Muddled mind

[Ann]

My first post and in need of advice. Husband needs a good/dress watch and wants a TAG. But they seem rather overrated so I'm thinking Omega for Xmas. He has small-ish wrists so needs something proportional.

Looking at Day/Date chronograph (3520.50) as he is a computer engineer and loves complexity. But:

1. Is it dressy enough for a suit & tie?
2. Would it overwhelm his wrist?
3. Other recommendations?
4. Don't hate me, but the TAG Link series is just so attractive...

HELP!

[Francois Boucher]

1. Is it dressy enough for a suit & tie?
2. Would it overwhelm his wrist?
3. Other recommendations?
4. Don't hate me, but the TAG Link series is just so attractive...

HELP!Well, Dear Ann, first let me say you are very nice to buy your husband a mechanical watch! That is a very fine gift...

And you are right about most of the TAG production, although TAG Heuer is recently coming back to its roots in quality watch design, with modern automatic chronographs.

However, for most watch fans, Omega is, and has always been, a far more interesting watchmaker than Heuer or TAG Heuer.

Your choice of the Speedmaster Day Date is excellent.

It is a classic chronograph, 39 mm in diameter, which is probably somewhat small by today's criteria. It will certainly fit a small (6"-6.75") wrist very comfortably. It has a classic movement, Omega caliber 1151 (http://clockmaker.com.au/w/omega1151.html), based on a chronograph movement developed in the 70's, the Valjoux 7751. It is automatic, which is great if one does not like to wind a watch every day (...for the others, it is sort of a Zen thing...). Black is alway elegant, and fits every dress suit.

Depending on your husband's interests, you might want to consider a more "sporty" type of watch. Dive watches are also considered suitable to wear with a suit, and the Omega Seamaster line offers many fine models, with or without dive bezels (rings). (Seamasters are my preferred Omegas, by far...). These watches are more tolerant of water exposure and generally, sports activities. A Seamaster might be more suitable for an active, sports or outdoors type of guy.

Check out the Seamaster Planet Ocean 2201.50, in black, 42 mm diameter, with a fantastic "coaxial" modern caliber. This is state of the art, 2006 technology. It has better timekeeping accuracy than most modern mechanical watches, and will need less servicing in the future (every 10 years or so, compared with 5 years in most traditional mech watches). The Seamaster Aqua Terra (2502.33), 42.2 mm, white with blue hands and markers is a classic beauty. It is also available with a black (2502.50) or blue (2502.80) face, and other combinations of faces and hands.

As for size, my own wrist is 6.75" in circumference (average), and nowadays, I wear only 40-43 mm diameter watches. 39 mm looks smallish, and 37 or less is definitely out... The modern trend is towards bigger sized watches in general. This has been so for more than 15 years now, I'd guess, and we're not going back...

Whatever model you buy, make sure that you obtain it from an Authorized Dealer: it may be more expensive, but will certainly save you a lot of trouble (...a LOT!) if anything goes wrong.

Also, ask the dealer to confirm, verbally or in writing, that the watch may be exchanged for another model, should your husband desire a different watch.

Thanks for visiting!

[jmsrolls]

Ann,

The 3520.50 would meet all of your criteria but he'll be the one wearing it.

Although I am biased toward Omega and compliment you on your choice, I would get what he wants. If that is a mistake, it's his mistake and not yours.

My wife has great taste in many things and I love most of her choices in gifts for me but I'm glad she let's me pick out what I wear on my wrist.

Fr. John+

[thestumper]

My first post and in need of advice. Husband needs a good/dress watch and wants a TAG. But they seem rather overrated so I'm thinking Omega for Xmas. He has small-ish wrists so needs something proportional.

Looking at Day/Date chronograph (3520.50) as he is a computer engineer and loves complexity. But:

1. Is it dressy enough for a suit & tie?
2. Would it overwhelm his wrist?
3. Other recommendations?
4. Don't hate me, but the TAG Link series is just so attractive...

HELP!


Well, there's something to be said for getting him what he wants. I've made that mistake with my wife, assuming that she would like something else better and finding out the hard way (and I do mean THE HARD WAY) that I was tragically mistaken :-)

But then again, IMHO, the Speedy's are better watches, so its a tough call.

