milo
March 12th, 2006, 00:25
I'm new to the forum,..hello. I have always wanted an automatic watch and have favoured the omega seamaster (omega 2531.80) strictly on looks and price (about$2500 canadian). I have now got a chance to procure a Tag Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph (CAF2111.BA0809) from a points program. I've been researching the Tag brand and I'm satisfied that it is a quality one but I believe that the Omega is probably superior. With this level of product, brand is very important and not just from a quality point of view. It's more about the "feeling" that you have for that brand. So my "feeling" is that the Tag is a little lower on the brand scale. I don't get as excited about the Tag as the omega. Here is my question. The Tag is a lot more watch from a gadget point of view but what is the forums opinion of the Tag vs the Omega on a brand level, and a specific watch level. I guess I want to feel really good about the Tag brand.
John_Rochowicz
March 12th, 2006, 01:05
I'm new to the forum,..hello. I have always wanted an automatic watch and have favoured the omega seamaster (omega 2531.80) strictly on looks and price (about$2500 canadian). I have now got a chance to procure a Tag Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph (CAF2111.BA0809) from a points program. I've been researching the Tag brand and I'm satisfied that it is a quality one but I believe that the Omega is probably superior. With this level of product, brand is very important and not just from a quality point of view. It's more about the "feeling" that you have for that brand. So my "feeling" is that the Tag is a little lower on the brand scale. I don't get as excited about the Tag as the omega. Here is my question. The Tag is a lot more watch from a gadget point of view but what is the forums opinion of the Tag vs the Omega on a brand level, and a specific watch level. I guess I want to feel really good about the Tag brand.
To compare, the Omega Seamaster is a certified chronometer, meaning it is held to the COSC spec of -4 to +6 sec/day time gain/loss. If it falls out of these specs while under its warranty, Omega will adjust it for free. The TAG is not a chronometer. However, since every individual mechanical watch is different, you could end up with a TAG that is more accurate than an Omega. Also, a competent watchmaker can regulate either watch to make it more accurate if you so desire.
The TAG has a Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement in it. While this movement has proven to be very reliable and is used by many major watch manufacturers, it is relatively inexpensive. In fact, you can buy a several hundred dollar Tissot equipped with the same movement.
The Omega is not a chronograph, but its 1120 caliber is extensively modified from its base ETA 2892-A2 movement. Omega never throws a stock movement into their watches - they always heavily modify them to improve any inherent weaknesses in the base movements. So, when you buy an Omega Seamaster, you pay for the higher quality movement and the cost of testing and obtaining a COSC certification.
In terms of "perceived prestige" in the marketplace, Omega is considered more "prestigious" than TAG, just as Rolex is considered more "prestigious" than Omega.
In the end, though, it's all about what YOU like. If you prefer the look of the TAG, then that's the model you should buy. After all, if you're spending this much money on a watch you want to enjoy looking at it. ;-)