Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster vs Tag Aquaracer

[tkyong1]

Hi Everyone,

I am newbie to luxury watch.
To me, the 3 mentioned watches looks a like, the outlook, function are almost the same. The only major differences i can find is the price, ranging from US$1500 - 4000. And of course the branding.

I am seriously thinking to get one for myself. It is hard to choice among the 3.

For value for money: i guess Tag is the 1st choice.
For branding value: Rolex Subis a must but the price paid is hard to justify.

Dudes, need your advice.......

[robbyrolex]

I Started with Tag then to Omega and now Rolex

IMHO

Save and make the Rolex your first purchase, you'll end up saving $ in the long run and get to enjoy the Rolex longer and sooner.

The Rolex will be worth the $ spent.

[Atomant]

Originally Posted by robbyrolex

I Started with Tag then to Omega and now Rolex

IMHO

Save and make the Rolex your first purchase, you'll end up saving $ in the long run and get to enjoy the Rolex longer and sooner.

The Rolex will be worth the $ spent.

What Robby means is, just get a rolex straight!

I share the same story too. Bought many Seikos and pretend it's a Rolex. Now I own a SD and am finally happy.

[The Oyster Catcher]

Originally Posted by robbyrolex

I Started with Tag then to Omega and now Rolex

IMHO

Save and make the Rolex your first purchase, you'll end up saving $ in the long run and get to enjoy the Rolex longer and sooner.

The Rolex will be worth the $ spent.

Agreed!

Another post wrote recently, and I quote: " I only buy the best and cry once..........."

Believe me - it's good advice!

[mdx77]

Originally Posted by robbyrolex

.......Save and make the Rolex your first purchase, you'll end up saving $ in the long run and get to enjoy the Rolex longer and sooner.

The Rolex will be worth the $ spent.

Totally Agree!!

[tkyong1]

In fact, I am planning to buy in a pair for our 10th marriage anniversary, which is around the corner (7th March 2008). My aim is to buy something in pair for every 10th years.

The pricing of Rolex is the highest, i am pretty sure to burn a big hole in my pant.

I have checked price with few ADs in town, they are all quite firm with the price, especially the Sub. So, Air King is in my list as well due to budget constraint. The ADs are more willing to give better discount on the Air King due to less popularity.

The max discount from one of the very fine watch shop in town:
Sub : 8 - 10% max in pair.
Air King : 10 - 20% max in pair.

Of course, I can buy 2 Omega with the price of 1 Rolex, this is the problem. So hard decision here.....

What you guy in mind??

[feudallordcult]

Originally Posted by robbyrolex

I Started with Tag then to Omega and now Rolex

IMHO

Save and make the Rolex your first purchase, you'll end up saving $ in the long run and get to enjoy the Rolex longer and sooner.

The Rolex will be worth the $ spent.

same here. i started with tag orange chrono in april 07, flipped it under 3months at a loss of S$400, then moved on to SMP 2531.8000 in nov 07 at a loss of S$100, flipped it under a month then got a SD in jan 08 and been wearing it since! No way in blue hell I'm gonna sell this baby!

If I could turn back time, the SD would have been my choice right from the beginning.

start with the best, nothing comes close to a rollie.

[Orchi]

Originally Posted by TKYong1

In fact, I am planning to buy in a pair for our 10th marriage anniversary, which is around the corner (7th March 2008). My aim is to buy something in pair for every 10th years.

The pricing of Rolex is the highest, i am pretty sure to burn a big hole in my pant.

I have checked price with few ADs in town, they are all quite firm with the price, especially the Sub. So, Air King is in my list as well due to budget constraint. The ADs are more willing to give better discount on the Air King due to less popularity.

The max discount from one of the very fine watch shop in town:
Sub : 8 - 10% max in pair.
Air King : 10 - 20% max in pair.

Of course, I can buy 2 Omega with the price of 1 Rolex, this is the problem. So hard decision here....

Err buddy TKYong1...for all your intent n purposes..your wifey would appreciate you more...when she realizes that you have sought the advises from a worldwide famous Rolex forum n elsewhere diligently...before making your wise decisions to buy your 1st ever Rolex...which would be the obvious choice as far as most folks in the forum are concerned...also.

Please remember this too...getting a Rolex may NOT or NEVER make you burn a hole in your pants...err...but instead getting another brand which you may have in mind...might get you to burn a few holes in your pants...for sure.

Ahem...how much would you think your present NON-Rolex watches that you have in possession are worth...these days?

Happy Anniversary to you BOTH...

[skyline]

Originally Posted by robbyrolex

I Started with Tag then to Omega and now Rolex

That's exactly how I progressed as well.

Tag 6000 > Omega SM > Rolex SS 16610 >???

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

All three watches are very good choices in their own right. Probably, you get most watch for your money with the Omega SM, but you would take a big hit if you want to resell it later. Same thing applies to the Tag Heuer.

Click this link to go to a comparative test of the SS Sub Date and the Omega SM.