I had a day date, and its a very cool watch. There's enough complexity in there to keep even the geekiest watch guy occupied. I think the classic Speedmaster Pro is a little more versatile, but its also manual wind and more expensive. The Day/Date can certainly be worn with a suit and tie. Its not what I would consider a "dress watch" but its certainly nice enough to pull double duty. Size should not be a concern - if I recall correctly, the Day/Date comes in at around 39mm. Thats not enough to overwhelm an average wrist - its a very nice size.

Also keep in mind that Omega is revamping the Day/Date model. They have made some internal mods to the movement, and they have made some cosmetic changes that appear to be very minor. The larger concern is price increases: if history is any judge, the new model will command more money, and may not be worth the extra if your husband is not a big watch geek.

As far as other suggestions are concerned, I already mentiond the Speedmaster Pro, which is more money. There are many variants of it, but they're even more money. All are larger. In this price range, you can look at Sinn (German) chronographs that are very nice and gaining popularity. TAG makes a version of the Carerra without the Tachymeter bezel that would look OK with a suit, but I don't like the movement they put in it.

Truth be told, there's nothing wrong with the Link - its got a time tested movement that is generally well thought of. If he's an engineer, my gut tells me he's like the Day/Date more, but thats purely speculative.

Whatever you do, don't pay retail. When you're ready, post up on this site and ask for a TAG or Omega dealer reference. You'll get a great price and the full product warranty (something you'll miss out on if you order from a dealer on the web). Even if you must go to a local Authorized Dealer, you should be able to at least get 15-20%.

Godd luck! I wish my wife was a cool as you appear to be :-!

[Ann]

Wow, you guys are fantastic!

I think (think) the reason my guy wants a TAG is simply because it is synonymous with sports (he bikes, golfs, flies, loves fast cars, etc... is there such thing as a "cool geek?"). They are easily recognizable and commonly thought of as a nice watch.

I am fairly certain he does not know much about fine watches, but also know that he would appreciate the Omega upon becoming familiar with it (especially once he finds out it goes to the moon and hangs out with James Bond!).

I almost love the Seamaster 2255.80, but to my layman's eye, the baton markers and triangle at the top seem rather inelegant. Thoughts?

And then there's the automatic versus quartz issue. I appreciate and respect the automatic, but my husband is the absent-minded professor type and may need something requiring a smidgen less maintenance. He loves gadgets, but not upkeep! (I know it's not that much upkeep, but it is still a consideration.)

[john wilson]

Omega railmaster! John Wilson. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/191_91591024x768.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/7ab21fb3.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/fe6b9b54.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/d23a0b40.jpg

[STEVIE]

Wow, you guys are fantastic!

I think (think) the reason my guy wants a TAG is simply because it is synonymous with sports (he bikes, golfs, flies, loves fast cars, etc... is there such thing as a "cool geek?"). They are easily recognizable and commonly thought of as a nice watch.

I am fairly certain he does not know much about fine watches, but also know that he would appreciate the Omega upon becoming familiar with it (especially once he finds out it goes to the moon and hangs out with James Bond!).

I almost love the Seamaster 2255.80, but to my layman's eye, the baton markers and triangle at the top seem rather inelegant. Thoughts?

And then there's the automatic versus quartz issue. I appreciate and respect the automatic, but my husband is the absent-minded professor type and may need something requiring a smidgen less maintenance. He loves gadgets, but not upkeep! (I know it's not that much upkeep, but it is still a consideration.)

Dear Ann:
Sounds to me that your hubby may like Breitling.

Have a look at the huge range on their super website

http://www.breitling.com/en/

They make very "technical" watches to suit all types. Breitling make the superquartz movement which is wickedly accurate and the mechanical Valjoux movements. The most traditional would be the Navitimer range.

Alternatively, I concur with some of the replies here, the Omega Planet Ocean chrono would be a very good pick. The co-axial movement is revolutionary. TAG would not be my personal choice.

Happy hunting!:-!
Stevie

[NMGE17]

Ann, it is a great thing you are offering to do for your husband - do you realise how addictive collecting watches can become (and expensive!) if it hooks you.

I am not as expert about watches and movements as these other guys, but my wife bought me one of my two watches so I can tell you how that worked. She knew I wanted a watch so sent me out with permission to spend up to a certain amount. I had been looking for a little while so knew roughly what I wanted and how much it should be. We looked together several times before I went out alone to buy so she was involved in the process of choosing.

