Vintage vs. New!
- Amor Vincit Omnia
- Moderator
- Posts: 33785
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:34 pm
- CW-watches: 4
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Re: Vintage vs. New!
Now, I guess I'd probably be expected to say "Vintage", but don't forget I'm also a very happy Nomos owner as well as having a couple of vintage Omegas.
Nomos - fantastic looking and performing watches. Superb modern German movements. As mentioned, quite versatile and would look good in almost any situation. Think sharp white cuff & smart suit.
Vintage - Omega-wise, and for the same budget, you're in Constellation country, or if not Omega, then JLC or similar. Unbeatable classic design and looks. Old Omega movements are very fine, but obviously you run more of a risk with vintage. Think linen jacket & panama.
High quality vintage pieces by top makers are going up in value, but I expect Nomos will hold their value pretty well (you don't see many for sale!) And anyway, if you're buying it as a keeper that doesn't matter so much. Most vintage watches can be serviced very reasonably by good local watchmakers. My Nomos is only 18 months old, so I haven't thought yet whether it will go back to Glashütte or not.
My vote? Tough call, but I'll say Nomos...just!
Nomos - fantastic looking and performing watches. Superb modern German movements. As mentioned, quite versatile and would look good in almost any situation. Think sharp white cuff & smart suit.
Vintage - Omega-wise, and for the same budget, you're in Constellation country, or if not Omega, then JLC or similar. Unbeatable classic design and looks. Old Omega movements are very fine, but obviously you run more of a risk with vintage. Think linen jacket & panama.
High quality vintage pieces by top makers are going up in value, but I expect Nomos will hold their value pretty well (you don't see many for sale!) And anyway, if you're buying it as a keeper that doesn't matter so much. Most vintage watches can be serviced very reasonably by good local watchmakers. My Nomos is only 18 months old, so I haven't thought yet whether it will go back to Glashütte or not.
My vote? Tough call, but I'll say Nomos...just!
Steve
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
Re: Vintage vs. New!
That is the biggest surprise I've had today....Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: My vote? Tough call, but I'll say Nomos...just!
Richard
- Amor Vincit Omnia
- Moderator
- Posts: 33785
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:34 pm
- CW-watches: 4
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Re: Vintage vs. New!
downer wrote:That is the biggest surprise I've had today....
Tough call, like I said. You know how I feel about my vintage watches. There are not many modern watches I am into, but whenever I put that Nomos on I think, "God, this watch is fantastic!"
Steve
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
- Dancematt
- Senior Forumgod
- Posts: 7817
- Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:15 am
- Location: Top secret hollow Volcano. Kent UK
Re: Vintage vs. New!
Upon first look of the title I thought easy - vintage. Then opening up revealed vs Nomos and now I'm not so sure.
I love my club, but didn't get on with the Orion when I put it on. The same appplies to old Omegas, most just get lost in a field of vintage models, ''they all look the same to me'' is apparent 99% of the time, but every now and then something special catches my eye, say a Nos boxed honeycombe small seconds dial or a vertical teak deck dial on original bracelet (or a mint cosmic or F300 perhaps) and I would pick one of those rare ones over any Nomos. Just not a run of the mill vintage Omega and on that budget you have that choice.
If you haven't tried on a Nomos that should be your first port of call
PS buying from a respected vintage dealer nets you a fully serviced model and a 2 year warranty which may level the playing field.
I love my club, but didn't get on with the Orion when I put it on. The same appplies to old Omegas, most just get lost in a field of vintage models, ''they all look the same to me'' is apparent 99% of the time, but every now and then something special catches my eye, say a Nos boxed honeycombe small seconds dial or a vertical teak deck dial on original bracelet (or a mint cosmic or F300 perhaps) and I would pick one of those rare ones over any Nomos. Just not a run of the mill vintage Omega and on that budget you have that choice.
If you haven't tried on a Nomos that should be your first port of call
PS buying from a respected vintage dealer nets you a fully serviced model and a 2 year warranty which may level the playing field.
I miss all the great things that may never be.
Re: Vintage vs. New!
I too prefer the WR and sapphire of new models, but I lead a pretty active life.Wis wrote:The Nomos is probably more versatile as an everyday watch, having better WR and sapphire crystal. The Orion is a modern classic imo. I voted Nomos.
Of course, the JLC wins hands down.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Re: Vintage vs. New!
