Fun fact ; Omega uses Rhodium for the dial hands and the hour markers while Rolex uses white gold. Rhodium is twice the value of platinum, and platinum is roughly 40% more valuable than white gold. So it seems Omega uses better precious metals for the dial hardware. Another fun fact, the omega crystal is domed, while the Rolex is flat. Omega has two layers of anti-reflective coating (inside and out) while the rolex has coating only on the inside. Omega has open caseback to show the movement tech while, rolex has a closed back. Role's bezel is SIGNIFICANTLY easier to operate than the Omega, it also sounds much better than Omega's. It is said that the Oystersteel used on the rolex casing and bracelet is a better blend than the proprietary used on the Omega. Overall this was a fair video. Omega has 35 jewles in the movement (plus the co-axial escaptement) while Rolex has 31 jewels. This means there is slightly less friction happening in the omega, and a much longer interval for servicing. The summary is that Rolex has the prestige/hype/brand recognition and value retention, while Omega has the better technology/specs and value for money. Im personally an Omega kinda guy, but i see also many strong reasons for the Rolex as well. Whichever one you get, you'll be pleased.
Great video! I bought into the Rolex BS and bought a Submariner in 2007 as my MBA graduation gift to myself. After years of people asking me if it was real, noticing every try hard in the office had the exact same watch as me, and then finally coming to the reality that the Submariner really is not that attractive of a watch, and finally getting tired of losing time and being five minutes late by the end of the month; I finally sold it in 2021 and bought both the new Seamaster 300m (black) and the Planet Ocean (royal blue). These two Omega watches are hands down better products than the Submariner. Not only are they both incredibly accurate and I have never once lost time (8800 movement 300m, 8900 movement PO), they are just better looking and attractive watches that wear better on my wrist. The Rolex bracelet would occasionally pull hairs out of my arm and I felt like it was a now-and-then torture device. I put an Artem Hydroflex strap on my black 300m and it just makes that watch pop. I typically rotate them to where I wear one for a month, throw it in the safe, and then wear the other the next month. Nobody has ever asked me are they fake, and I have had many comments on my two Omega's especially the beautiful blue planet Ocean. Lastly, and probably most importantly is the maintenance on these watches. Rolex charges $1,200 to maintenance their watches while Omega is around $600-$800. That's a steep difference IMHO and people don't think about the long-term costs of the brand. Trust me, when I got the bill from the first time I serviced my Submariner I actually put the watch in the safe for months because I did not want to pay that cost. I of course finally did but was absolutely shocked. Bottom line Omega makes a better product for half the price.
I personally own a Omega SeaMaster and a Submariner. I wear my Omega 90% of the time due to it being more comfortable and the fact that even though I have owned the watch for only 7 months I still cant stop staring at it. I just bought the green dial Omega for myself. Thinking about selling the Rolex.
More comfortable? Are you insane? How can you compare the thick, heavy borderline sharp edges of the Omega bracelet with no taper to the silky smooth Oyster bracelet ? Not to mention the known issue with the Omega clasp getting jammed up! So don’t know WTF you’re on about here 🙄
Seamaster PO wearer 👍: As a US Navy Submariner, the Rolex Sub saturates the community however the Seamaster is a unique find, adding an element of sophistication not otherwise found. Hard to top Rolex, but Omega is more affordable with more style options. Omega’s for me! 👏🏼🙌🏼🎉🎊 Great vid, excellent review, Jenni! 👏🏼🙌🏼👍
Regarding value retention, if you want to buy a Rolex sub from an AD, most likely you’ll have to purchase some other craps first, which end you up losing money. If you are purchasing from the grey market, you will have to pay a premium for it, and that ends up losing value too.
Mr Seaweed. You don't need to necessarily buy the other crap. You can bribe the manager with cash (all currencies considered), or could offer sports tickets or access to Taylor Swifts backdoor entrance.
