I am exposing my frailties here...help!

[Michael Karam]

Ok guys,

Here we are. I walk into the beautiful Omega boutique in Downtown Beirut on Saturday. I had already spoken to Joe the manager who told me that the 2254.50 was not in stock but that he could get it for me in three weeks. I liked Joe over the phone, so popped in to say hi and introduce myself and all that b******* and perhps check out what else he had.

We looked at a Speedy pro, Speedy Earth to Mars and even a Railmaster 42cm. Then he said, I know youy want the 2254.50 but why not consider the quartz 2264.50. I held it. It felt beautiful AND the second hands were hitting the minute markers dead on AND it was $600 cheaper.

Now here's the problem. I am a very shallow person low self esteem all that s*** and care what people think I already have a beautiful automatic, a 1965 steel Rolex datejust Oyster Perpetual with Jubilee strap in mint condition so i know all about owning a piece of class watchmmaking but I want a less fragile everyday watch (a super-beater if you will). In my heart, I wanted the 2264 the moment I saw it even though before that moment I had my heart set on the 2254. It's more accurate, its more rugged and its cheaper. Should I wait three weeks for the more expensive less accuarate and less hardy watch?

What would you do?

Mike

[jimmoose]

Wait the 3 weeks. You'll be happier in the long run.
Stick with the original plan. Just my thoughts.
Its called a bait and switch to the watch he has in stock.
Hang in there for the auto.
jim
ps
Don't expose yourself to any women and you'll be OK.

[J.Bond]

I agree with Jim, stick it out. Auto's are better, IMHO, in the long run. No batteries.

~JB

[rbt]

I also agree to a point. You should hold out for what you really want or you may be sorry later. On the other hand, how much of a beating is the watch going to take? If extremely rough use, you may just want to go with the quartz.

[M4tt]

Agreed, Quartz is great and a quality quartz movement should last a very very long time as long as you maintain the battery with care.

However, if you are after a classic for the long run then you will be happier with a mech.

[Andrés]

Do yourself a big favor and wait for the 225450.You'll be happier in the long run.

[Michael Karam]

oh lordy...such decsions.

[Joe K.]

Wow - another Joe ? In Beirut no less.... Small world ;-)

I would wait - I think you will kick yourself later if you don't. At least wait until you can see them side by side...


Ok guys,

Here we are. I walk into the beautiful Omega boutique in Downtown Beirut on Saturday. I had already spoken to Joe the manager who told me that the 2254.50 was not in stock but that he could get it for me in three weeks. I liked Joe over the phone, so popped in to say hi and introduce myself and all that b******* and perhps check out what else he had.

We looked at a Speedy pro, Speedy Earth to Mars and even a Railmaster 42cm. Then he said, I know youy want the 2254.50 but why not consider the quartz 2264.50. I held it. It felt beautiful AND the second hands were hitting the minute markers dead on AND it was $600 cheaper.

Now here's the problem. I am a very shallow person low self esteem all that s*** and care what people think I already have a beautiful automatic, a 1965 steel Rolex datejust Oyster Perpetual with Jubilee strap in mint condition so i know all about owning a piece of class watchmmaking but I want a less fragile everyday watch (a super-beater if you will). In my heart, I wanted the 2264 the moment I saw it even though before that moment I had my heart set on the 2254. It's more accurate, its more rugged and its cheaper. Should I wait three weeks for the more expensive less accuarate and less hardy watch?

What would you do?

Mike

[Tuff Gong]

Beirut, wow...keef halek? I would definitely wait for the 2254. The quartz ain't gonna have no soul Mike, it'll just be a 'computer' with a pretty face:-d

It will definitely be worth the wait and extra cost IMO;-)

[Michael Karam]

Do yourself a big favor and wait for the 225450.You'll be happier in the long run.

Beirut, wow...keef halek? I would definitely wait for the 2254. The quartz ain't gonna have no soul Mike, it'll just be a 'computer' with a pretty face:-d

It will definitely be worth the wait and extra cost IMO;-)


Ahlan wa sahlah Tuff! I am amazed at the input and patience from fellow forum members. However and with all due respect, I am not sold on the "autos have soul" idea. I have a Tag 2000 wk1110 quartz which has beaten all over the planet with me but its just a bit too weedy 37mm in this day of mighty watches. I just unearthed it and looked at it with great fondness. Surely Quartz can have soul too in terms of their reliability and companionship...non?

