Omega or TAG?

[eric23]

Hi Guys,

I was looking at some Automatic Chronograph watches today. I am not sure what one I want to get. I looked at a TAG Link Automatic Chronograph (Gold and Steel) it was $4200 CAD and an Omega Speedmaster Automatic Chronograph (Gold and Steel) it was 5500 CAD. The features seem to be the same. Should I pay the extra $1300? and if so why?

I would like to get a Rolex Daytona but I don't want to blow that much cash right now.

Thanks,

Eric

[vegasvince]

I would get the Omega, because I think the fit and finish is a bit better.But more importantly, I think the Omega looks nicer. Which one do you like better?

[applebook]

Do a search because there are plenty of these threads around.

OMEGA is generally considered to be the more reputable manufacturer, and with its recent in-house movements, can be considered a true manufacturer. TAG is a brand.

[AGENT4734]

I am a big Omega fan. Just buy holding the two watches, the Omega's always talk back to me. The braclets on the Omegas also seem to be a little more heavy duty. You should be able to get 25% OFF on either brands. Check around...

[-Subsevens]

INMO, the best move is to go with Omega. However, for roughly the same amount of money you could get a Rolex Explorer?!? Not a bad watch :)

[el-piloto]

Hi there Eric!

Comparing the companies you mentioned, I'd choose Omega w/o any
further thought!!! History alone speaks volumes for Omega! Quality-wise
I'd also pick Omega... It is a company still much closer to its own roots
than TAG! My reasons for choosing Omega are far beyond the scope of
this reply, so I'll leave it at that...

-->But:

Originally Posted by eric23

I would like to get a Rolex Daytona but I don't want to blow that much cash right now.

Since the Daytona speaks to you... well, I'd think it all over again... and
wait a bit.

I understand your point about the cash... but there is one basic thought
you might consider: when it comes to automatic chronographs of "today's"
production, there is (almost) no finer chronograph than the Daytona!!!!
(well, my 2c again)

The Rolex 4130 is the most sturdy & well constructed automatic chronograph
movement out there... Not even the coveted El Primero (or the Rolex 4030)
comes close to it in regards of sheer technical & horological quality. Rolex
gave birth to an absolute winner with their 4130 that powers the Daytonas
from 2000 onwards!
I know that the older 4030 - El Primero based - Daytonas are valued higher
as being more collectible, but when it comes to sheer technical achievements,
the new - and original - 4130 is unbeatable! (IMHO)
For as much as I love the Speedy (and you all know by now that I do )
for example, I'd go as far as this: hypothetically, if NASA were to conduct
new tests and the entries would be automatic chronographs, the 4130 would
win! Hands down & flat out!!!!! Period!!!!

(So now you all know how much I love the 4130 too... )

When it comes to SS (the 116520), we all know what it takes to get a
Daytona at (or at near) list price... So, maybe a TT speaks to you as well? Or
just try to get yourself on one of the lists at your AD...
That way, you'll have time with the cash as well...

Well... what I simply mean with my (much too "wordy") reply above is this:

if it is the Daytona that speaks to you, then don't spend parts of the money
a Daytona would cost you on a watch that just wouldn't be 100% to you. It'd
be better to wait a bit and save the money... so, in the end you'll get the
watch that you like the most...
and the wait will have been worth it all the way!

Just my (many) 2c...

B/R

Petros

[elgatonegro]

Hi there Eric,

IMHO, if you were to ask me to choose between the 2 brands. I would definitely go for OMEGA. It's worth your budget and brand speaks to itself.

For more info. you may want to try this site or this site.

Happy watch hunting bro.

[fikko]

Originally Posted by applebook

Do a search because there are plenty of these threads around.

OMEGA is generally considered to be the more reputable manufacturer, and with its recent in-house movements, can be considered a true manufacturer. TAG is a brand.

Totally agree with applebook. Tag is a brand. A very strong brand here in Asia. Tag plan to launch their new mobile phone watch. Maybe later Tag will be the brand for anything. You buy Tag for the life style and buy Omega for a real watch. Depend on what you need and your personality.

[Scarface]

It is simply not possible to compare these two brands!
Omega
Tag

[Widows Son]

I'm not familiar with Tag, but I love my three Omegas. Tag just seems like a mall watch to me. I know they have a following, but I wouldn't compare them with an Omega.

[Dan Pierce]

Overall Omega is the better brand. Tag Heuer went "mall" in the 80's and early 90's but has recently come back with great designs an innovations. Both have classic references with rich history. Omega seems more "steak" and Tag Heuer seems more "sizzle".
Although I love the Speedmaster my favorite from both brands in the "Steve McQueen" Monaco.
dP

[eric23]

Thanks for all your feedback, I am leading towords the Omega Speedmaster (but I still thinking about Rolex Daytona:).

[eric23]

Hi Petros,

I only seen a Daytona TT on there website. How much is a Daytona SS?

Thanks,

Eric

Originally Posted by el-piloto

Hi there Eric!