I am lucky to own watches from both brands. Seamaster on a leather strap is my urban diver. The sub is now just a meme - but the oyster bracelet is probably the best of any brand. Main issue with Rolex is they are increasingly a target for violent street attacks in capital cities.
Omega such a better movement - Long time Rolex owner of over 5 watches and my favorite, BUT for the value, quality and decent availability the better bang for your dollars is Omega.. just my two cents worth... Cheers :-)
13:05 i pretty agree with your assessment except i would have given finishing to Omega too. The laser etched wave pattern and sapphire case back just take it to another level. Plus the unmagnified date at 6 just looks so much better for me
RU-vid commentators do not like Rolex, which is not surprising due to the supply situation. To my experience, only a few of these people are die-hard Omega fans, while the majority of them are on a list for a Rolex but simply got frustrated while waiting (which I can totally understand - I‘ve been there too!).
Excellent side by side comparison and having owned and worn both of these watches for years imo this is arguably one of the fairest product vs product reviews I have ever seen. And one I agree with wholeheartedly. The intangibles are where things get fuzzy... how does a watch and a brand make you feel are highly personal. As is the "wart" on the Omega vs. the "cyclops" on the Sub. Also the price and the purchasing experience is vastly different, I prefer the Omega one, but I do understand why some people might prefer the perceived exclusivity of the Rolex. Functionally both watches are exceptional and owning either is a pleasure. Owning both is even better. Fwiw, I own neither of these any longer. I swapped my Sub for a Sea Dweller which fits my large frame better and I just recently sold my 300M in preparation for securing the Omega's 300M NTTD Titanium variant - why? Over years of wearing I found that the two variations from each company respectively better suit me. Exceptional video Jenni - I appreciate your content.
Bought my Seamaster (with the blue dial) in 2000 for $1,250, or around $2,300 in today’s dollars. It’s the only luxury watch I own anymore even though my Apple Watch has replaced it as my daily watch. Still, in its time I wore this watch with tuxedos, to court, to the gym and in the ocean. Great watch.
The submariner without the Rolex logo is an old style ugly watch. Its basically a wealth flex piece of jewelry. The Omega seamaster is a better watch but the Rolex is a better brand.
I brought in my submariner to have the pearl pip replaced a couple weeks ago. My wrist felt naked without it, so I bought a seamaster to fill the void while my sub is in for service. I have to say, two weeks on the wrist with the seamaster, it’s really an excellent watch!
It's always nice to revisit the ongoing rivalry between Seamaster and Submariner. Appreciate this style of review; chill, factual, and with many on wrist shots. IMHO, you're a pro and among the best reviewers.
My year old Rolex Sea Dweller 126600 just came back from the RSC. It was losing about 16 seconds per day. There is much discussion out there about timing issues with the 3235 movement. The day I got it back I sold it back to the original seller and bought a SM300 and a Speedmaster without taking a single penny out of my pocket.
Hype led Rolex to hold value better but it seems that the new Rolex Chronergy calibres can’t keep time correctly for long periods because of these amplitude problems…
Seamaster wears chunky. Bracelet lacks taper, the clasp is huge, and the height is tall. Wearability is a huge factor and should be given more weight than say, a nice box. Submariner does everything just right.
I wish Omega made this watch at 40mm. Also, it may be worth looking at comparison's that are weighted to reflect the importance of certain aspects. Like I would give more value to design, finish, iconic-ness, accuracy/movement, resale-and less value to availability, box, and power reserve, etc. I like both watches and have owned each, but some aspects of each watch are more relevant than others.
Don't get the hype on the seamaster, tacky watch to me. The wave pattern is something that I'd expect on an invicta level watch, but guess once you spend $1 gazillion on marketing then suddenly the tacky waves become "classic". But the worst is the bracelet and clasp, both look like they belong on a $200 watch. Money went on a box rather than the bracelet it seems ha.
