This is why Omega will beat out Rolex...

[DantonIzzo]

So I called the boutique today and inquired about a flat links bracelet for my FOIS. I specifically asked whether the 19mm flat links on the 57 trilogy speedmaster would fit. She wasn’t sure but said that she’d be happy to order one in (at no cost to me) and for me to come in and try it on. If it fits and if I like it I can purchase it. Mind you the trilogy is a limited edition piece. And the kicker is, she only quoted me $720.

Can you imagine how a Rolex SA would react?

Customer service means a lot to me. I still love Rolex watches but if Omega wins out long term it will be because of how they take care of customers.

What do you think?

[doboy007]

Well, Rolex doesn't own boutiques except for one in Switzerland so...

I do agree that Omega boutiques are friendly.

[denmanproject]

One would think, but no they won't

[subprimero]

Omega may not be the best at marketing, but you have to admire their effort.

[C0d]

Originally Posted by subprimero

Omega may not be the best at marketing, but you have to admire their effort.

I could not have said it better.

[Mutsu]

I doubt it to be honest.

But I know what you mean, the general feeling of service at a Rolex AD is far from what I expect from a high end store. Wether this will come back to hurt them in the future remains to be seen.

I’ve come to expect a certain level of service from high end brand retail stores, as all my shopping experiences have been exceptional. Rolex is a bit of a joke by comparison and it’s hurt my impression of the brand.

[JohnGingerwood]

I mean omega wins in all aspects, service, availability, price, presentation box, etc. except it doesn’t have that darn crown.

[DantonIzzo]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

I mean omega wins in all aspects, service, availability, price, presentation box, etc. except it doesn’t have that darn crown.

Probably right.

[TimeAZ]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

I mean omega wins in all aspects, service, availability, price, presentation box, etc. except it doesn’t have that darn crown.

Almost, but not quite.

Omega needs to work on its metal bracelets and refine their clasps. The PUSH microadjust is awesome, but its a little bulky and the clasps are too big.

Meanwhile, the metal bracelets in general... well, let's put it this way. I love my 300m diver, but only on the rubber strap. The seamaster's metal bracelet is awful, both aesthetically and from the standpoint of comfort. Maybe the older version is better, but the current iteration has sharp edges, it's way too heavy, too thick, doesn't taper, design is outdated, and the clasp is gargantuan. I'm no fan of the styling, either.

Meanwhile my AT has one of the finest, silkiest, smoothest and comfortable bracelets ever, but uses a butterfly clasp and has no tool-less microadjust. Ugh! Almost. That one needs to go on the rubber strap option too. What the heck?

[mrockperez]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

I mean omega wins in all aspects, service, availability, price, presentation box, etc. except it doesn’t have that darn crown.

It’s that pesky dang crown that always gets me...

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Almost, but not quite.

Omega needs to work on its metal bracelets and refine their clasps. The PUSH microadjust is awesome, but its a little bulky and the clasps are too big.

Meanwhile, the metal bracelets in general... well, let's put it this way. I love my 300m diver, but only on the rubber strap. The seamaster's metal bracelet is awful, both aesthetically and from the standpoint of comfort. Maybe the older version is better, but the current iteration has sharp edges, it's way too heavy, too thick, doesn't taper, design is outdated, and the clasp is gargantuan. I'm no fan of the styling, either.

Meanwhile my AT has one of the finest, silkiest, smoothest and comfortable bracelets ever, but uses a butterfly clasp and has no tool-less microadjust. Ugh! Almost. That one needs to go on the rubber strap option too. What the heck?

If you think the Omega clasps are big you should check out the new Sub clasp. It’s basically like wearing another watch on the underside of your wrist.

I agree with the SM300m bracelet though. It was an instant turnoff when I tried it. The lack of taper is very unappealing.

All in all I’ve no major issues with the bracelets. I really like the Speedie bracelet but I don’t like the lack of adjustment.