Comparing the companies you mentioned, I'd choose Omega w/o any
further thought!!! History alone speaks volumes for Omega! Quality-wise
I'd also pick Omega... It is a company still much closer to its own roots
than TAG! My reasons for choosing Omega are far beyond the scope of
this reply, so I'll leave it at that...

-->But:



Since the Daytona speaks to you... well, I'd think it all over again... and
wait a bit.

I understand your point about the cash... but there is one basic thought
you might consider: when it comes to automatic chronographs of "today's"
production, there is (almost) no finer chronograph than the Daytona!!!!
(well, my 2c again)

The Rolex 4130 is the most sturdy & well constructed automatic chronograph
movement out there... Not even the coveted El Primero (or the Rolex 4030)
comes close to it in regards of sheer technical & horological quality. Rolex
gave birth to an absolute winner with their 4130 that powers the Daytonas
from 2000 onwards!
I know that the older 4030 - El Primero based - Daytonas are valued higher
as being more collectible, but when it comes to sheer technical achievements,
the new - and original - 4130 is unbeatable! (IMHO)
For as much as I love the Speedy (and you all know by now that I do )
for example, I'd go as far as this: hypothetically, if NASA were to conduct
new tests and the entries would be automatic chronographs, the 4130 would
win! Hands down & flat out!!!!! Period!!!!

(So now you all know how much I love the 4130 too... )

When it comes to SS (the 116520), we all know what it takes to get a
Daytona at (or at near) list price... So, maybe a TT speaks to you as well? Or
just try to get yourself on one of the lists at your AD...
That way, you'll have time with the cash as well...

Well... what I simply mean with my (much too "wordy") reply above is this:

if it is the Daytona that speaks to you, then don't spend parts of the money
a Daytona would cost you on a watch that just wouldn't be 100% to you. It'd
be better to wait a bit and save the money... so, in the end you'll get the
watch that you like the most...
and the wait will have been worth it all the way!

Just my (many) 2c...

B/R

Petros

[Tools]

Omega is recognized throughout the world and is only second to Rolex for a "Dream Watch".

Tag is further down the list but ranks higher in the USA (probably right after Omega) than other countries; probably because of the US athletes they get as ambassadors such as Tiger Woods.

The Heuer watch company has a long history of achievements including micro timer stop watches, the first quarts chronograph, and was named as the official timekeeper for Formula One Racing throughout the 70's. TAG and Heuer joined in 1985 to form TAG-Heuer and is recognized for association with skiing, auto racing, golf, etc.. Quite a loyal following.

TAG is not a bad watch at all so get the one you want to wear without fear, but as for me....I would get the Omega..

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by eric23

Thanks for all your feedback, I am leading towords the Omega Speedmaster (but I still thinking about Rolex Daytona:).

You're looking at around $10K for a SS Daytona, and it's not 4-5x the watch a Speedmaster is, no matter what people say. It is that cost because:
A. It's a Rolex
B. It's a coveted luxury accessory, known by many outside the WIS community as a must-have, hard-to-find watch.

Don't get me wrong, the Daytona is a great watch, but for my money, I would buy the Speedmaster which also has a rich history in horology, and, IMO, looks better. That's just me. You'll have enough money left over for a Submariner or GMT! If I was to start my watch collection all over again, it would probably look like one of these:
1. White dial DD Speedmaster, SS Submariner, TT GMT2C (or TT DJ)
2. White dial DD Speedmaster, Bluesy, SS GMT2C

You can see I'm not even discussing TAG Heuer here, as it's not even comparable to the other two, IMO.

[J. Martin Tensuan]

While I've got 2 Tags and 2 Omegas right now, I'd have to agree with everybody else....Omega.

[Perdu]

Personally, I prefer the gold/steel Speedmasters over the Daytona.

[C.J.]

Two totally leagues, in my opinion. I'd go Omega all the way

[Dave Kopf]

I'd go Omega and go back in a few weeks and get the Tag. lol!

[dbanaga]

I'd go for the Omega Speedmaster. I have an older Tag Link, and IMO the link series seems trendy, but still nice watches.

[JJ Irani]

Some of the new TAGs are very nice to look at with some great functional features....but if I were to buy brand new, OMEGA would be the way to go.

How the hell can you ever go wrong with ANY Omega?

[el-piloto]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

(...) but if I were to buy brand new, OMEGA would be the way to go.

Well... all in all... that's what I wanted to say too... my complicated self just
wrote it... err... more complicated!!!

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

How the hell can you ever go wrong with ANY Omega?

Yessss!!! x2

Originally Posted by eric23

Hi Petros,

I only seen a Daytona TT on there website. How much is a Daytona SS?

Thanks,

Eric

Umm... well, the SS Daytona has mysteriously disappeared from their website,
for some time now... some people will say that it was never there in the first
place... but I do remember that it was up... just a week or so prior to this
year's Baselworld...

In any case, the 2008 list price of the SS Daytona is $ 9,200, but as David (DJS)
has pointed out, the 116520 may also be regarded as "over-hyped".

Hype or no hype, it still is a great chronograph.