For me it came down to the Planet Ocean in black 42mm or the black 39mm Aqua Terra. When I had the two before me, and tried them on my wrist, there was no contest and I spent the extra on the PO.

So I would suggest making it a joint venture unless you can get the dealer to agree to change across a brand or different brands. Good luck and I hope your husband appreciates your gesture.

Nigel

PS: My two -

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/NMGE17/WIS%20Photos/pict3325.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/NMGE17/WIS%20Photos/pict3564.jpg

[Ferrari 312T]

Ann

A watch is a very personal thing and also expensive so I would seek your husbands input before making the purchase.

I faced a similar dilemma when wanting to buy my wife a watch. She wanted a gucci but I knew they were nowhere near the standard of an Omega and I have a rather strange theory that you don't by watches off people who make handbags.

I took her to a store and showed her the Omega's and she loved the constellation.

I would only recommend that you take him into a good watch store and get him to look at the full range of Omega's. I find it hard to believe that you could not find one he likes. If he is a techie he will like the story behind the different movements.

When he has chosen the one he likes ask the forum to refer you to a good Authorised dealer who will give you a good deal.

[2002]

Ann

A watch is a very personal thing and also expensive so I would seek your husbands input before making the purchase.

I faced a similar dilemma when wanting to buy my wife a watch. She wanted a gucci but I knew they were nowhere near the standard of an Omega and I have a rather strange theory that you don't by watches off people who make handbags.

I took her to a store and showed her the Omega's and she loved the constellation.

I would only recommend that you take him into a good watch store and get him to look at the full range of Omega's. I find it hard to believe that you could not find one he likes. If he is a techie he will like the story behind the different movements.

When he has chosen the one he likes ask the forum to refer you to a good Authorised dealer who will give you a good deal.

Ann - these are very wise words from the poster above. As a man, if I expressed a liking for a make of watch and my wife purchased something else.....well...... I would like it because it would be from my wife, but my passion would be my passion (in your hubby's case, Tag - BTW they are not bad watches either:-))

At the very least, do what Ferrari has suggested, and let us know how it pans out (I am nosey about these things!!:-D )

Regards

[thestumper]

Wow, you guys are fantastic!

I think (think) the reason my guy wants a TAG is simply because it is synonymous with sports (he bikes, golfs, flies, loves fast cars, etc... is there such thing as a "cool geek?"). They are easily recognizable and commonly thought of as a nice watch.

I am fairly certain he does not know much about fine watches, but also know that he would appreciate the Omega upon becoming familiar with it (especially once he finds out it goes to the moon and hangs out with James Bond!).

I almost love the Seamaster 2255.80, but to my layman's eye, the baton markers and triangle at the top seem rather inelegant. Thoughts?

And then there's the automatic versus quartz issue. I appreciate and respect the automatic, but my husband is the absent-minded professor type and may need something requiring a smidgen less maintenance. He loves gadgets, but not upkeep! (I know it's not that much upkeep, but it is still a consideration.)

The 2255.80 on a bracelet can also pull double duty, but I'd be more inclined to get the black dial variant (2054.50) - I think its a little more classy and flexible, but thats just my opinion. Its a great watch. I was under the impression that a chronograph was in order; if thats not the case that opens a huge door :-)

The auto vs. quartz issue has been debated here ad nauseum - if you do a search, you'll find a number of threads with some good info on both sides of the debate. A possible solution to the absent mindedness might be to include a decent winder with the watch. When its not on your wrist, its on the winder. Problem solved - just don't get a really cheap winder.

As mentioned earlier, don't blame us when FedEx and UPS packages start arriving at your door from strange locations on a regular basis. They'll be around 12"x14" and say "FRAGILE". :-D

[jmsrolls]

Hi Ann,

I replied to your post on chronocentric, but I'll reply here as well in case anyone wants to add to or dispute what I posted. The Speedmaster Day-Date you are looking at is only 39mm in diameter, so it won't overwhelm a small to average wrist. I think it certainly can be worn with a suit, though there's one option that I think may be a bit better for you.

