IWC Mark XX or Omega SM300 diver?
Hello Crunchers! Of course I want both, but please help me decide what should be the first on my list. I’m looking to buy one of this heavy hitters in a fortunate not too long future. It’s a big step for me financially, but I started with affordable pieces in my watch collecting and I know I love watches, so I’m ready mentally
IWC Mark XX: I love field/pilot watches with Arabic numbers so wearing IWC as a super versatile daily is making me blush, also the bracelet is straight out of heaven 🥰
Omega seamaster diver 300: iconic and I actually like the bracelet and helium valve 😉
The IWC did stun me in person with its awesome AR coating and on-point, crystal clear dial. The SM300 did not “stun” me when I first put in on 1 year ago, but I developed love for it looking at it more and more in photos (especially here on Watch Crunch looking at the green one 😍)
Both can be dress up or dress down, both are versatile, both are iconic, both have in-house movement which is fine by me and I don’t compare them. Both are crazy good. Can’t decide 😅🫣
I expect more love from Crunch community for SM300 Diver, but maybe I’m wrong? 🤔What would you choose and why? Please share! 🙌
Just a watch freak from Poland
I vote for the IWC. It is much more versatile in my opinion. The helium escape valve makes the SMP a bit less refined.
I'd take the Omega, and wouldn't even consider the IWC. But that's just my opinion and is, of course, worth the price paid for it.
I'm going to be a bit bias here since I love pilot watches but hear me out LOL.
I would pick the IWC since is harder to find a decent priced IWC under 3k sometimes .
While the Omega SM300 the market is flooded with models, colors, years, etc.
For Example (not the greatest example because it's quartz):
but there's ways to find SM300 under 1500k. Plus there's a TONS of dive watches to choose from.
While the IWC Mark anything the lowest I found:
You only have a few heritage brands for pilot watches. Laco, Stowa, Hanhart, Breitling, Longines. Breguet maybe if you buy second hand but still pass the 7k mark.
I suppose it really depends on what else you have in your collection. I'd go for the IWC for its versatility and for the fact you said it stunned you from the first time you tried it.
I like the IWC. But resale value, the Omega.
I might not base your opinions more on pictures than what you experienced when you tried on the Omega whereas you fell in love with the IWC right away.
But another thing to consider is that watch “crush” we get when we try something on. Sometimes that feeling doesn’t last.
Personally I bet you’d be happier with the IWC, but I’d go try it one at least one more time before you pull out the wallet
I'm going to be a bit bias here since I love pilot watches but hear me out LOL.
I would pick the IWC since is harder to find a decent priced IWC under 3k sometimes .
While the Omega SM300 the market is flooded with models, colors, years, etc.
For Example (not the greatest example because it's quartz):
but there's ways to find SM300 under 1500k. Plus there's a TONS of dive watches to choose from.
While the IWC Mark anything the lowest I found:
You only have a few heritage brands for pilot watches. Laco, Stowa, Hanhart, Breitling, Longines. Breguet maybe if you buy second hand but still pass the 7k mark.
Yea, and I heard few times that IWC’a don’t hold the value… from my experience even 15-20 years old Mark’s are like 70% of AD price. At this point it seems pointless to look for used.
The SM300 diver example was really not greatest 🤔. If you look for automatic and regular man size than prices are also high even for 20 years old.
But I get your point and I admit its validity. Thank you 🙏
Got a blue seamaster SMP 300 (2012 model, and it's really very nice.
Got the Mark XVIII LPP (blue), on the bracelet.... It's just a killer badass watch with an incredible bracelet.
So I would pick the IWC..
I might not base your opinions more on pictures than what you experienced when you tried on the Omega whereas you fell in love with the IWC right away.
But another thing to consider is that watch “crush” we get when we try something on. Sometimes that feeling doesn’t last.
Personally I bet you’d be happier with the IWC, but I’d go try it one at least one more time before you pull out the wallet
Yes I agree. I bet it’s like with the woman. But, actually my wife is my crush from the first sight so… 😂
The IWC is a beautiful watch, and it’s far more versatile.
I owned the no XVIII and loved it. There’s something naughty feeling about paying so much for such an under the radar watch. Like a little secret only you know about. The Xx is a step beyond.
SMP is v.cool, but not quite as versatile.
I vote for the IWC. It is much more versatile in my opinion. The helium escape valve makes the SMP a bit less refined.
Huh???
As a brand, Omega hands down. No contest.
Between these two? If I was absolutely forced, I'd still take the Omega. I'm just not a fan of the round 'dot' hour markers at all, no matter the brand.
IWC it's the one you loved first.
IWC all day long.
Wait a minute...... Why does your Peccy plushie have an old fashioned aviator outfit on? I know he's a Peculiar guy but the one I met didn't have that..... 🤔🤔🤔🤔🧐
Ha! I won that Peccy in a photo contest from the travel and events slack channel. I thought his outfit went perfectly with a flieger
Ha! I won that Peccy in a photo contest from the travel and events slack channel. I thought his outfit went perfectly with a flieger
Excellent 👍 I got to meet Peccy and Boxman
Excellent 👍 I got to meet Peccy and Boxman
Niiice. Are you with Amazon/AWS? I recently discovered the watches slack channel and it’s terrible for my self control.
Niiice. Are you with Amazon/AWS? I recently discovered the watches slack channel and it’s terrible for my self control.
Hehehe not anymore. I worked at a Fulfillment center almost a decade ago
In my unbiased opinion…
Cmon! IWC no brainer. Far more versatile, you get rid of a bezel which you will never really use and let's face it, no one's diving with either. The IWC on leather is also far dressier.
I would explore both in a white dial config. Far cooler
IWC for me, for an enthusiastic and honest review of the Omega watch this: https://youtu.be/lqQiB34eTSs?feature=shared The presentation style might not be your cup of tea but he always raises some really valid points and is incredibly knowledgeable. He's also one of the only YouTubers to pronounce 'Pelagos' correctly.🙂
Flip a coin. Best of three. Heads Omega. Tails IWC.
When the coins in the air you’ll know what you want the outcome to be.
Go with your gut.
That’s a tough decision. They are different genres. You have to decide first if you want a diver or pilot. Divers are stronger and more popular ,while pilots are more handsome. I would go with the Omega.YOMV.
My vote is for the SMP 300m… but I’m probably a little bias 😂
I prefer the IWC
Omega all day. While that IWC is, well, an IWC, that dial is a bit more on the plain side, even though you did mention you like it. Depends on what kind of experience you want though. The Omega will be recognized and asked about much more often while I feel that the IWC might be missed.
- Both fantastic though and you will love either.
- Maybe you'll have a kick ass end of Q1, just get both. 😎
Omega.
IWC for me, but not with a steel bracelet. Pilot watches and steel bracelets just don’t go together.. just my personal preference.
Seamaster Divers are great for daily wear. I would get one as my beater anytime. I haven’t heard one fail prematurely yet (and I do have lots of friends who have SM Divers).
I prefer pilot watches over divers, so IWC