Rogers72 Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 Yesterday, for my 30th Birthday, my wife gave me a watch that I have had my eye on for quite some time. It is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (Stainless w/ Silver Dial). I showed her the watch many months ago on the Omega site and she called our local authorised dealer and ordered it as a surprise. The only problem is that she ordered the Quartz model (battery) instead of the automatic (Co-axial) model that I wanted. I thanked her repeatedly for such a nice gift. She told me that I could take it back and get the one that I want if I didn't like it so I told her (VERY NICELY) that it wasn't exactly the one that I had wanted and that I may exchange it. The automatic watch that I do want is $700 more and I plan to pay the difference if I do take it back. My problem is this: I think if you are going to spend more than $1,000 on a high-end watch, that it should not run on a battery. It should be a mgnificent work of art with automatic, mechanical movement. It seems to me that an Omega/Oris/Rolex with a battery is like Ferrari with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Am I wrong in this thought? Should I keep the watch that she gave me? The $700 difference to me is alot of money but I can't see spending what she already spent on the watch and it not be to my liking. Am I being a pretentious little piss-ant?
SethG Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 . My problem is this: I think if you are going to spend more than $1,000 on a high-end watch, that it should not run on a battery. It should be a mgnificent work of art with automatic, mechanical movement. An Omega/Oris/Rolex with a battery is like Ferrari with a 4-cylinder automatic transmission. Am I wrong in this thought? Should I keep the watch that she gave me? The $700 difference to me is alot of money but I can't see spending what she already spent on the watch and it not be to my liking. Am I being a pretentious little piss-ant? Very Much so, it was a nice gift and it's a quartz watch that will keep excellent time in all conditions. Mechanical watches are very expensive, even the cheapest Rolexes are still 4 grand, anything cheaper is not a "high-end watch." It's a nice gift, if you want a high-end watch then put 5K aside and get a starter watch, then if you're into it you'll be buying 10-15K watches and if you really love them you'll spend more than a car every time.
Ellery Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 For the higher end watches, I prefer the automatics as opposed to the battery. My main issue is that when the battery needs to be changed, you have to send the watch to the manufacturer where they have to replace the battery and then reseal the watch. This can cost at least two to three hundred dollars. I have a rolex that I don't wear because I am too lazy to get the battery changed, instead I wear my Seiko Kinetic (go figure.)
Colt45 Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 When I wear a watch, I wear a solar powered Citizen that I'm happy with. In my opinion, go for what would make you happy. Maybe in the end simply wearing the gift as is would make you happy as well - maybe not. . Keep in mind that mechanicals need servicing every few years, which isn't necessarily inexpensive. Having said that, I'd like to get a mechanical some day - I wouldn't mind an Oris Titan Diver. I need to find a reputable dealer..........
Rogers72 Posted June 23, 2009 Author Posted June 23, 2009 I think the service recommendations for this watch are something like every 2-3 yrs or so for the Quartz at around $200 and every 5-8 yrs for the auto at around $300. I like the idea of 5-8yrs a whole lot better is another reason for my wanting a mechanical. I honestly have little doubt that my wife wants me to get the one that I want too.
Rogers72 Posted June 23, 2009 Author Posted June 23, 2009 "Very Much so, it was a nice gift and it's a quartz watch that will keep excellent time in all conditions. Mechanical watches are very expensive, even the cheapest Rolexes are still 4 grand, anything cheaper is not a "high-end watch." It's a nice gift, if you want a high-end watch then put 5K aside and get a starter watch, then if you're into it you'll be buying 10-15K watches and if you really love them you'll spend more than a car every time." I don't agree with your logic at all. I think that Omega/Oris/Many others are at least equal to a Rolex in quality and design and probably greater. In other words, you get a watch for 2k-3k that is equal to or better than a 5k-10k Rolex.
jeromeroselli Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 I have had an Omega Speedmaster for 10 years. It was a gift and to this day is my most prized physical possession. She's a wind up and that's one of my more favorite features of it. I ran into a guy in the grocery store the other day who said he'd never seen another person wearing a Speedmaster before. He's had his watch for 41 years. That's amazing. Pic- that's buzz aldrin wearing a speedmaster with the moon in the background.