[Donf]

Lotta conflicting advive here- Jim says not to expose yourself to women, Bond says to stick it out.
Still, just how tough are you going to be? Most people here would rather buy a G-Shock for $100 than wear a really banged up stainless watch/bracelet. The 2254 is not a fragile watch and will make a great watch for most people.
Don

[moose859]

OK Mike. You can expose yourself to women, if you so like. Don't know how that's gonna fly in Beirut, but it oughta be damned interesting, as well as being some good entertainment. As far as listening to Bond, he may just be right, for once. But I gotta ask, how is a automatic chronometer "Less Hardy"? Think...............................David

[Sushirob]

You can decide when you have both models in hand. Stick it out, and have it in your hand, then decide, otherwise, stick it out some more.

[Noisy Nova]

You guys are bad.

[spogehead]

Hold out for the auto you will regret it, I would but then I'm not a quartz fan

[M4tt]

To amplify what I said earlier: I am certainly not of the 'quartz don't have soul' school. I firmly believe that they have. More to the point I very happily own a quartz SeMP and would not consider a mechanical one. That said, the movement in the SeMP is a very solid but rather dull one. It looks like this:
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff300/Maphuk/aaaseamovement.jpg

The quartz movement may be a little dull but the watch itself most defonitely isn't. It's my Uber beater which I have learned to trust even when I cover it in chocolate and roll it in nuts... (that's Eric's fault!)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff300/Maphuk/seanuts.jpg

However, I also have a shamefully large collection of random watches to satisfy my soul.

If I only had two then I would have one quartz and one mechanical. The quartz would be a Grand Seiko with a 9F movement or a Rolex Oysterquartz. Probably the Seiko as it has the better quality movement...

The mechanical would be a Seamaster with a 2500 movement - in my case it would be an AquaTerra - but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Bond.

Then of course I would have to have a Moonwatch and be chasing a JLC Reverso Gran sport as a grail.

[Michael Karam]

OK Mike. You can expose yourself to women, if you so like. Don't know how that's gonna fly in Beirut, but it oughta be damned interesting, as well as being some good entertainment. As far as listening to Bond, he may just be right, for once. But I gotta ask, how is a automatic chronometer "Less Hardy"? Think...............................David

Have you seen Lebanese women? They expose themselves to you my friend!

[watch-man7777]

That's It. I'm Going To Lebanon Tomorrow!

[moose859]

Now come on Matt, you wouldn't even consider a mechanical? Well, you did mention a JLC, Moonwatch and a Bond with a 2500. I know you like Quartz, but, I also know you like mechanicals. Just an observation :-)....David

[Joe K.]

I'm impressed. But what would really be impressive is if you dipped that in batter, deep fried it, doused it in cognac and lit it on fire :-!:-!
Please post the pictures when you try this :-!:-!



It's my Uber beater which I have learned to trust even when I cover it in chocolate and roll it in nuts... (that's Eric's fault!)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff300/Maphuk/seanuts.jpg

However, I also have a shamefully large collection of random watches to satisfy my soul.

If I only had two then I would have one quartz and one mechanical. The quartz would be a Grand Seiko with a 9F movement or a Rolex Oysterquartz. Probably the Seiko as it has the better quality movement...

The mechanical would be a Seamaster with a 2500 movement - in my case it would be an AquaTerra - but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Bond.

Then of course I would have to have a Moonwatch and be chasing a JLC Reverso Gran sport as a grail.

[brad in nc]

...I've had both the 2254 and 2264 as well as the Bond quartz...being off 5-10 secs per day kinda irked me.......honestly, I enjoy the accuracy and robust toughness of the Swiss quartz......go for it!!!!!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c266/bradfordweeks/blacksmpwrist.jpg

[eptaz]

...The quartz movement may be a little dull but the watch itself most defonitely isn't. It's my Uber beater which I have learned to trust even when I cover it in chocolate and roll it in nuts... (that's Eric's fault!)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff300/Maphuk/seanuts.jpg
That's still my favorite flavor of SMP, Matt. A delectable treat!