If you want a classic icon of diver's watches, go for the SS Sub Date. You get one of the best movements ever made, the Cal. 3135, most of the ingenious Rolex inventions incorporated in ONE watch, and also a watch that you can get your money back on if you want to resell it later if you just wait some years.

Good luck!

[Atomant]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Welcome to TRF!

All three watches are very good choices in their own right. Probably, you get most watch for your money with the Omega SM, but you would take a big hit if you want to resell it later. Same thing applies to the Tag Heuer.

Click this link to go to a comparative test of the SS Sub Date and the Omega SM.

If you want a classic icon of diver's watches, go for the SS Sub Date. You get one of the best movements ever made, the Cal. 3135, most of the ingenious Rolex inventions incorporated in ONE watch, and also a watch that you can get your money back on if you want to resell it later if you just wait some years.

Good luck!

And I fully agree with Bo.

[DS/B MINI S]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Welcome to TRF!

All three watches are very good choices in their own right. Probably, you get most watch for your money with the Omega SM, but you would take a big hit if you want to resell it later. Same thing applies to the Tag Heuer.

Click this link to go to a comparative test of the SS Sub Date and the Omega SM.

If you want a classic icon of diver's watches, go for the SS Sub Date. You get one of the best movements ever made, the Cal. 3135, most of the ingenious Rolex inventions incorporated in ONE watch, and also a watch that you can get your money back on if you want to resell it later if you just wait some years.

Good luck!

I have both the Omega SMP and Rolex Sea-Dweller. Both are very nice watches, but I'd have to give the nod to the SD. If you pick up the SMP from the right place (AD with 30+ % discount), you won't lose much money on resale. If you walk into your local AD and get 10% off retail, you'll take a bath if you ever decide to sell it.
The Omega offers a great watch at a much lower entry level price point. However the Rolex (Sub or SD) offers better case material, in-house movement, tradition, prestige, etc. Biggest drawback is the initial cost being more than twice that of the SMP.
If your budget allows for the Sub or SD...get one. If not, the Omega is a great choice.

[Perdu]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Welcome to TRF!

All three watches are very good choices in their own right. Probably, you get most watch for your money with the Omega SM, but you would take a big hit if you want to resell it later. Same thing applies to the Tag Heuer.

Click this link to go to a comparative test of the SS Sub Date and the Omega SM.

If you want a classic icon of diver's watches, go for the SS Sub Date. You get one of the best movements ever made, the Cal. 3135, most of the ingenious Rolex inventions incorporated in ONE watch, and also a watch that you can get your money back on if you want to resell it later if you just wait some years.

Good luck!

X2

[rpryan55]

Well, I don't know what answer you'd expect from the girls and guys at the ROLEX Forum, but let me add my two cents: Go Rolex. That Sub is iconic, it is recognizable all over the world and is the only watch in the world (besides a Panerai 244) that I want. Why do I want it so? The brand is inconsequential - it is simply a watch that is more exquisitely engineered than the other two. It also has a movement that is made by it's manufacturer, unlike the other two. And it will (even though I'd never buy a watch for an investment) hold its value far, far better than your other choices. But it's also a Rolex Sub - it's what real men wear.

[fear]

You do the research. You buy the TAG and not satisfied so you sell at a loss and buy the Omega. Still not satisfied! So you sell the Seamaster at a loss. You realize that the Rolex's the one you wanted all along. You'll be kicking yourself for not getting it before the price increase!

Do youself a favor. Get the Submariner!

[Paperbill]

Ive had both the Omega and Sub, Sub is a little more robust, Omega a good value. I would buy them both.....

[portable75]

Seikos, Tag and a Tudor....was not happy until I got my GMTII

[BlackpoolRolexCoaste]

Originally Posted by fear

You do the research. You buy the TAG and not satisfied so you sell at a loss and buy the Omega. Still not satisfied! So you sell the Seamaster at a loss. You realize that the Rolex's the one you wanted all along. You'll be kicking yourself for not getting it before the price increase!

Do youself a favor. Get the Submariner!

You know you want it!

[Bassplayer]

Originally Posted by fear

You do the research. You buy the TAG and not satisfied so you sell at a loss and buy the Omega. Still not satisfied! So you sell the Seamaster at a loss. You realize that the Rolex's the one you wanted all along. You'll be kicking yourself for not getting it before the price increase!

Do youself a favor. Get the Submariner!

So true - I skipped the Tag and bought a SM, which I really like - different feel on my rist than the TT Sub I just bought. I am glad I went in that order as I don't know if I would have bought the SM after the Sub. I like and wear both.

On antoher note, if you sell your watches to updgrade - save for the Sub first...

[GuyS]

I had a TAG about 10 years ago, nice for the money. My wife has a blue face Seamaster Omega, its awesome. A bargain for the money and I would love to get one myself.

I have three Rolexes, two DJ's and a 5503 Sub ND To sum up all the points made here, I never look at a Rolex as "money spent". Its just savings in a different form, buy right and buy smart and you are virtually guaranteed your intial investment back. It sounds like I am rationalizing, but its always been true to me.