Have you looked at the Aqua Terra line? The reason I mention this is that this is probably Omega's most versatile watch and offers a tremendous "bang for the buck". For just $150-$200 more than the $2650 retail price for the Day-Date, you get a watch that is a certified chronometer, has Omega's co-axial escapement and a 3 year factory warranty (compared to 2 years for the Speedmaster), a sapphire display caseback that displays the movement, and 150 meters of water resistance with a screw down crown.

There are two other benefits of this watch. It comes in a "Mid-Size" version, which is 36mm in diameter. Even the smallest of men can wear this size. The standard size is the same 39mm as the Speedmaster Day-Date, but the watch itself is noticeably thinner since it does not have a chronograph function. Also, the watch is ideal for any situation. You can wear it with a tuxedo or with jeans and a t-shirt. The smaller "Mid-Size" version retails for $2800, while the larger 39mm size is $2850.
This is just a suggestion. Since the Aqua Terras are beautiful watches that are actually the lowest priced co-axial models in the Omega catalog, they may be worth taking a look at.
Good luck,
John

I agree, John, and thought the AT might fit the bill for his first quality watch. It is the most versatile of the Omega line and wears well on the beach or in the ballroom.

It may not meet the desire for complications but the AT is hard to beat. If someone were to give me one as a gift, it would be hard for me to find fault with the choice.

In a PM, I suggested Ann contact my favorite AD for a consultation. He has a feel for these matters and I trust him not to steer her in the wrong direction. He would also be open to an exchange if the choice were not correct.

But best case would be to bring hubby in on the decision. I don't think I would want my wife picking out a watch for me nor would I do so for her.

Fr. John+

[Ann]

I agree 100% with the theory that the husband pick out his own watch. I certainly would not want him picking out something like that for me without my input!

That said, the guy is in dire need of a happy surprise. In the past, I've asked him to pick out the table saw, road bike, etc. that he wanted, and then I'd give it to him as a gift. I've expressed to him over and over that I don't want to get him the wrong thing and that is why I always involve him in the decision-making. His reply? "The fact that you would go out on your own, do the research, and thoughtfully chose something for me would mean so much." O|

I like the AT suggestion; the fact that one can see its mechanics is quite a bonus. But... how to put this delicately... is it too plain for a fun-loving, somewhat edgy 35 year-old? Granted, he should have the watch for many years to come, so it should be fairly classic. I was also thinking the blue face would make it "pop" a bit.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the baton markings on the Seamaster 2255.80 (mentioned in my second post)?

I truly appreciate your thoughtful replies! :thanks

[eptaz]

When it comes down to it, you know your husband better than any of us. Since your mind first went to the Speedmaster Day-Date ref.3520.50, it might be the best way to go.

http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/templates/omega-watches/img-watchesbig/35205000.gif

It's a solid, moderately-sized watch with enough dials and numbers to keep him entertained. The only drawback is that it's not the most water-resistant watch. If he's going to take it underwater, you might consider a Seamaster of some sort.

Is it dressy enough? Well, I'd wear it with a suit and tie. I think it's a pretty good balance of sport and dress. Of course, whenever this topic comes up, I have to bring up the classic Speedmaster Professional.

http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/templates/omega-watches/img-watchesbig/35705000.gif

The dial is quite a bit cleaner, but the chronograph function still makes it interesting enough for a non-watch nut. It has an interesting history (the first watch on the Moon) and is built very solid, inside and out. Here's the rub with this one; you have to wind it every day. It's an easy habit to get in to, but some people just can't get past it. However, an engineer might enjoy that type of mechanical engagement. It is a few millimeters larger than the Day-Date, but it wears very comfortably and looks great.

As others have said, you can't go wrong with whatever Omega you choose. You know the guy. You'll pick the right one.

Good luck!

eric

[jmsrolls]

The Seamaster 2255.80 is a classic watch and very practical but may be a bit large.

If you want to go with something like the 2255.80, I would suggest the white dialed Seamaster GMT 2538.20. It has been discontinued but can be found. (I know where a new one can be bought at this very moment.)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a374/jmsrolls/watches/2538-20.jpg

This is my favorite of all the Seamasters. Two timezones can be tracked and it's sporty but dressy. A great watch for an active fun-loving guy. :-!

Fr. John+

[john wilson]

Just get him this. John Wilson. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/191_91491024x768.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/183_8319.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/jw1954/195_9514.jpg