Omega Watch Collection: Community Vote

myles721 · 2021-05-06T14:52:47Z

Myles721 seeks community votes for his next Omega GMT travel watch. Explore the debate between ceramic and steel cases, water resistance, and movement in this collector's guide.

Myles721, a long-time Omega enthusiast, shares his quest for a new travel timepiece, seeking community input on his final selection. This article delves into the considerations for choosing a robust GMT watch, highlighting the nuanced debate around ceramic versus steel cases for daily wear and travel. Myles721's personal collection provides a rich backdrop for this discussion, making his decision a relatable journey for many collectors.

Key Points from the Discussion

The ceramic case offers superior scratch resistance and a distinct aesthetic compared to steel, making it a robust choice for daily wear and travel, particularly when paired with a rubber strap to differentiate it from existing steel pieces.
While ceramic cases are scratch-resistant, they are more brittle than steel and can crack from a hard impact, posing a significant repair cost given that ceramic cases cannot be repaired, only replaced.
Despite concerns about brittleness, some collectors have experienced extensive wear with ceramic watches over many years without any damage, suggesting that with reasonable care, they can be highly durable.
For professional use, a less prominent steel version of a travel watch might be preferred over a black ceramic case, which could be seen as more suitable for pleasure or casual wear.
The Omega Seamaster Worldtimer is highlighted as an excellent GMT option, fitting the criteria for a travel watch with solid movement and water resistance.
The aesthetic appeal of the watch on a strap, particularly with a ceramic case, is a strong factor for some, with a preference for the ceramic over the steel version with a black and white bezel.

The Discussion

Horo_Traveler

May 6, 2021

I would go with the last one on your list.

It fits great on your wrist and has a solid movement and great WR specs. I don’t understand the ceramic case craze for knock-about tool watches. I had an Apple Watch in ceramic that I cracked when I knocked a rock wall hard by mistake during a hike. Easy to write that off given the price point, but I can only imagine what the Swiss charge for a replacement ceramic case as these can’t be repaired.

Echi

May 6, 2021

Agree with Horo. Would have to be the last one. More versatile. The all black is nice but i’m not sure you’d always want to travel with it. Of course, it might be close in looks to that PO that you have in that lineup :-)

Gwai

May 6, 2021

I would go for the ceramic case on account of looks alone.

On that strap, the watch looks fantastic. And, no offense, I would think an Omega ceramic case has the Apple one for breakfast. (Plus I don't fancy the black&white bezel on the steel one.) Cheers Marc

India Whiskey Charlie

May 6, 2021

I agree with Gwai

Ceramic cases are not as bad as some claim. I've had this watch since 2006 and have worn it extensively. Not even a hairline scratch on it.

Horo_Traveler

May 6, 2021

While I can't disagree with your opinion on the looks as that's a personal preference...

I can't agree with "...an Omega ceramic case has the Apple one for breakfast." While I'm a huge fan of mechanics watches, you can't fault Apple's execution on their cases. Look up ceramic case cracks on Google and you'll find examples from every brand. It is not as much about the manufacturing as it is the compromise with the material - fewer scratches, but more brittle. Of course ceramic cases won't crack in regular wear, but a hard knock the wrong way can result in painful damage.

Gwai

May 6, 2021

Well, fair enough. Had I been entirely

serious with my comment, I'd haven chosen a very different wording. Still I would trust a contemporary Omega ceramic case anywhere, anytime. Cheers Marc

Key Points from the Discussion

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