Agree with you on this mathematical level...

.. but just like adhering to things like the golden mean ratio for all elements of design, as well as your (well taken) points about true symmetry, I don't mind when rules are broken and the visual result is still pleasing, which is how I feel about the HE valve positioned where it is. To have placed it opposite the crown would have given more importance to its function than it should have. It's clearly a secondary function where it is now as well as being located where one would not be surprised to see a pusher.

For those same visual reasons, I have no problem with watches like the 218 Accutrons with crowns almost always at 4 o'clock.

Or even this 1960s Waltham that uses a Seiko Speedsonic movement with the crown also at the 4 o'clock position

Granted that the angle of these shots don't emphasize the placement as well as a front-on shot would.

This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2011-01-10 18:14:41

IS THE SEAMASTER ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE A HELIUM VALVE?

By: zhsanders : January 9th, 2011-08:45

I love the Omega brand- I want to buy a Liguid Metal Sea Master, but I hate the helium valve thing. Does anyone know if Omega has plans to develop Sea Master without the valve? Plz advise. Thanks

diving bell outings

By: diamondjim : January 9th, 2011-09:14

What would you do when you're ascending during your Sunday dive sessions, I imagine you would be happy you had that valve. I thought it was just me, I have always thought it looked odd and the assigned function is even stranger. It throws the whole symmet...

Couldn't have said it better myself

By: zhsanders : January 9th, 2011-09:45

Bummer because I feel it is an affectation that has held me back from owning.

Perspective is everything

By: mrsnak : January 9th, 2011-15:45

One could also say that a crown sticking out of one side of a watch case might also make the watch not symmetrical. Add a couple pushers and the whole watch is lopsided! ;-) Seriously, though I'm not a serious diver, I have never minded the helium valve. ...

Geometry

By: anaesdoc : January 10th, 2011-08:58

Well, mrsnak, of course I take your point that it´s a matter of perspective (like most things in life ). But I feel "zhsanders" and "diamondjim" are right as far as the geometry of a circular case is concerned: my son is currently doing geometry at school...

Agree with you on this mathematical level...

By: mrsnak : January 10th, 2011-18:12

Geometry does not rule perception

By: anaesdoc : January 11th, 2011-03:47

Hi mrsnak, of course you are right: an intended breach of symmetry can even be more appealing. I just thought about asymmetry in haircuts or clothes (or try to imagine any art which strictly obeys to geometry). And I also take your point that a crown at t...

The HE valve is much less obtrusive on the PO

By: mrsnak : January 11th, 2011-09:20

So I do agree with how it looks on yours. The crown and the HE valve appear to be close to the same diameter. On the PO, the HE is much smaller. This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2011-01-11 09:23:40...

Why couldnt we have a HEV like a Breitling or Rolex??

By: ImranLondon : January 10th, 2011-13:29

for me this extra button may be great for Bond, but spoils the overall look of an otherwise magnificent divers watch. its like the screws in the bracelts..... you still have a damn pin in the middle Omega...so close to perfection it hurts.. ;( Best Imran

Omega gave us that in the Ploprof. So maybe the next update of PO will have it?

By: Ruckdee : January 10th, 2011-18:14

One can imagine. And if one doesn't like the He valve as it is, one can like this idea, no? Ruckdee

But of course...

By: chaser579 : January 10th, 2011-11:42

That's what makes it different than a Rolex! Somewhat useless, somewhat functional (if one remembers to unscrew the He valve crown in a diving bell before re-surfacing), but nonetheless unique! Or get an older model, they seem to be popular again. Enjoy! ...