Rolex or Omega
When I first started collecting watches, I had a pre-conceived idea that Rolex watches were "better" than similar models from Omega. In the three years or so that have passed since then, my attitude has changed, and my collection now includes more Omegas than Rolexes (in part due to availability, and in part due to preference).
I'm really curious as to what others think about the differences between the watches from these two brands, especially those who have (or had) personal experiences with both of them. I tend to now consider them as equals, each with their own sets of strengths and weaknesses.
Some of my random thoughts on the differences (and similarities) between them based on my limited exposure are:
-in terms of overall fit and finish, there isn't a clear winner. Both brands produce quality products, and I can't personally say that one is better than the other in terms of fit and finish. They also seem to have very similar quality when it comes to bracelets and clasps.
-Omega makes much more interesting casebacks than Rolex. Many Omega models include sapphire casebacks that provide a nice view of a reasonably well decorated movement. Those that don't, usually include some design on the caseback, so even they tend to be more interesting than the sterile Rolex casebacks.
-Omega cases tend to have more interesting and complex shapes than those from Rolex
-the Omega presentation boxes are head and shoulders above those from Rolex. Needless to say, you wear the watch and not the box, however the box does have some impact on the perceived value of the watch, and I personally feel that the Omega presentation makes the watch feel more special.
-the parts of the watch that the wearer interacts with (eg crown and bezel) on the Rolex are superior to those from Omega. From my personal experience, some Omega models have awkward shaped and sized crowns that make winding them somewhat less pleasurable than it should be. All of the Rolex watches I've handled have included nicely sized and shaped crowns that make winding a breeze, especially considering how buttery smooth the winding action is. Likewise, for models with rotating bezels, the Rolex models feel smoother and easier to operate than those from Omega
-in terms of accuracy, they seem to be similar, all running well within +/- 2SPD
I haven't been collecting long enough to have any thoughts in terms of differences in reliability, or serviceability, but based on what I have experienced with the watches, they seem to be pretty comparable to me.
Needless to say, there are huge differences in terms of both availability, and after market pricing / value retention between the brands, but I feel that reflects more on the psychology of watch buyers than it does on the intrinsic differences between the products.
Between Rolex and Omega, which brand do you feel makes better watches ??
I've worn a watch for as long as I can remember, but I didn't become interested in watches until 2018, when I bought my first decent mechanical watch. Shortly after purchasing it, I joined a local wat...
Hi! I do own both brands but I got my Rolex before all the hype. Nowadays both brands are equal and it comes to personal preferences IMHO which one you choose. Rolex is a status symbol and some people do find it too much attention catcher. The waiting lists are crazy and that is why besides my Rolex from 2015 and I am not getting a Rolex in near future. I do not want to be caught in that stupid game with ADs and Grey market. There are better watches which are available on spot. However if someone wants a Rolex than nothing else will be enough. People buy these not to have a watch but to show off. That is my opinion
Fantastic original post and description - I completely agree with your points. I will add that I think Rolex case/bracelet materials and finishing are far superior to Omega. But Omega counters that by being much more adventurous with case materials. I currently only own a Rolex (in fact sold a sapphire sandwich to help fund it), but I will absolutely go back to Omega one day. The current value prop and availability are too much to avoid.
near my house, there’s an omega and a Rolex showroom. The omega showroom is stocked with watches, any model you want is pretty much there with 15-20% discount on common models. Rolex showroom is empty with only display watches at times. So automatically, the first perception is set. Now if we compare a 12 omega v Rolex, in terms of quality n finishing, I think it’s very much comparable. However the less expensive omega models‘ finishing isn’t at the same level at Rolex.
Have owned three Rolexes and, if I recall correctly, four Omegas.
Read somewhere years ago about a gentleman who told his son something along the lines of,"nothing wrong with Rolex, but we are Omega people."
I own neither now. Although I would take Omega over Rolex all day, due to pricing structure and design innovations.
But as long as Swatch refuses to sell Omega parts to non-AD watchmakers, Omega is dead to me as well. I refuse to be held hostage by any company that restricts my ability to have watches serviced at a reasonable cost.
And until Rolex gets a handle on their ADs selling grey market out the back door and driving prices through the roof, Rolex will not be on my list of future purchases.
