Omega

Team,

Last Saturday I went to our weekly GTG and I was offered a not so common watch.

The watch in question was a Speedmaster Split Second, a.k.a. rattrapante / doppelchronograph.
It was not my first contact with this watch but, years back, I passed one because of the size.

This time the seller was more insistent and put the watch on my wrist.
To my surprise the watch fits and "dresses" better than I could imagine.

Some fun haggling and the deal was committed.
Later I did a quick "stop" on my watchmaker office (for his "seal of approval"),and  it was done.
As a side note the watch is under the C.O.S.C. specs but I already booked a full cleaning/oiling (I do this with all of my "keepers" and this one is a keeper).

Back home I did some research and I learned, from the late Chuck Maddox, that only 5000 were made during a lapse of 2-3 years (2001-2003?)
I also read that, initially, Omega tried to develop an in-house caliber without success, reverting to the 7750 as a base caliber.

Did a search here at the PuristiS and I could locate quite a few.

I had another rattrapante (An IWC Doppelchronograph that I was robbed) and, if I remember, it was a great watch.

The case is very similar to the X-33 but is made of SS, adding some weight to the watch head but the thanks to the great case back design, in association with the well proportioned lugs, makes a very wearable watch.
Even the Omega the Omega deployant clasp combined with the racing strap, that I never could stand on a classic Moon watch, works very well here.

Let's stop talking and let's see the rattrapante (I prefer this name instead of "split second").



Looks nice in B&W:

I love the split-second complication without a date to "pollute" the dial.

Chuck Maddox didn't like the carbon fiber dial but I love it.

Fits on my wrist

And looks nice on any angle

The big question is: I'm being "converted"  to became an Omega buff?

Cheers,

Nilo

Note: Stay tuned. On Sunday I went to a flea market here. More Omegas to show (not to acquire -- I'm done for some time). I need some time to edit/select the pics.

Actually, I think it is great and the watch that is an unkown Omega to me is terrific.

I have the IWC you mention in my collection which is currently on a long term Loan to my brother in law. It is also a keeper from perspective.

Congratulations on your purchase and I am glad it makes you happy.

Best regards,

George

It was some sort of epiphany to figure this on Saturday.

Cheers,

Nilo

at the time i had a full range of speedmasters, about 10 in total including auto schumacher ltd editions and the MK2/3/4.5.

i dont really know why i passed the rattrapante up, probably price as it was still under warranty. it looks like a nicely built watch with a solid case, a bit like the smp 300 chrono.

enjoy it Nilo

Graham

If you see it on a display, it looks bigger than a 44mm Panerai but when you put it on your wrist, the watch shrinks!

It "dresses" like or better than a Moon watch.

And, of course, I love this complication in special after I read an interview with Mr. Richard Habring and I learned that he was the designer of a 7750 based one, when working for IWC.

I don't know if the Omega one carries Mr. Richard Habring design but ... who knows.

Cheers,

Nilo

...had three of this watch in all dial variations. Your black carbon fiber is my favorite though. Thank you for sharing this piece with us. Excellent photography as usual.

Ruckdee

. . . Omega is winning you over, heart and soul ;-) . . . 

That will be a confirmation.

Of course, I still keep some other brands, that I also love, but Omega seems to be the current winner.

The fact in life is that where I live, an Omega watch is more simple to maintain and the maintenance/spare parts does not cost the price of a new watch.

Example:

On my next "project" I have a watch that requires (all original, for sure):

a) A new crystal
b) A new bezel
c) A vintage chronograph hand

If  is an Omega, the total cost, including a full oiling/cleaning/adjustments to the proper specs, will run low.
If is from other brand, I need to sell a kidney to face those costs.

The brands don't understand that we should consider the overall cost and not only the original selling price.
I prefer to save my meager "quids" to expend on other watches and not on maintenance.

Cheers,

Nilo