Van55 Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 Am I being a pretentious little piss-ant? Yes, you are. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
buster Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 High end is in the eye of the beholder. Is there a price cut-off for high end? What is it and who deemed what it is? 1K... 2K... 4K... 10K? Is high end only particular brands, and if so, who makes the official list? Rolex, Patek, Omega, Sinn, Oris, Ball, Nomos, JLC? I read watch forums and this can be debated forever and is pointless. One thing I will disagree with: Mechanical watches are not all expensive. Seiko has the Seiko 5 brand that are good, reliable automatics (under $100). I own a $100 Orient Sub and a Seiko Orange Monster (under $200). These watches are accurate, well made and reliable and I plan to have them for long time. I believe Orient even makes their own in-house movement. Bottom line is: do whatever makes you happy. You also have the fact that it was a present to contend with, as well as your wife's wishes. I am in the mechanical/automatic camp. I like the thought of the artistry, the history of the movements, and the sweep of the second hand as opposed to the stop action of quartz. Only caveat I have is not to put yourself out or at risk by spending the extra $700. As long as you can swing it (w/out affecting your cigar budget too badly ), go ahead if that is what makes you happy. You can always put out the money now and pay yourself back by putting off some discretionary spending, like cooking instead of eating out, etc. Here is a link from a watch forum I read with a thread about quartz v. mechanical. Like I said, I am in the mechanical camp and agree w/ the idea of those watches having more "soul", but it is still just a preference... doesn't make it right or wrong: http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.ph...138684#poststop Pretty sure you can read the thread w/out registering. Plenty more threads if you search "quartz versus mechanical" or similar terms, but search might not be enabled unless you are registered. Good luck, Rick P.S. I like the Omega Seamaster. I'm a space/astronaut geek, so I've always had my eye on the Speedy Pro moonwatch.
semery74 Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 My wife bought me my last watch a few years ago. She approached me a few weeks before my birthday and told me that she intended to buy me a watch and that I was to figure out what I wanted. I had a budget of 5K, so I began to narrow down what I liked. Which was, it had to be brushed titanium, it had to be an automatic, it had to be a chronograph, and it had to be comfortable enough to wear while sleeping. So that narrowed it down to a few Breitling, Chopard, and Oris. In the end I chose the Oris Titan Diver Chrono, but I was torn over a SeaMaster in the final days. I had a few issues with it several months after I bought and found a wonderful Forum on Oris watches, although I can't remember the name of it.... POOF maybe? That site eventually helped me find FOH. Ended up learning more about cigars than watches go figure. As for the difference between an automatic and quartz. There is just something endearing about taking care of an automatic, it almost becomes a part of you. It's this living machine that can not be ignored, it needs you as much as you need it. I would never buy another quartz for myself, but I wear a watch every day. For those who don't, you may want to only consider a quartz or else you'll need put the watch on the winder within 48 hours if it's not on your wrist.
Wiley Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 I love my Hamilton Automatic. Good looking, good movement, great price. The man who sold it to me also sold several high-end brands of watches, his family has been in the business for generations, and he repairs watches, and occasionally builds custom watches. His opinion of the many high end watches was that they were frequently more stuff than substance.
ENGPHOTO Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 I guess i could be called a wristwatch guy, i do have a couple of them While it is a very wonderful present, its still a quartz If you want a watch that keeps great time keep it, if you want a timepiece that has a heartbeat and a soul get the co-axial automatic If you can swing the extra cash and if your wife does not have a problem with it i wouldn't even think twice about it. Its not the piece you have lusted over for months. It will never fill that void. Its not the watch thats calling to your heart. You will still want the mechanical and in the end you will buy it to fulfill your desires. Do yourself a favor and trade up and get the automatic now. You didn't mention if it was on a bracelet or leather strap. I would buy on the bracelet and then get a quality leather strap as an option and it will change the appearance so much it will be like having two watches for just a fraction over what you pay for one. BTW: Happy Birthday
thechenman Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 I concur with Engphoto...you should get the automatic. Like both of you stated...the automatic was the watch that you wanted. $700 is a small amount to pay for the amount of satisfaction you will get from the timepiece that you have desired. Even better, you wife does not have a problem with the exchange, so it is a no brainer. Believe me...you will enjoy the watch more everytime you look down on it knowing that this timepiece strapped to your wrist is an automatic piece of art...isn't that so much better than looking down at your watch and thinking in the back of you mind that this watch is a quartz?
