First Serious Purchase - HELP !!!

[avatar-aang]

Hi there !

Just joined this community about 10mins ago and this is my first post. I have finally saved up enuf money to make my very first serious purchase in a timepiece for myself.

After reading the various posts here, I find that it's possible to get some useful tips and advice on what to look out for when buying a watch. Of cos, there is the usual advice of "buy the one u really like after trying it on". However, I am a firm believer in technical superiority (being an engineer and all that) and a bit of a brand snob (just a little bit).

I am torn between 3 watches I am considering to get for myself by end of this month and they are in no particular order of preference:

1) Breitling Navitimer (Steel Bracelet)
2) Omega SpeedMaster "LEGEND"
3) Tag Heuer SLR Calibre S Laptimer (Steel Bracelet)

NOTE: I tried to attach the pics of each watch, but my IE not working.

I think the Omega and TagH belong to the same category (ie: motorsports) while the Breitling is on Aviation, so may not be an apple to apple comparison though functionality-wise, they are similar (ie: with chrono and date). While the B and O are COSC certified chronometers, the TagH is not.

Appreciate some advice on which one is best in terms of technical achievement and prestige. Of cos, given the financial resources, I wouldn't mind getting all 3, one in each year ! (1 year being the time required for me to save up enuf for it).

P.S : It seems that opinions can be quite polarised depending on which forum the topic is being discussed (us being humans and easily emotional/passionate about and loyal to a particular brand), so I will also post the same in the Tag Heuer and Breitling forums to get their take on this.


Many Thanks !

[no_self_control]

judging by the fact that you appear to have posted this first in the omega forum i'd guess that's what you really want. all of these are mechanical watches. if accuracy and reliability are important to you then you really should consider a high end quartz too.

[avatar-aang]

Wow....r u some kinda psychologist? :)

U seem to have read my mind. In terms of looks, the Omega does it for me. But that was before I read the numerous comments / complaints about the Omega CHronograph caliber 33xx, of which the LEGEND falls under (it's using the caliber 3313).

Now the Navitimer looks more appealing. But are there any relibaility problems with its movement???

[RJRJRJ]

The Navi is very reliable. Both the Navi and the Speedmaster are very iconic and prestigious pieces. If it were my money, id get the Navi. Since its your money, get the one you like more.

BTW, have you tried either of them on yet? The decision might be a lot easier if you do.

[avatar-aang]

Thanks for the advice RJ. Happen that the AD I plan on buying from carries both labels / brands so I guess I can try it on after all.

Prestige-wise, I wonder which is better? OMEGA or BREITLING? Of cos not considering other upper echelon brands beyond my reach. Just comparing the middle-tier ones. Anyone got any ideas?

[RJRJRJ]

Thanks for the advice RJ. Happen that the AD I plan on buying from carries both labels / brands so I guess I can try it on after all.

Prestige-wise, I wonder which is better? OMEGA or BREITLING? Of cos not considering other upper echelon brands beyond my reach. Just comparing the middle-tier ones. Anyone got any ideas?

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=209189

[no_self_control]

Prestige-wise, I wonder which is better? OMEGA or BREITLING?

i would never buy a watch based on prestige. taken to the extreme, all you're really getting is exclusivity and that comes at a cost that can be grossly disproportionate to quality, IMO.

but if you insist on an answer to this question, there can be no doubt that omega has a far higher public profile than breitling through sporting events and other forms of marketing, for example: james bond and space exploration.

forget all this non-sense. just buy the one you like!!!!! ;-)