of their design language. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
I just bought the blue dial, and this thing is an absolute beau on the wrist, even too sexy for my wrist LOL.