To the OP, there's nothing wrong with quartz. If you're only going to wear the SMP occasionally, you won't have to worry about setting it, and, although the automatic is extremely robust, the quartz still has the advantage. But, I would ask what it was that drew you to the auto over the quartz, in the first place, and consider whether the quartz is going to be a compromise for the sake of immediate gratification.

eric

[M4tt]

what would really be impressive is if you dipped that in batter, deep fried it, doused it in cognac and lit it on fire

Oh deary deary deary me. You really do misunderestimate me...

You know what is going to happen in the next few days.

I can't stand cognac, will whiskey do?

[Joe K.]

Whiskey should be fine, but don't waste any of the good stuff.... Actually, Jim might have some solvent, pardon me, "Black Velvet" that might do the trick....

Here is as close as I like my watches to get next to any alcoholic beverage....

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t178/theonlyeasydaywasyesterday/DSCN2461.jpg



Oh deary deary deary me. You really do misunderestimate me...

You know what is going to happen in the next few days.

I can't stand cognac, will whiskey do?

[hiro1963]

I would stick with the original plan (2254.50). Besides the reasons mentioned above, the battery will need to be changed every 24-36 months and the watch will require the proper water pressure testing at the same time.

[Don Aldo]

Now here's the problem. I am a very shallow person low self esteem all that s*** and care what people think

If that's the case, no one will care whether you have a quartz or an automatic. Most non-watch people have no concept of either but the Omega symbol on the dial will speak volumes more. :-!

I don't subscribe to the 'soulless' quartz argument... and I'm a vintage mechanical chronograph fanatic. $600 is a fair chunk of change and unless you plan on diving in sub-zero temperatures with your watch, your quartz movement should never conk out on you until you need a new battery. $600 buys some wicked Lebanese wine and much fine dining with the ladies in Beirut. In the end, go with your heart. They're only watches.

[r1lee]

If that's the case, no one will care whether you have a quartz or an automatic. Most non-watch people have no concept of either but the Omega symbol on the dial will speak volumes more. :-!

I don't subscribe to the 'soulless' quartz argument... and I'm a vintage mechanical chronograph fanatic. $600 is a fair chunk of change and unless you plan on diving in sub-zero temperatures with your watch, your quartz movement should never conk out on you until you need a new battery. $600 buys some wicked Lebanese wine and much fine dining with the ladies in Beirut. In the end, go with your heart. They're only watches.


Think about it this way though. He's already stated that he's a very shallow person. A very shallow person who likes watches, most likely will look down on a quartz movement over the same watch in automatic.

I say, go with the automatic.

[Michael Karam]

Dear Forum members,

Here is where your thoughts have took me

1) buy the 2254 and be happy owning a reliable classic that, if looked after, will work forever.

2) I buy the quartz (more accurate, less 'class') and take the money I save and buy

i) a case of Chateau Musar 95, a box of Punch Black Prince total $550
ii) a Johnny Farah briefcase ($500) and a bottle of Chateau Musar 88 ($100)
iii) a new humidor ($250) and a Dupont lighter ($400).

Then I figured, set against all these lovelies, would a quartz detract from the overall aesthetic (like I said.."shallow")

your thoughts

Mike

[Michael Karam]

$600 buys some wicked Lebanese wine and much fine dining with the ladies in Beirut.


Very true my friend...There is a great book about Lebanese wine btw...Wines of Lebanon by a guy called Michael Karam ;-)

[Hewybaby]

My advise to you is the same whenever someone asks about a purchase:

Buy what you love, will wear and will feel good about wearing.

A moments perspective:

You are not buying a watch to tell time. If that was all you wanted, you would buy a CBP watch or use your cellphone. [CBP -- borrowed from Chuck Maddox -- cheap black plastic]

You are buying a fine watch for other reasons that do not have to do with logic, but with passion, or perhaps, as you seem to state, image. And that is very individual, and entirely up to you.

I can tell you how I would evaluate it and what I would think of your purchase, but what will matter to you is how you view your purchase, not only now, but five or ten years from now.

Good luck on your choice

Sam aka Hewybaby