Have owned three Rolexes and, if I recall correctly, four Omegas.
Read somewhere years ago about a gentleman who told his son something along the lines of,"nothing wrong with Rolex, but we are Omega people."
I own neither now. Although I would take Omega over Rolex all day, due to pricing structure and design innovations.
But as long as Swatch refuses to sell Omega parts to non-AD watchmakers, Omega is dead to me as well. I refuse to be held hostage by any company that restricts my ability to have watches serviced at a reasonable cost.
And until Rolex gets a handle on their ADs selling grey market out the back door and driving prices through the roof, Rolex will not be on my list of future purchases.
Out of curiosity, what do you own now, in lieu of Rolexes and Omegas? It's always interesting to hear how different collectors' tastes have evolved over time.
Out of curiosity, what do you own now, in lieu of Rolexes and Omegas? It's always interesting to hear how different collectors' tastes have evolved over time.
At present four Sinn, one CW, one Formex and a O&W. Have a RZE Resolute that will sell. And a Certina, HKEd and Zhongshan that were all gifts. And my beater is a Casio 10 year digital.
I’ve owned 4 Rolex’s and sold them all. I appreciate their attention to detail and quality but they attract too much attention. Everyone knew it was a Rolex, even those who know nothing about watches. My Omega Seamaster Pro has stayed in my collection for 20 years. When it gets attention (very seldom) it’s from another watch enthusiast. That’s more satisfying and often turns into more discussion. With all that said if I could get my hands on another 39mm Explorer I would never let it go again.
I would say Omega is a great brand to start with. It introduces you to the world of luxury timepieces. From there after time goes by, you can upgrade to a Rolex which is more refined for that milestone moment in your life.
Great thread!
I love and own watches of both brands. I think both would deserve the same brand recognition, however history brought us a clear winner (for the moment).
For me both brands have the same cost benefit ratio. Omega is a bit less expensive, but the bracelets and case finishes are a bit less superb plus they lack things like white gold hands and markers.
My decision is often "design"-based pro Rolex. As a small wrist guy with a love for smaller watches, Rolex offers more thinner and smaller watches. Due to the Co-Axial escapement Omega cannot offer thinner watches, what a pity. Additionally, I am not a big date window fan and here also Rolex offers more.
Great thread!
I love and own watches of both brands. I think both would deserve the same brand recognition, however history brought us a clear winner (for the moment).
For me both brands have the same cost benefit ratio. Omega is a bit less expensive, but the bracelets and case finishes are a bit less superb plus they lack things like white gold hands and markers.
My decision is often "design"-based pro Rolex. As a small wrist guy with a love for smaller watches, Rolex offers more thinner and smaller watches. Due to the Co-Axial escapement Omega cannot offer thinner watches, what a pity. Additionally, I am not a big date window fan and here also Rolex offers more.
I hadn't really thought of the differences in case size, but that is an important point. Omega does definitely seem to use rather large case sizes that make many models unsuitable for those of us with average or below average sized wrists. Thankfully, some models actually wear slightly smaller than their dimensions suggest. For example, I really liked the design of the Speedmaster Racing models, but at 44.25mm diameter, I had eliminated them from consideration for my 6 3/4" (170mm) wrist. When I actually tried one on, I discovered that I could actually pull it off, although just barely.
As far as date windows go, I personally prefer the date windows on Omega designs over those of Rolex. When I bought by Sub, I bought the no date version specifically because I dislike the look of the cyclops, and the position of the date window on Rolex models with a date. The cyclops does make the date easier to read, but even with my failing eyesight, I don't have an issue with the unmagnified date on any of my Omegas. I also much prefer the date to be at the 6 o'clock position versus the 3 o'clock position, based on the impact it has on dial symmetry. I feel that having the date can be a valuable feature, but I'd rather do without one if it results in an unbalanced look. Using the Speedmaster Racing as an example again, I find the date display much more aesthetically pleasing than the date display of any Rolex.
