33XX movement

[Mac]

I am thinking (very seriously) about buying one of the following
DeVille "Power Reserve" 4832.31.32
or...
DeVille "Chronograph" 4841.31.32
I read that the Chrono has a 33XX "Piguet" movement which has had serious problems and is reputed to still have?
Is this the case?
Does the "Power Reserve" model still use a 33XX "Piguet" movement and if so has it, to anyones knowledge had the same problems?
Are the 33XX movements still experiencing problems?
Are those problems (if encountered) resolved by Omega or are they the type of problem that will persist for the watches lifetime?
I must be honest I'm swinging toward the Chrono but I don't want to buy into problems.
Any advice appreciated, even if it's just which one you personally prefer!!!
Here's some pics, not mine so thanks to the lucky owners :wink:
The Power Reserve...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/mac62/PR3D.gif
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/mac62/DeVille-5.jpg
The De Ville Chronograph...
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/mac62/Devillechronowhite1.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/mac62/Devillechronowhite2.jpg
I'd be looking at a strap not bracelet but the 2nd Chrono pic was so nice I had to include it! :wink:
Thanks
Neil.

[eptaz]

Just a quick reminder: please remember to put an expiration date on polls. I helped out on this one.


I don't necessarily want to cut this discussion short, but no one outside of Omega knows the extent of the issues with the c.33xx, or whether they've been resolved. I'd recommend going back and reading through at all of the previous discussions on this subject and make or own risk-based decision, based on that.

FWIW, the Power Reserve is an entirely different movement.

Good luck.

eric

[FreddyRick]

If you're leaning toward the chrono, get the chrono. Sure, there are those who have had issues with the movement. Maybe this movement has a greater chance of problems, but I wouldn't assume that means you're bound to get a lemon. Even with a higher percentage of prolems (an assumption, to be sure) the odds are still against getting a bad one. There are lots of people who have this movement in their Devilles and POCs who have not had problems. If you like it better (which I do too) don't let the reports of problems scare you off. As it is with most things in life, the squeaky wheels make the most noise, but that doesn't mean that all wheels are squeaky.

Of course, this assumes that you're buying it from an AD and that you will be able to get it fixed under warranty on the off chance that you need to.

[captain america]

Hi Mac.

There are still issues with the 33XX movement; I posted about that in another thread on the Planet Ocean Chronograph; just do a quick search for it.

So long as you are making an informed decision, so that if anything does go wrong, you will know what to expect. You may very well never have servicing issues, and I hope that would be your case if you do decide to commit. That having been said, I would be prepared for a worst-case scenario, which might mean getting lots of mileage out of the 3 year warranty that comes with the co-ax models.

...And have a good backup watch :-d

[spogehead]

I'd go for the chronograph but as Eric states be sure in your own mind that you are prepared to take the risk with the 33xx.

I have a 3301 and it's been fine, no issues at all but plenty others have had big problems especially with the 3313. I knew exactly the pit falls before buying mine and, so far nearly a year on the gamble has been well worth it.
(I even owned two 33xx's at one point :roll:)

[Keith Downing]

Hey, that Bracelet DeVille Chrono looks awfully familiar. Actually, I bought it on the strap, and got the bracelet later. Very expensive way to go ($1600).

http://www.fototime.com/A2BECE66E30D8C3/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/DB0A217D81E14B1/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/4AD87E5C1AFB0E2/orig.jpg

[john wilson]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/jw1954-2/DSC_1613_best.jpg

[spogehead]

http://www.fototime.com/4AD87E5C1AFB0E2/orig.jpg

Stunning! |>

[spluurfg]

Here are some pics of my chrono:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2905088105_1be09d87ab_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2905933788_100aeedfec_b.jpg

I'm not sure which I'd choose if paying MSRP to be honest.

Also, Omega's site says:

MOVEMENT
Caliber: Omega 2627
Self-winding chronometer, Co-Axial Escapement movement with rhodium-plated finish
Power Reserve: 44 hours

Which to me sounds like a 2500-based piece rather than a Piguet (the Chrono has a 52 hour reserve). If you are in store, listening to them would probably tell you the answer (as the 2500-based pieces are 7bps rather than 8bps as with the Piguet), but I doubt you'd find any shops with both in stock as they are somewhat rare to see on the shelf (even Omega bond street doesn't have both of these).

The price points on the DeVilles IMO are tough... $4500 on the RDM brings you into competition with the new 8500-based Aqua Terra, and $5500 on the Chrono brings you against some Zeniths El Primeros.

Sorry I'm not helping here... I really like Omega's design on the reserve, and I also like the display back on the Piguet, so I'm split.

[john wilson]

Can go wrong. Both are wonderful! John Wilson