Omega seems to get so close with their bracelets and clasps, but they seem to fall at the final hurdle.

In answer to the OP: Omega customer service is miles ahead of Rolex. Even at their ADs.

Rolex staff are uninterested and unhelpful. The fact that they are the face of the brand is really bad. Meanwhile Omega sales staff are always so helpful.

[glg]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

So I called the boutique today and inquired about a flat links bracelet for my FOIS. I specifically asked whether the 19mm flat links on the 57 trilogy speedmaster would fit. She wasn’t sure but said that she’d be happy to order one in (at no cost to me) and for me to come in and try it on. If it fits and if I like it I can purchase it. Mind you the trilogy is a limited edition piece. And the kicker is, she only quoted me $720.



Can you imagine how a Rolex SA would react?



Customer service means a lot to me. I still love Rolex watches but if Omega wins out long term it will be because of how they take care of customers.



What do you think?

Did you buy it ? Does it fit ?


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[Token74]

Nonsense. You get good ADs/SAs across all brands. The service I get from my AD is exceptional, the best I’ve ever received.


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[stevedssd]

Originally Posted by glg

Did you buy it ? Does it fit ?


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Unfortunately the 60th bracelet doesn't fit the FOIS or CK2998, the lug holes are at a very slightly different depth on the 60th models compared to the FOIS.....I tried to fit it using the end links from a 60th Speedmaster and Seamaster and it was the same result!

[AEC]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

Unfortunately the 60th bracelet doesn't fit the FOIS or CK2998, the lug holes are at a very slightly different depth on the 60th models compared to the FOIS.....I tried to fit it using the end links from a 60th Speedmaster and Seamaster and it was the same result!

Interesting. Thanks for this insight.

I'll point out that FOIS owners often enjoy the Omega bracelet Reference 1171/1 on their watches. It's possible they specify 19mm end-links or modify the end-links that come with 1171/1 (I don't know for sure), but I have seen posts here and on other fora showing really nice results with this combo.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by DantonIzzo

So I called the boutique today and inquired about a flat links bracelet for my FOIS. I specifically asked whether the 19mm flat links on the 57 trilogy speedmaster would fit. She wasn’t sure but said that she’d be happy to order one in (at no cost to me) and for me to come in and try it on. If it fits and if I like it I can purchase it. Mind you the trilogy is a limited edition piece. And the kicker is, she only quoted me $720.

Can you imagine how a Rolex SA would react?

Customer service means a lot to me. I still love Rolex watches but if Omega wins out long term it will be because of how they take care of customers.

What do you think?

Not sure if you would go with an aftermarket product, but Uncle Seiko has replica flat-link bracelets made for the FOIS. At the price, there is very little risk of giving it a try.

[1William]

I like Omega and have owned many over the years. Comparing the brand to Rolex is an easy move but not the best comparison. Different product lines and desirability. Don't even mention resale values. I might buy an Omega today from my AD at 30% discount and neither of us will pause. Omega is a great watch but it is not a Rolex. And that is great and the point for me.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

Unfortunately the 60th bracelet doesn't fit the FOIS or CK2998, the lug holes are at a very slightly different depth on the 60th models compared to the FOIS.....I tried to fit it using the end links from a 60th Speedmaster and Seamaster and it was the same result!

Agree with AEC, and try the Uncle Seiko flat link. It’s kind of of tough to get on but looks great. I have the US1171 on my FOIS and really like it. Price is about $100 so not a huge loss if you don’t like the look.


One thing I always liked about Omega over Rolex is the fact that Omega will sell you any strap or bracelet for your watch. They practically encourage some individualisation for your watch while Rolex basically tells you tough sh!t.

[JohnGingerwood]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Almost, but not quite.

Omega needs to work on its metal bracelets and refine their clasps. The PUSH microadjust is awesome, but its a little bulky and the clasps are too big.

