Omega

SamJH
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Quoted slightly out of context? Well, I really didn't mean . . . (sigh)

Chuck's views about the 50th anniversary edition -- and my own misgivings -- are now confirmed by the extraordinarily high MSRP set by Omega. 

Note I said "set prices" not "charged prices".  There is a apparently some history by Omega of having very high MSRPs on limited edition watches, then they or their dealers having to dump them on the gray market.  For instance, the Museum Collection watches are all still available from Omega, each model from 2001 to 2006, and are regularly seen sold new in box without papers.  A friend of mine bought an officer's chronograph (Series Four, I think) for about 20% of the MSRP -- and it was one of 5 or 6 offered. 

i am not signed up for a 50th Speedy, or a new DeVille Hour Vision for that matter either (MSRP for stainless steel is also in excess of $9,000 as I recall).  I was very interested in both watches -- but not at those prices. 

As an aside, Omega is trying a different strategy with the Museum Collection with the Series Seven Marine.  Rather than the 1900 to 1950 pieces for Series Two through Six (and 4,938 pieces for Series One), Series Seven is being produced in 137 pieces, and I expect at an extraordinary price (has anyone seen a MSRP?  I've been afraid to ask). 



I won't say Chuck misquoted me -- he didn't.  I wrote the words he pasted in.  How to explain . . . I haven't gone back and re-read the thread, so my memory is likely imperfect, but my state of mind at the time was something like this. 

There had been a series of posts complaining that Omega had an unsuccessful showing at Basel, and I was frustrated with the comments to that effect.  Omega had introduced a number of items, some in advance of Basel admittedly, but the first large public exposure was primarily at Basel.  Omega seems to make most of their announcements with introductions other than at Basel, when they believe they can command the horological world's undivided attention.  I challeged others to point out who did better at Basel. 

Chuck wasn't one of those making the comments, although he effectively and skillfully commented on Omega's Basel showing. 

I had, in the same state of mild irritation, expressed essentially the alternate view that 50th Speedy wasn't that bad and noted the mostly negative comments.  And I challenged readers to suggest better alternatives, other than another 1861 in new shoes or a reintroduction of the 321.  Chuck rather ably took up that challenge . . . .

Irritation dissipated today, the Speedy 50th edition -- both the new movement and the "patch" version - now leave me completely cold.  And I have  more reason than most to want a 50th and an HourVision with Calibre 8500.   

I won these items in a TZ contest, rather than purchased them.  While a 50th Speedy of some stripe would be a nice addition, I'll be content with the Snoopy.  And truth be told, I wear my hat with Omega on front more often than this one.