Cool or best buy

[Ranger 6]

A question for the cognoscenti -

I was thinking about an Omega Seamaster...

...but a recent thread has got me thinking - what's the best for a long term every day wearing watch

The Seamaster
http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=283 

or an Oris TT3
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/watch.asp?productid=380 

I intend keeping this for at least ten years, so the maintenance is a factor as well as the 'cool' factor (yes I am a brand victim).

So PH experts - help me make the right choice please?

[sparkyhx]

if you are a brand victim then it has to be the Omega.

ORIS make some nice watches but they are less known, which frankly is the reason I bought mine.

[CmdrBond]

I have had my Seamaster since 2000 and until last year wore it everyday (with the exceptions of when it went off for servicing). I know have 3 watches and rotate through them, but for if you are only going to have one everyday watch I would go with the Omega.

[Ranger 6]

Thanks guys - what's the feeling on quartz v. auto?

[The Leaper]

Ranger, I bought my Seamaster several years ago. At the time I knew several people who bought the auto version but they all had problems, so I opted for the quartz and I've had no problems at all. I wear the watch nearly every day (I also have a Porsche Design PO11). The Seamaster has been serviced once I think. As an every day watch the Seamaster seems ideal: wear it and forget it. R.

[Don1]

Personally I love autos - seem to have more 'soul' than quatz. IMHO - of course!

[CmdrBond]

My Seamaster is an auto - I have had it serviced twice over the last seven years and not had any issues with it whatsoever

[tempus]

Another vote for auto, Oris use good movements but if your a fashion victim it`s not going to look good when you roll your sleeve up and say "just bought a new horace".Tempus

[Ranger 6]

tempus said:

"just bought a new horace".Tempus

LOL - yes, brand victim I am, although a bit more subtle than that!

I like to have good quality 'stuff' but not necessarily follow the herd. That's why the Oris is quite attractive, good quality brand, just not as 'common' as the Omega - "oh it's another one of those James Bond things...."

So open to suggestions along the same style and budget(£800) as these two, must have is date, not worried about day and must have stainless/metal braclet (can't wear leather for long periods due to skin irritation).

[CmdrBond]

In addition to my Seamaster, I also have a Tag Heuer Aquaracer, silver face with blue dials on a stainless steel bracelet. Have the quartz version as the automatic is very thick and just didn't look right on my wrist.

My latest addition is a Oceanus - which as far as I am aware is not available in the UK yet, bought it in Canada on holiday. Have a look at www.oceanus-us.com

Edited by CmdrBond on Friday 16th November 18:51

[D1MAC]

How about a Ball Hydrocarbon 'Mad Cow'?
Dunno what UK prices are (have seen them in Selfridges but didn't pay enough attention to the price tags) and not sure what the real watchies on here think but I've been having a quick look at them myself (got an Oris and fancy something different without spending too much) and they look pretty decent and appear to have decent to good build quality at the price tag.
Not many dealers though, unless you go online.


Will certainly be different and uncommon.

[uktrailmonster]

I've got an Oris (Williams F1) and an Omega Speedmaster auto. The Oris is ok, but the Omega case is better finished and much harder wearing. I've had the Speedmaster 14 years and it looks like new. I've had the Oris 3 years and it's already got quite a few marks on the bezel. So on that basis I'd choose the Omega and definitely auto over quartz.

[Stuart]

uktrailmonster said:

I've got an Oris (Williams F1) and an Omega Speedmaster auto. The Oris is ok, but the Omega case is better finished and much harder wearing. I've had the Speedmaster 14 years and it looks like new. I've had the Oris 3 years and it's already got quite a few marks on the bezel. So on that basis I'd choose the Omega and definitely auto over quartz.

I've just ordered a speedy pro, but went for the sapphire crystal/display back model because I was worried about scratching the hesalite crystal.