Meanwhile, the metal bracelets in general... well, let's put it this way. I love my 300m diver, but only on the rubber strap. The seamaster's metal bracelet is awful, both aesthetically and from the standpoint of comfort. Maybe the older version is better, but the current iteration has sharp edges, it's way too heavy, too thick, doesn't taper, design is outdated, and the clasp is gargantuan. I'm no fan of the styling, either.

Meanwhile my AT has one of the finest, silkiest, smoothest and comfortable bracelets ever, but uses a butterfly clasp and has no tool-less microadjust. Ugh! Almost. That one needs to go on the rubber strap option too. What the heck?

I agree for the most part on the bracelet. A little heavy/bulky. I think the micro adjust works better than glidelock,imo.

[JohnGingerwood]

Originally Posted by mrockperez

It’s that pesky dang crown that always gets me...

The crown is powerful!

[KBM]

Great service is a big part of the luxury experience. I have nothing but good things to say about the OB that helped me with the purchase of a bracelet and micro adjustment clasp for my Speedy Tuesday 1.

They ordered all individual parts necessary for the mod, no questions asked. This would be unthinkable with other brands.

[sgwatchguy]

That title - LOL.

No they won’t.

[L_S_SHOE]

Love Omega, but I’m not even sure they’re playing the same game anymore.


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[CasinoRoyale_007]

imo the 1154 6-click is superior to the glidelock...I guess it is sort of heavy though haha.

[felixk92]

Originally Posted by L_S_SHOE

Love Omega, but I’m not even sure they’re playing the same game anymore.

I think they're catching up again tbh. The updated diver 300M is a huge hit and some people are starting to get sick of the Rolex waiting game, which is the perfect opportunity for Omega and to a lesser extent IWC.

[Sandpit]

There's so much noise about resale being the reason why they're incomparable.

I don't know why somebody wouldn't jump at the chance of picking up a watch at a serious discount from retail instead of paying retail (or more).

It isn't a secret that you shouldn't pay retail for most Omega pieces so why is it even a question? Pick up for a good discount and any losses are significantly minimised.

There are very very few watches in existance that you could sell for profit. Try and sell a Datejust to a dealer and get your money back.

[Fleetlord]

Omega is overall great and boutique are very helpful.

They have no chance of surpassing Rolex.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Omega is overall great and boutique are very helpful.

They have no chance of surpassing Rolex.

Exactly my thoughts.
And honestly, don’t really care. They both make great watches that I enjoy . Not everything needs to be a competition. My 2 cents.


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[PepsiBezel]

I love my Speedy, and I have appreciated OB’s accommodating part requests... but, Omega is not going to win out to Rolex.

We choose the Crown, “not because they are easy, but because they are hard...” The difficulty in acquiring Rolex drives its demand.

[BNABOD]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Almost, but not quite.

Omega needs to work on its metal bracelets and refine their clasps. The PUSH microadjust is awesome, but its a little bulky and the clasps are too big.

Meanwhile, the metal bracelets in general... well, let's put it this way. I love my 300m diver, but only on the rubber strap. The seamaster's metal bracelet is awful, both aesthetically and from the standpoint of comfort. Maybe the older version is better, but the current iteration has sharp edges, it's way too heavy, too thick, doesn't taper, design is outdated, and the clasp is gargantuan. I'm no fan of the styling, either.

Meanwhile my AT has one of the finest, silkiest, smoothest and comfortable bracelets ever, but uses a butterfly clasp and has no tool-less microadjust. Ugh! Almost. That one needs to go on the rubber strap option too. What the heck?

Can’t say I disagree w this my 300m is on its magnificent rubber strap just so supple and comfortable it is pointless changing it . I originally ordered the watch w the bracelet and here is the bracelet....still wrapped in plastic





Having said this it is very well made just too bulky too heavy and little to no taper

Clasp wise though the sub is longer but not as wide and both too big but that is just me