And this out of the mouth (keyboard that is) of a true Omega lover!
So in MHO, there's still nothing comes close to a classic Speedmaster,
especially when it comes to history, heritage and horological importance!

So, to sum it all up (in a nice and "Petros-like" complicated manner ),
I'd say this:

Regarding your first "dilemma": Omega all the way!!!!!

Regarding your 2nd "dilemma" (that is, Daytona or not): if the Daytona speaks
to you louder than any other watch, you might want to delay your purchase
of a different watch (for as great a watch an Omega is), and go for the one
that you like the most.
If in the end it is not an Omega but the Daytona... well... then you should try
to get one, instead of spending parts of its cost on another watch that would
only be 75% for you...

Well... did I express myself complicated enough?????

& all the best

Petros

[eric23]

I just went to vist my AD and the Daytona SS is back ordered and if I want one there is a 3 year delay. So I will have to hold off on the Daytona SS.

I looked at the speedmaster omega again. I think it is this model323.21.40.40.01.001. It is a real nice watch.

Thanks,

Eric

Originally Posted by el-piloto

[COLOR="Blue"]

Regarding your 2nd "dilemma" (that is, Daytona or not): if the Daytona speaks
to you louder than any other watch, you might want to delay your purchase
of a different watch (for as great a watch an Omega is), and go for the one
that you like the most.
If in the end it is not an Omega but the Daytona... well... then you should try
to get one, instead of spending parts of its cost on another watch that would
only be 75% for you...

Well... did I express myself complicated enough?????

& all the best

Petros

[applebook]

That Speedmaster model will never compete with the Daytona in accuracy or performance. You may luck out with a good one, but its movement is not in the same league as the Rolex.

When we're referring to the historic value of the Speedmaster, we're referring to the Moon watch, and to a lesser extent the Lemania day-date models, not the other models.

Consider the Broad Arrow Speedmasters if you want something that can compete with the Daytona.

[el-piloto]

Originally Posted by applebook

That Speedmaster model will never compete with the Daytona in accuracy or performance. You may luck out with a good one, but its movement is not in the same league as the Rolex.

Yup! This is absolutely true!
Said automatic Speedmaster uses the cal. 1164, and that is based on the
Valjoux (now ETA) 7750.
The 7750 is a good workhorse, but that's just about it. It is definitely not
even close to being in the same league as the 4130 of the Daytona.

Originally Posted by applebook

When we're referring to the historic value of the Speedmaster, we're referring to the Moon watch, and to a lesser extent the Lemania day-date models, not the other models.

x2 indeed!
Eric, I was under the impression that you were looking at a variation of the
Moon Watch and not any of the other models...
The "true" Speedmaster Moon Watch would be a 105.012 or a 145.012 (both
with cal. 321)(so they are "vintage" and you'd need to look for them in the
2nd-hand-market) or the 145.022 with the cal. 861 (also "vintage").

It is in production today under the model#: 3570.50.00

You can find it here: Speedy Pro 3570.50.00 @ omega

That is today's classic & historic Speedy...!

Originally Posted by applebook

Consider the Broad Arrow Speedmasters if you want something that can compete with the Daytona.

Mighty fine watches indeed!
Look at the # 321.10.42.50.01.001
Gorgeous, isn't it? You can find it here: BR Black dial @ omega

Originally Posted by eric23

I just went to vist my AD and the Daytona SS is back ordered and if I want one there is a 3 year delay. So I will have to hold off on the Daytona SS.

Yes... that's how it goes with the 116520... looking to buy one is sometimes
like doing this:

Originally Posted by eric23

I looked at the speedmaster omega again. I think it is this model323.21.40.40.01.001. It is a real nice watch.

Thanks,

Eric

Eric, see the replies above... Applebook has put it nicely...
The real Speedmaster Professional manual wind # 3570.50.00 is the way to
go, when we talk about current production Speedys...

Or else, go vintage

& all the best

Petros

[haakon59]

The Omega is a much better watch imho. As many have said previously, Omega has and excellent history as a watch brand while Tag much less so. While I don't think anyone here would say a Tag wouldn't be an OK watch to own, but in comparison, Omega is much nicer.

[AGENT4734]

The last TAG I owned ended up being ripped out my wrist and went flying against a brick wall when I got into a scuffle at a bar in College. It shattered into pieces... It was an inexpensive 3000 model, though. That was that last TAG I bought for myself.

I did recently purchase a TAG Diamond Chrono Links (Uma Thurman) for my wife. She wanted diamonds and didn't like the Omega Constilation or Rolex DJ with diamonds. She thought they were to old lady looking... she's only 24.

[Bazcol]

Hi, Had two tag before but sold them to get me seamaster and just got me new speedmaster broadarrow, far superiour watch maker

[tutone]

Sorry, just found this thread. I was just comparing the TAGs and Omegas myself. I'm thinking Speedmaster all the way. Just did a quick search, but lots of them are 20% to 30% off at Amazon.

[RW16610]

When it comes between those two brands without a doubt it has to be Omega. I own one, it is not my favourite brand (of course Rolex is) but in comparison I feel you may like the Omega better so take the advice of all those who suggested it.