[DREAMFISH]

Hi everybody, I'm about to make a substantial purchase for my lovely wife as an anniversary present and she has tried both models but is still undecided. I have a friend who is going to Europe and he is gonna help me buy the watch. :cool1:

Size wise both can fit her hand but it seems that the Omega in 34mm is a size that is not too big or too small. However, she and her friends have the impression that Rolex is a more prestigious brand (largely due to their marketing strategy post 1970s) than Omega and wondering is it more worthwhile to buy Rolex since it is a substantial amount. However, it would seem that Omega is the watch that gives most value for money though. So we are in a dilemma indeed ! I hope that fellow WTF members can vote or give your valuable opinions. By the way, I have posted this thread in both the Omega and Rolex forums folks just to hear what the current Rolex and Omega owners opinions. :thumbup:

We are not considering flipping the watch over the long term irregardless of whichever we decide, the watch is gonna to be her lifelong partner just like me. :thumbup1:

Best Regards,

The following are the specifications (pictures attached) :

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Model No 231.25.34.20.55.003
Size : 34mm
Movement : Co-Axial 8520
COSC : Yes (likely to outperform Rolex in accuracy)
Water Resistance : 150m
Transparent Case Back : Yes
Mother of Pearl Dial : Yes
Diamond Hour Markers : Yes
Crown : Rose Gold
Full Bezel Diamonds : Yes (Rose Gold)
Bracelet : Steel
Anti-Magnetic : SI-14 Silicon Balance Spring
Warranty Period : 4 years
Servicing Period : every 8 years
Current Retail : € $11,100
Pricing (after AD discount and VAT refund) : about € $8,300

Rolex Datejust Lady
Model No 178383 - Oyster Bracelet
Size : 31mm
Movement : 2235
COSC : Yes
Water Resistance: 100m
Transparent Case Back : No
Mother of Pearl Dial : Yes
Diamond Hour Markers : No
Crown : Steel
Full Bezel Diamonds : Yes (Yellow Gold)
Bracelet : Steel and Yellow Gold
Anti-Magnetic : Parachrom Hairspring
Warranty Period : 2 years
Servicing Period : every 4 years
Current Retail : € $14,000
Pricing (after AD discount and VAT refund) : about € $10,900

 

[ulackfocus]

Women are very conscious of brand name. Even though the Omega is a better value because the watches are equal quality, buy the Rolex because...... well, because it's a Rolex. If it were you buying for yourself, it would be the exact opposite answer. You can talk 'til you're blue in the face about the bang for the buck of Omega, or the false exclusivity of Rolex via a marketing campaign that's bordering on brainwashing..... none of it will matter to a woman unless she herself is a collector. In Windy's group of friends, there are at least a half dozen quartz TAG Aquaracers with diamond dials or bezels, several Rolex two tone Lady DateJust autos of varying color gold & dials, and one lone Omega Constellation auto. Windy has a couple manual wind vintage Omegas and a quartz TAG Aquaracer with a diamond m.o.p. dial. Know why she bought the TAG? Because so many of her other friends had one.

( ba-a-a-a-a-a!!! ..... but don't tell her I said that. :lol: )

 

[DREAMFISH]

Agree with you on that one ! The "brand" issue ... I did explain to her from a unbiased point of view being both a owner of Rolex and Omega watches and told her to decide herself. But I did predict to her before she started asking her friends for opinions that they will surely go for the Rolex, and indeed I was spot on.:cool1: She was pretty sure initially that the Omega was superior until she started asking her friends :cursing:

Looking at it from another angle, if we were to "look into the crystal ball" 20yrs to 30yrs from now, any thoughts about Omega's prestige matching Rolex or even surpass them .... ? Which we agree is the only issue here regarding her watch purchase here .... the perceived "branding" issue .... I do know that Swatch Group has pushed Omega up to the top tier.

 

[Scott D]

Looking at it from another angle, if we were to "look into the crystal ball" 20yrs to 30yrs from now, any thoughts about Omega's prestige matching Rolex or even surpass them .... ? Which we agree is the only issue here regarding her watch purchase here .... the perceived "branding" issue .... I do know that Swatch Group has pushed Omega up to the top tier.

Short of Rolex really screwing the pooch, I'd highly doubt it. They're just too good at the brainwashing IMO...

I agree with Ulack, Rolex isn't the best option out there for the dollar, but try explaining that to a non watch enthusiast.

Omega used to be one of the best bang for the bucks, but not anymore. Omega, IMO, has raised their prices so much in the past 2 years they're not worth what they're selling for anymore. In this case, given the slight price difference (overall) and the fact the Rolex has a gold & steel bracelet vs. the steel on the Omega, I think the Rolex is the better of the two for her. And that's not counting the silly 'prestige & awe' factor.

And don't allow some of the Omega marketing hype to take you either. I've owned the Co-Axial, and my Rolex's were every bit as accurate. I doubt one will outperform the other. Also, don't place to much stock in the service intervals. These aren't high-heat Formula One engines. Service when the watch starts to act out of character, not by some random date on the calendar. Many Rolex's IMO can go 8-10 years between service, especially if it's a daily wearer.

But if you can get your wife to listen, have her look at some of the women's Patek Phillipes, you can pick up a ladies 18k or a gold/steel, either with diamonds, on a bracelet preowned for about the same price. And that IS one of the best watches out there. Her friends may not know the company, but she'll know it's one of the best watches made. And if she wants to enlighten her friends, she can take them on a ladies day out to a Patek dealer (many Tiffany stores are Patek dealers too). They'll leave jaw-dropped and your wife will be queen of the crowd. :thumbup1:

 

[ulackfocus]

But if you can get your wife to listen, have her look at some of the women's Patek Phillipes, you can pick up a ladies 18k or a gold/steel, either with diamonds, on a bracelet preowned for about the same price. And that IS one of the best watches out there. Her friends may not know the company, but she'll know it's one of the best watches made. And if she wants to enlighten her friends, she can take them on a ladies day out to a Patek dealer (many Tiffany stores are Patek dealers too). They'll leave jaw-dropped and your wife will be queen of the crowd. :thumbup1:

Now that's a great idea! The only thing better than keeping up with the Joneses is beating the Joneses.

...... and women do keep score. :wink: They may not say anything to her, but she'll know one or two will say something when she's not around. All sorts of things start to happen behind the scenes then, and all the other husbands will be wondering why their wives are dropping hints.

ps - not so sure I agree with the road trip to the Patek dealer as it may be a little blunt, but if she presents it in the correct way she'll pull it off.

 

[DREAMFISH]

Haha, the Patek suggestion sounds interesting !:blink: But not at the moment cause we are not looking at pre-owned ones .....

 

[DREAMFISH]

Hi everyone, it's been more than 3 years and I forgot to update on our purchase 3 years ago. We went for the Omega, beautiful indeed and she's absolutely in love with it. Recently she mentioned that the watch is uncommon, never got to see anybody wearing similar watch in the 3 years she's had it.:001_tt2::thumbup: And she's certainly very happy with the certification of the diamonds from IF - VVS grade when we first received the watch.
:thumbup1: