Group: Status of my Omega collection - The three "Omegoes" (pun intended!)

Recently, I saw a posting on the Watchuseek forum regarding the number of watches one have for any particular brand. That got me thinking of compiling group shots of my collection using the same rules. I decided to focus on Omega first.

Officially, I have three Omegas. Although there are four listed on my collection page, the fourth is actually my wife's. The gang of three consists of (from L-to-R) the Seamaster PloProf, the Speedmaster Bullhead and the Speedmaster Reduce. From the picture you can see the size difference of all three watches. From a massive 48 mm for the PloProf, to the relatively large 43 mm Bullhead down to the, just nice, 39 mm Reduce, the watches represent different wearing experiences. 

Omega Seamaster Bullhead Chronograph Limited Edition Watch Reference 225.12.43.50.01.001 - I like the way it is, A Review

When Omega introduced the Seamaster Bullhead Chronograph Limited Edition watch during BaselWorld 2013, it created a lot of buzz. It seems that Omega has finally realized the value of their historical iconic designs and it was time to milk it. This is one of the first modern re-introduction inspired by the 1969 Seamaster Driver Bullhead watch (since then Omega has re-introduced a number of its old icons e.g. the Speedmaster Mark II, among others).

It was love at first sight when I lay my eyes on the Bullhead. I had set my heart to get it, eventually. However, I was deeply disappointed to find out that it was going to be a limited edition piece. The likelihood that I would get it became unbelievably slim. However, fortune shined on me and in 2015, I was presented with the opportunity to realize my dream.

The example that I was lucky to get my hands on is the pure black version with the production number 121 (out of 669). I actually like the number. Although I don’t believe in numerology, the 121, to me, signifies what I like about the watch; the symmetry and utility of the design.

There was another option, the Bullhead with the silver dial. However, after looking at it first hand, the silver surface was reflecting too much light that makes it difficult to see. The black version has a more practical feel to it.

Head to Head: Omega Seamaster PloProf Reference 224.32.55.21.01.001 Versus The Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller Reference M116660-0001

It is the clash of titans. This is how best to describe when this two giants from the houses of Omega and Rolex go head-to-head on a no-holds-barred comparative review. What is the prize? To be crowned as the better deep diver.

Omega Seamaster PloProf 1200 M Omega Co-Axial 55 x 48 mm Steel on Rubber Strap Reference 224.32.55.21.01.001 - Its true KPI is how well it continues ticking after being abused, A Review

A watch brand's ultimate professional diving watch. This is one sub-category of my collection philosophy that I have tried to keep with some degree of success.

Since my acquisition of the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller, I have slowly assembled a collection of the best diving watches a brand could create by a few respective watch brands. As at today, I have in my collection the following brand/highest specification dive watch:

1. Rolex/Deepsea Sea-Dweller
2. Deep Blue/Depthmaster 
3. Ocean7/LM-8
4. Bell & Ross/BR02-92 
5. Victorinox/Dive Master Black Ice
6. Orient/Pro Saturation Diver 
7. Citizen/Promaster Autozilla
8. Seiko/Marinemaster Emperor Tuna

Before the close of 2014, I was able to add on to that list. This time, a 'grail' watch from Omega - The Seamaster PloProf. The story how I got the watch is interesting.

OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Co-Axial - A Great Tool Watch That Can Take A Beating, A Review

This OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Co-Axial Reference 2208.50.00 was a gift to my wife back in 2010. I bought it to commemorate her obtaining an open water diving certification. This watch has the "600 M" stamp that denotes its capability to operate down to a depth of 600 meters. A very serious tool watch.

OMEGA launched the Planet Ocean line in 2005. This model, with its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, features a black dial with a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The orange unidirectional rotating divers’ bezel is mounted on a 45.5 mm stainless steel case on a stainless steel bracelet. To put it in perspective the diving capability of this watch, the 600 metres is equivalent to 2000 feet or 60 bar. The Co-Axial calibre 2500 is at the heart of this certified chronometer.

Omega Speedmaster Automatic Chronograph Reference 3510.50 – Is Not a Reduced Speedmaster Professional But A Completely Different Watch Altogether

I have always wanted to get a Speedmaster in my collection. The original idea was to get a Speedmaster Professional “Moon” watch due to its romantic tie-in with the NASA moon landings. Although stories abound on how the Omega was chosen over other brands, the two important criteria, accuracy and the inability of the crystal to shatter and create dangerous floating debris in zero gravity makes the Omega the first choice. If this were the only two important factors for a “Moon” watch, I realized that Omega has another similar looking piece that fulfills the original scope set by NASA. After a lot of thought, I got a pre-owned piece.

The Omega Speedmaster Automatic Chronograph Reference 3510.50 or sometimes called the “Reduced” Speedmaster Moonwatch looks very similar to the Speedmaster Professional. The watch uses the Omega 3220 as a base movement with a Dubois-Debrois chronograph module mounted on top. The case is polished stainless steel, with brushed sides. The case width is 39 mm (versus 42 mm for the Professional). Its height is 11.7 mm (versus 14.4mm for the Professional). Meanwhile, the “Reduce” comes with a domed Hesalite crystal, which is made out of acrylic. The case back is solid and is a snap-on (for the Professional it is a solid case back but screw down).