Still not a vintage collector ! However, I tend to agree with this sentiment. Although it is very important that any buyer is made aware of any 'modifications' or 'improvements' I fail to see why any owner might not try to impove the appearance of their Omega just as they might their E Type Jaguar.robert75 wrote:I may be a minority here but I see nothing wrong if a watch is given a lick of paint so long as its honest and not made out to be something it isn't. The history of the watch isn't a massive thing to me unless its something I have owned since new.
- Robin CB
- Senior Forumgod
- Posts: 2923
- Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:05 pm
- CW-watches: 1
- Location: Sunny Sussex
Re: Vintage vs. New!
I have a vintage Omega which I am rather found of (and a modern one which is my favourite watch), but the price difference is such that as a straight 'here it is, take it' I would have to chose Nomos.
It would have to be a very special vintage Omega to be worth a straight swap for a Nomos in my view, and that's before considering the advantage of a new watch (water resistance, time before service needed, etc).
It would have to be a very special vintage Omega to be worth a straight swap for a Nomos in my view, and that's before considering the advantage of a new watch (water resistance, time before service needed, etc).
- Kip
- The Administrator
- Posts: 35169
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:45 pm
- CW-watches: 150
- LE-one: yes
- LE-two: yes
- LE-three: yes
- LE-foura: yes
- LE-fourb: yes
- LE-five: yes
- LE-six: yes
- LESeven: yes
- Location: New Hampshire, USA
Re: Vintage vs. New!
I think much depends on the intended use. If you are thinking more about a daily type wear, then I vote Nomos. If occasional use I vote Omega.
Kip
"Asylum Administrator"
Visit the CWArchives for everything CW. Historical, specs, manuals and resale. It is all there.
"Asylum Administrator"
Visit the CWArchives for everything CW. Historical, specs, manuals and resale. It is all there.
- Konketsu
- Senior Forumgod
- Posts: 1870
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:56 am
- CW-watches: 6
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
Re: Vintage vs. New!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it hard to decide. With my 10 space watch box slightly overflowing, either choice wouldn't be a daily wearer, but rather a special occasion or at least a weekend dinner out watch. My mind says Nomos but my heart says Omega? There's just something warmer about a vintage Omega, while a Nomos seems too sterile.. But I have yet to handle a Nomos, so I'll have to find a way to make that happen.
If I start talking about the "soul" of a watch, slap me with a trout. lol
If I start talking about the "soul" of a watch, slap me with a trout. lol
"It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time." - Sir Winston Churchill
- Monkey
- Senior Forumgod
- Posts: 4573
- Joined: Wed Dec 26, 2007 7:48 pm
- CW-watches: 7
- LE-two: yes
- Location: Surrey
Re: Vintage vs. New!
I like vintage watches and collect period Tissots, which are obviously closely connected with Omega, but you need to be careful buying vintage Omegas as a lot are messed around with with dodgy dials, incorrect hands, cases and cobbled together movements, so do your research first.
Also, if I was going to go vintage Omega, I'd want a higher calibre piece, rather than a standard model, so again, something to think about.
I also rather like many in the Nomos range, so as Kip said, if its a daily wearer, and depending on what you do, I'd probably go Nomos, but if you want a nice vintage for occasional wear, go for the Omega, or even go a little more upmarket and see what something like that JLC would cost you as that would be a more stand out piece for me, but as above, be careful and do your homework.
Also, if I was going to go vintage Omega, I'd want a higher calibre piece, rather than a standard model, so again, something to think about.
I also rather like many in the Nomos range, so as Kip said, if its a daily wearer, and depending on what you do, I'd probably go Nomos, but if you want a nice vintage for occasional wear, go for the Omega, or even go a little more upmarket and see what something like that JLC would cost you as that would be a more stand out piece for me, but as above, be careful and do your homework.
John
Re: Vintage vs. New!
how about this for about the price of the Nomos? Not exactly vintage but solid gold and very nice if you are into dress watches
- Konketsu
- Senior Forumgod
- Posts: 1870
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:56 am
- CW-watches: 6
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
Re: Vintage vs. New!
Well, I've just voted with my money and bought a 1958 Seamaster from a trusted seller on the Omega forums. It was less than $500, original dial etc. so not really comparable to the price range of a Nomos. I'll have to put more money aside for one of those eventually.
"It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time." - Sir Winston Churchill
Re: Vintage vs. New!
A good choice IMHO. A little bit if history on your wrist too, and bought from a reputable source.
Nothing wrong with Nomos, I'm considering one as my modern dress watch to compliment Omega Connie. After all, one needs more than one dress watch.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nothing wrong with Nomos, I'm considering one as my modern dress watch to compliment Omega Connie. After all, one needs more than one dress watch.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post