Rogers72 Posted June 23, 2009 Author Posted June 23, 2009 ENGPHOTO, I think that's kinda the reassurance that I was looking for! I got it on the steel bracelet and do have plans to get a leather strap too as it looks gorgeous on that as well.
Warren Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 Oh don't ask me about quartz watches, I hate them There not watches, there soleless robots that hang off your wrist. I don't think many people really form an attachment with a quartz watch. The true art of horology is found in a mechanical watch. Put it to your ear and hear it's heart beat, it's alive and relies on you to keep its heart beating. You know what you want, as you have said it's the auto you really wanted in the first place and if you don't get it it will eat at you. Also in my opinion high end is not governed by price. There are many overpriced watch brands that quite often are no better in quality than watches less than half the price. Go with your heart on this one, as long as it's ok with the wife. Just remember, when a wife says it's ok, it could be a test. If you do get the watch you may have to do without special hugs for a while.
gerem Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 I own 2 automatic watches and I love them!!!! I don't even wear my quartz watches anymore except when I go to the gym. My 2 beauties : Breitling Super Avenger and Panerai 104J
jeromeroselli Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 Great watches Gerem... I especially love the Panerai.. the strap is very classy.
Fuzz Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 I bought myself the co-axial Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (black dial, s/s bracelet) a few years back and I couldn't be happier. My bro also has a Seamaster (same model as Brosnan's in "Goldeneye"). I never really understood why Omega kept making watches with batteries, except in the women's models where it would be impractical. The thought does count, especially when your wife went to all the trouble. But, IMHO I think you'd be a little disappointed at what could have been. Once had an Omega Speedmaster but threw it back at the dealer when it stopped working after 2 days (mechanism totally locked up). Took the dealer 2 weeks to overnight courier the watch to Melbourne for repairs. Kinda turned me off watches for a while, till I saw the Aqua Tera
Jakester Posted June 24, 2009 Posted June 24, 2009 Rogers72, My $0.02: Over the years, I've come to believe there are two components involved in any purchase. There is the price you pay for something, then there is the cost of living with what you've acquired. Based on your post, it clearly appears that what you really want is the automatic, and my belief is that you will never be truly satisfied with anything short of it. My recommendation is that if money is truly tight, and you have concerns for meeting the more serious responsibilities of life, you should hold off on any "luxury" purchase such as a fine watch. There are many great watch companies, with dedicated employees that stay up nights making beautiful watches - they'll be around when the time is right for you. If, on the other hand, you truly can meet the more serious financial obligations of life, and sleep well at night having taken the plunge, then you will very quickly forget the extra $700 you spent and take great pleasure every day from owning the watch that "deep down," you already know is the right one for you. Cheers!
Rogers72 Posted June 24, 2009 Author Posted June 24, 2009 Thanks for the great advice guys! I went ahead and ordered the automatic yesterday afternoon thanks to the sage advice from my financial and relationship advisers (FOH). I really have no doubts that my wife is fine with it as her intentions were to get me the watch that I wanted and would be happy with for a LONG time.
gerem Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 Great watches Gerem...I especially love the Panerai.. the strap is very classy. Thanks Jerome!!!
Rogers72 Posted July 9, 2009 Author Posted July 9, 2009 Thanks for the great advice guys. I received the Co-Axial on Friday and know that I will be much happier with it for a long time.
thechenman Posted July 9, 2009 Posted July 9, 2009 That is a beautful timepiece. Congratulations. May it serve you well for a long, long, long time...
gostgost Posted July 9, 2009 Posted July 9, 2009 Not for nothing and this my opinion but if my wife went this far to buy me a watch of this cost I would say thank you for a year and never say to her that it's the wrong one. If she went this far to get you something of this valve I would be happy. On the other hand I would be wondering how many boxes I could have gotten from El Prez................. Enjoy the watch and be happy........... Thats my opinion for what its worth.
.png.b52dedce481a423e25f71a9cbde9fa07.png)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now