I hadn't really thought of the differences in case size, but that is an important point. Omega does definitely seem to use rather large case sizes that make many models unsuitable for those of us with average or below average sized wrists. Thankfully, some models actually wear slightly smaller than their dimensions suggest. For example, I really liked the design of the Speedmaster Racing models, but at 44.25mm diameter, I had eliminated them from consideration for my 6 3/4" (170mm) wrist. When I actually tried one on, I discovered that I could actually pull it off, although just barely.
As far as date windows go, I personally prefer the date windows on Omega designs over those of Rolex. When I bought by Sub, I bought the no date version specifically because I dislike the look of the cyclops, and the position of the date window on Rolex models with a date. The cyclops does make the date easier to read, but even with my failing eyesight, I don't have an issue with the unmagnified date on any of my Omegas. I also much prefer the date to be at the 6 o'clock position versus the 3 o'clock position, based on the impact it has on dial symmetry. I feel that having the date can be a valuable feature, but I'd rather do without one if it results in an unbalanced look. Using the Speedmaster Racing as an example again, I find the date display much more aesthetically pleasing than the date display of any Rolex.
you are right, the size of the watch doesn‘t describe how it sits on the wrist. However I mind the thickness very often, for such a dressy watch the Globemaster or Aqua Terra are simply to thick. The Speedy Pro is just perfect due to the lack of a rotor :)
For the date window I agree, if you want a date, at Omega it’s executed nicer. 6 is the better position and often the date wheel matches the dial color. The cyclops is just… you have to get used to^^. However I prefer no date, like on the Explorer, OP, no date Sub, etc. and there is really a lack in the collection of Omega.
I own both. I'd have to say I like both brands equally - but with that expressed, I should also state I favor both brands.
Twenty years ago when I first got into watches, I heard "Rolex" and "Omega" constantly as if they were the "best brands" (there's no such thing). So I've spend all this time since learning about moments, about pedigrees and heritage, about all the brands, about Swiss watches, Japanese watches, complications, prices, retailers, what have you. I read thousands of reviews, talked with watch makers (some famous), attended huge watch fairs and eventually amassed a collection I'm satisfied with.
After all that?
My favorite brands are Rolex and Omega.
I think that overall both are comparable. Finishing is basically the same quality, Rolex bracelets have better clasps, omega gas better movements. The real difference is in their styling. Rolex has more classic styled watches whereas omega has sportier designs.
if Rolex werent playing this shitty game to artificially increase the value of their watches and made the buying experience equal to their product (Rolex is far from a brand like Ferrari that takes special orders and is on top of their industry), I’d say flip a coin. But since Rolex treats their customers like pawns, definitely omega is the better brand
I am in the market now for a Rolex OP, but still have not gotten the call from the AD. I do have an Omega Seamaster 300m and the watch is extremely well made and very accurate. I have the white dial version and looking at it under a loupe I can see the detail and craftsmanship of it. Also, I do love the see through case back. Still hoping to get my Rolex though.
I love the less institutional shape and style of Omega.
Instead of Rolex: Grand Seiko.
Omega and GS are my favourite.
Very subjective question, it’s personal choice, I had both, a Submariner and a Speedmaster Moon. I’ve still got the Sub it’s my holy grail and I want to pass it to my youngest son, I find the quality of the build just excellen, I can’t stop looking at it, the Omega was sold within a month, I couldn’t get a good fit on the bracelet and found the crown was placed badly in my opinion. I used to wear my sub a lot, but as it’s almost doubled in value now, I’m a bit wary of wearing it, and I also waste time explaining its genuine and not a replica. My go to piece at the moment is a Doxa Sub but my next buy will be a Grand Seiko.
Great thread!
I love and own watches of both brands. I think both would deserve the same brand recognition, however history brought us a clear winner (for the moment).
For me both brands have the same cost benefit ratio. Omega is a bit less expensive, but the bracelets and case finishes are a bit less superb plus they lack things like white gold hands and markers.
My decision is often "design"-based pro Rolex. As a small wrist guy with a love for smaller watches, Rolex offers more thinner and smaller watches. Due to the Co-Axial escapement Omega cannot offer thinner watches, what a pity. Additionally, I am not a big date window fan and here also Rolex offers more.
I don't have the numbers in my head, but the 3235 movements are slightly thicker than the 8900 movements. So relatively thick Omega watches seems to be a design choice and not due to the added height of the co-axial escapement.
Why not both?