Watches - another OCD problem
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@Anesthetist- you sounds like you're trying to talk yourself out of the one you really want. Get the X33. You owned a Speedy and didn't keep it, which means you're unlikely to keep this one. And as you say, you own a lot of divers already and you don't sound in love with the Nekton, which means you're unlikely to keep it. On the other hand, you could buy the Speedy and then, in a couple of years, when you've tired of it, I could relieve you from the burden of owning it…
@QuantumMechanic- go ahead and sell the Hulk. Take the huge profit and never look back. It's a great looking watch, but the market for Rolexes is insane right now. No telling how long it will last.
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@Anesthetist I think the sapphire sandwich is more refined and less tool watchy. Display case back of the new master chronometer, coaxial movement, applied versus printed Omega logo, I think it has the contrasting polished and brushed bracelet instead of the more utilitarian, less blingy all brushed. It’s the one I would pick. But Speedy purists would disagree.
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@Anesthetist how does the battery upkeep of the X33 compare to servicing a Speedy? And how often will it need replacing?
I've got a feeling that Omega sometimes replace the entire quartz movement in the X33 during servicing, which might be what bumps the price up. That said, their website says it costs $750 (AUD) to service a quartz chronograph, versus $1130 for a mechanical, so you might come out ahead.
I'm not up on the arcana of the sapphire and Hesalite Speedy. I believe that the former is more durable, and has a display back, but the latter is more original. That said, you're unlikely to be exploring space, so having a flight qualified watch isn't too important.
The Nekton looks good, but I would probably hold out for the none-so-black Seamaster instead. The Bond watch is nice, particularly on the titanium strap, but the 007 branding is a turn off, and it is a lot more expensive.
@QuantumMechanic I agree with @Chris that if you don't wear the Hulk, you might as well take advantage of the Rolex bubble and offload it.
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@Anesthetist
Optical the first two are nice. But the first omega has huge number of LCD digits on display. That is question of taste. If you like this functionallity, take this. I myself like mechanical watches most. Years ago I saw the GS 9f quartz movements and have never got it out of my head since then.
Go for the X33;)
@QuantumMechanic
That is a nice hulk. Green is the colour of Rolex. Sell it now and later you will be sad about this decision? I would keep this unique masterpiece
keep in mind you got it for a moderate price -
Thanks guys, I’m leaning toward the X33 at this point. It is such a unique watch with a mega high geek factor and def has conversation starter potential.
@eisenhertz I’ve owned a 9f GS and it was a wonderful watch. My taste changed but the watch was just impeccably made. Another good one to look at is the Citizen Chronomaster. Mine lost 1.2 seconds over the course of a year.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Also, every time I wear this beast I love it a little more
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@Anesthetist Propofol?
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@Anesthetist I have owned a MK1 X33 for over 15 years now and have done my own battery change out on them, super simple and very cheap. Go for it, fab watch!
Very small screws in the case back, keep a good track of the screws when removing them, I put them into a plastic bowl so they don't go missing.
The case back is double skinned ( that is why the alarm on the X33 is so damn loud, designed to resonate between the two case backs.)
Once the screws are removed the outer casebook can be taken off and then the inner casebook simply pops off with a small amount of leverage from the flat bladed screwdriver. Swop out the battery, clean off any dust or debris on the movement and gasket with a cotton bud, install the inner caseback, install the outer casebook and then screws back in. Tighten carefully in a methodical pattern checking all are made up and none have been forgotten.
Don't attempt taking the back off the watch with any kind of distraction in the house. Good lighting and a decent small flat bladed screwdriver are your friend.
My X-33 was pre owned and I have used it everyday for work offshore so it is no show pony. I simply can't justify the Omega service costs. I get around 3-4 years out of each battery. Changing the batteries out myself has saved me quite a bit over the years.
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Ploprof is about heavy enough to knock someone out
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@Anesthetist I have owned a MK1 X33 for over 15 years now and have done my own battery change out on them, super simple and very cheap. Go for it, fab watch!
Very small screws in the case back, keep a good track of the screws when removing them, I put them into a plastic bowl so they don't go missing.
The case back is double skinned ( that is why the alarm on the X33 is so damn loud, designed to resonate between the two case backs.)
Once the screws are removed the outer casebook can be taken off and then the inner casebook simply pops off with a small amount of leverage from the flat bladed screwdriver. Swop out the battery, clean off any dust or debris on the movement and gasket with a cotton bud, install the inner caseback, install the outer casebook and then screws back in. Tighten carefully in a methodical pattern checking all are made up and none have been forgotten.
Don't attempt taking the back off the watch with any kind of distraction in the house. Good lighting and a decent small flat bladed screwdriver are your friend.
My X-33 was pre owned and I have used it everyday for work offshore so it is no show pony. I simply can't justify the Omega service costs. I get around 3-4 years out of each battery. Changing the batteries out myself has saved me quite a bit over the years.
Thank you for the positive feedback and the advice! I think I will use the OSC while the watch is under warranty and then do my own afterwards. I have a pretty good set of micro flathead drivers so I think if I can keep my patience I’ll be good. I did the battery change on my Max Bill MEGA but it was a mega B. There was a 1mm screw holding down the battery hatch 🥵 It took me some time but ended up fine, but man I was sweating it. I can do epidurals and spinals all day but that tiny screw made me nervous AF.
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When I was in Melbourne on Friday I dropped by the Cartier store and they had a number of their new pieces in stock. I got to try on the Ballon Bleu, which I actually rather liked. It has a very smooth case that feels like a pebble from a stream. I'm not sure if this is the new 40 mm or the 42 mm.
Some of their new models were on display. The Pasha Chronograph works better than the Santos Chronograph, which feels quite chunky. I didn't get to try it on.
There was also a Tank Asymétrique Skeleton that got me wondering whether I could take down the security guards…
I took a look in a multi-brand store across the street. There was the Blancpain Bathyscaphe Seventies in the new desert colour scheme. I didn't take a closer look (or a photo), but I reckon it will look a lot better on a dark brown strap. The sandy one it's supplied on isn't that attractive.
The IWC boutique still has the Big Pilot Big Date Mission Accomplished model in stock, which I do like. But it's the same price as the H Moser Pioneer Mega Cool, which is a more interesting piece. But I do like the bronze case.
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@Deuce Thats a classic right there. Love the simple make up of the OP. I managed to get a turquoise dial 31mm OP for my wife, trying to get a 41mm turquoise OP for myself but rare as…....
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I really like the look of the Ballon Bleu, super refined and beautiful. I’d like to own one someday along with the new solar powered Tank….
But that will have to wait because yesterday I finally got a grail of mine from way back. Cheers to my long gone friend Ed for turning me on to space exploration and this amazing watch. His was the second gen X33 (which the USA still uses), but somewhere I’m sure he’s super happy that I picked this one up.
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@Anesthetist
Your new Omega is a beaut.
Very well done, Sir
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@Anesthetist I do like your X-33. I think I prefer the black dial aesthetic over the original model.
Here is my cosmetically challenged X-33 work watch. Strap is from Erika Originals.