Example, I paid 1800 for my Sub back about 5 years ago when the 5503 was soft. I could get double that now, so my intial investment is safe plus I have enjoyed the heck out of the watch. Even my DJ, purchased new in 2002 for 2800 from an AD is still close to the money.

Again, buy what you like but if price is a factor, consider the comments (like the one above). Its all relative....

[fear]

"For branding value: Rolex Sub is a must but the price paid is hard to justify."

Branding? Justify this!


http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...+tells+a+story

[fear]

I must've copied the link wrong. Do a TRF search: Every Rolex Tells a Story.

[volvo]

My Friend all three watches brands you mention are very good ones..don't go by it's re-sale value or what, just buy the watch that you really really want and like.

[Wisher]

and honestly think about which one YOU like the best in terms of looks. They are all similar in style with slightly different aspects. So, if they were to all cost they same and were made by Tag (or Omega or Rolex, for instance), then which one appeals to you the most?

Next, have you tried them all on your writst yet? See what they look and feel like. You may be surprised (as I have many times) to find that a watch doesn't look as good on your wrist as it does in a photo or sitting on the counter.

After all this, you may change your opinion.

Now in my opinion, out of all three, the watch that looks the best, feels the best, and gives you the most satisfaction because of an outstanding brand, then you need look no further than the Submariner. I have 3 (counting one Tudor Submariner) in different styles. I LOVE that Submariner look that seems to smile.

[Tools]

Tags, Omegas, and Rolex... Probably the three most desired sport watch brands today..

The Tag is well regarded and robust but being the cheaper of the bunch, is considered a throw away watch.. You wear it til it breaks, then toss it....you can't resell very easily and the cost for repairs just don't justify it as a keeper (unless you truly admire the brand). If you wear one you will always be telling people why you "chose" this over either Omega or Rolex, but the logic will fail.

The Omega is a well known and reliable watch. They are keepers and have a good support structure. They retain decent re-sell value and Omega enthlusiasts take as good care of their Omegas as Rolex owners. The new Omegas will go up probably a thousand bucks next year as they will move to their Co-axial movements which incorporate a free-sprung balance...a feature all Rolex have had for years.

The Rolex is the gold standard where all others are judged. They cost a bit more but you get a bit more exotic case metal (904 Stainless vs. 316, or 18k solid gold vs 14k plate, etc.) A free sprung balance movement, and hands and markers on the dial that are 18k gold. Resales of almost any Rolex is at least what you paid for them after 5 years and many are more.. When you say you have a Rolex on your wrist...you don't have to say anything else.

[CPTL]

I would advise against the Tag. Not the QC or commitment to craftmanship that you get from Rolex. Plus, everyone who thinks they want a luxury watch has one.

Omega v. Rolex you are left with. Omega wins on value. They make a fantastic, durable watch with amazing qualities. Clean lines, good weight, great bracelet and clasp. Features I would love to see on a Rolex, such as AR coating under the crystal and excellent luminous material. The price of the Omega isn't much more than the Tag (once you figure in actual market value and discounts), but it's 1/3 of the Rolex.

Rolex wins on "which is better." You just can't compare to a Rolex. The lines are classic. They started it all. The case, dial, and bezel are iconic and copied by every other watch company (including both Tag and Omega). Their service blows Omega away, but that's more a function of crappy Omega service than great Rolex service. Plus, when you've got a Sub on your wrist, there is no possibility that you'll look at another diving watch as superior. If you're wearing a Seamaster, there's still a chance that Sub will tug at you.

In short:
1. Forget the Tag.
2. If you want a "good buy," get the Omega. Possibly the best value watch out there ('cept maybe Oris).
3. If you want the best, get the Sub.

[wantonebad]

Like the others I’ve had a succession of watches, all the while telling myself “ah, it just like the Submariner”, and then when I saw someone wearing the sub, I would just drool. I’m as cheap as they come, and finally I just had to come to grips with the fact that nothing else is a Rolex and rationalizing wasn’t working for me. It’s easy for me to say “ah cut to the chase and just buy the Rolex” cause I bought lots of watches I didn’t need hoping it would get me closer to what I wanted, but sometimes you just have to find out for yourself, so do as you please.

But when you change your mind, come back here so we can all tell you we told you so!!

[vman]

Hey,

I was in the same boat. Do yourself a favor and skip on Tag. If you want to get an Omega, go with a gray dealer or used. Amazon.com or Bernardwatch.com will have good prices on Omega.

Rolex Sub is iconic, but it was not for me. Stainless steel Submariners will retain most of the value over time. Combined with regular price increases and the fact that you can almost always flip it at a good price makes it a good first choice. But do yourself a favor and try all the watches first. After looking at many watches I actually prefer GMT-IIc over Sub, but that is my choice.

One more thing: It is all up to you. Whatever marketing gurus have come up with is irrelevant. You can climb mountains and dive w/o a Rolex watch and many people have done just that. Go to a store, try watches, get the one that you love the most.

[C.J.]

For pure bang for your buck, Omega all the way. If the extra $$$ isn't a problem and you want the all around total package, get the Sub. You really can't go wrong with either one

[mdtddd2007]

go with a Rolex.