Our Watch Comparison returns this week, and features two gents’ Omega chronograph watches as our objects of scrutiny. Omega has enjoyed a particularly rich period of worldwide exposure as of late, due in part to the early unveiling of their Baselworld 2014 plans and also their official involvement in the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, but, no matte
r what other aspects they might be venerated for, their timepieces will always remain their most exciting developments. The two chronographs we are about to look at have been selected by Banks Lyon Manager Bob Breden, and both utilise the 9300 Co-Axial movement; the same mechanism that powers the enormously popular Omega Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon watch.
Omega De Ville Gents Prestige Chronograph
An undisputed dress watch par excellence, the Omega De Ville Prestige Chronograph is a veritable spectacle in stainless steel, and makes use of a sleek matt finished graining upon the case for a light and uplifting appearance. This is a watch of classic contrasts, with the clear aesthetics of the case and deployment buckle superbly complementing the darker colouration of the strap. With a scratch resistant sapphire crystal framing a stunning dial that boasts silvered Roman numerals, this is a watch that will remain decisively on-trend for a genuinely indefinite timeframe. The timepiece is water resistant to a commendable 100 metres, which is more than sufficient for everyday use. As full and prolonged immersion might damage the hugely fashionable black crocodile leather strap, this chronograph primarily remains a dress adornment, and is brought to you by Banks Lyon for 36 monthly payments of £116.44 alongside a 20% deposit.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chrono Watch – 45.5 mm Steel
Chosen specifically in response to widespread enquiry, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chrono watch is far heavier in form that the De Ville chronograph, and the 600 metres water resistance possessed by this model renders it a true diver’s wristwatch. No less striking than the De Ville in terms of design, the engineering within this timepiece has clearly been directed at conquering the underwater world. A helium escape valve allows trapped pressure to be vented when submerged, and the specially serrated crown and buttons are optimised to be gripped when wearing a wetsuit. The unidirectional ceramic bezel is also superb for indicating the time left on a dive, although the fine matt finish surrenders nothing in terms of visual appeal either. The bracelet, designed to fit over a wetsuit with ease, conforms to a matt finish as well, and this choice brings the added benefit of allowing scratches to be efficiently negated as well. With an innovative ‘minute tracker’ that allows measurements to be accurate to a tenth of a second, this is a timepiece of true horological excellence, and is available from Banks Lyon for the same price as the previously mentioned De Ville.
Despite their differences, both of these timepieces also displays great uniformity in certain areas. As well as the chronograph capability and the shared mechanical movements, both also utilise a column wheel to allow exceptionally easy timekeeping when skipping between time zones. The chronographic push buttons on the casings are sealed within their interiors, rather than making use of the screw-down design so common to some other luxury watch brands, and this revolutionary consideration allows the buttons to be freely operated underwater. Each also comes with a 60 hour power reserve, resulting in the automatic movement being highly convenient. As well as this, both the Planet Ocean and the De Ville rely upon a silicon hairspring to provide anti-magnetic protection for their marvellous movements, visible through the exhibition casebacks on each timepiece, so neither relinquishes much of an advantage to their esteemed sibling.
Both of these timepieces clearly excel in certain areas; the De Ville in the world of dress and the OMEGA Planet Ocean in the sphere of exploratory diving. However, it is truly remarkable to see how these two watches, both so different, actually cross over in so many ways, and also provide a robust imitation of the others’ speciality as required. Here at Banks Lyon, we recognise the value that is intrinsic to each of these fine chronographs, and we stock a huge collection of alternative Omega watches that represent a large proportion of this celebrated brand’s watchmaking history as well. For more information, please call our professional team on 01524 38 48 58 and we’ll be happy to assist you.