The helium escape valve is fantastic as it allows the watch to breathe under decompression which is excellent. It emits tiny tiny helium farts to rythm the decompression…
The Seamaster at €6k; the part she did not say: Rolex €10k - BUT YOU CANT GET IT FROM AD, so you have to pay €16k on grey market and you better hope it’s not a fake. Rolex is such a broken sales system.
I know for all intents and purposes, the Omega is the better offering. Sadly though ... it never did it for me. It's too large, I don't like the overall shape and some of its details. The bracelet looks pretty awkward and too "busy". Same goes for the hands which I also never liked. I'm also not too fond of its see-through caseback. I know why they put it there, but I don't think it has a place on a dive-watch. However: Seeing what Omega give you for a much more reasonable price, it really puts the price of the Rolex to shame. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I had the funds laying around and, more importantly, if I could just walk into an AD and simply put those funds on the table. But I'd be the first to acknowledge that the Rolex is ludicrously overpriced these days.
Rolex simply offers a mystique that Omega could never surpass built through decades of phenomenal product placements and nods from royalty celebrities and entertainers etc. Omega could literally make the best most complicated wrist watch at a reasonable price and it would still just be an Omega and Rolex could produce the most basic watch at double the price and people will still choose it because it’s a Rolex, that type of influence didn’t come cheap I can’t fault Rolex for its brilliant marketing after all I chose Rolex.
Seamaster, hands down. The Sub is timeless and legendary, but having a $10k dinger on your wrist all the time is nerve racking. A $6k dinger isn’t much better but the character and design of that bezel and dial, hands and bracelet, there’s just nothing like it.
I have both, personally i much prefer the Rolex. The seamaster is a little more bulky and less refined than the rolex. Even thinking of selling the seamaster
If both watches were priced the same, I’d give Rolex the edge. I bought a grey market 42.5 mm planet ocean for 4 K less than I paid for a submariner at retail. Given the 300 M’s similar specs at a much better price, it is the winner in my mind.
The fact that this is such a hotly contested comparison proves beyond a doubt that there is zero objective proof that Omega or Rolex is better than the other as an overall timepiece. Know what you want in a watch. Buy it. Enjoy it.
I wouldnt have cared if those two watches swapped their logo. I just love the timeless mid century vintage look which the Rolex Sub happened to have. And no one can beat Omega’s very own Speedy in that department.
Okay, maybe I'm weird............but I rather dislike BOTH watches. The Sub does nothing for me, at least in its modern form. It's definitely not worth what they charge for them, and the Cyclops is a borderline war crime. The Seamaster 300 is one of the ugliest watches I've ever seen. The Planet Ocean on the other hand is an awesome looking watch, as is the 300 Heritage. Please keep in mind that this is coming from someone who owns watches from both companies. Now, give me an Explorer or an Aqua Terra........and it'd be a whole different conversation. Everyone who's arguing specs in these comments makes me laugh. We're talking about multi-thousand dollar watches that are technically inferior to a $100 G Shock. Nobody buys these things solely for the specs, and you all know it. Most people on earth can't afford a watch from either brand, so you should feel lucky that you're even able to have this inane argument to begin with LOL.
1. Box? Really? 2. Consider changing “Finishing” to “Clasp/Bracelet” and “Details” to “Finishing,” since that better aligns with your actual description…
The annoying thing about Rolex's is that people who know nothing about watches think Rolex's are great. Omega is an amazing make and comparing Rolex and Omega is a bit like comparing a Merc and a BMW. Its a matter of preference. Personally I would never wear a Rolex and would choose an Omega, IWC, Breitling, Vacheron, Jeager Le Coutre or Blancpain ahead of them any day!!
Great review! Having owned both brands over the years, personally I prefer Omega as a brand. I also feel certain that Omega has had a more significant and greater impact on the history of high horology. Of course style is very subjective, and the Submariner is truly hard to beat from a design perspective. Rolex were smart to stay true to the original 50s design all these years. The original 50s Seamaster is on par with the Submariner but in my opinion it lost its way in the 70s & 80s. I feel the Seamaster is getting closer aesthetically to being on par with the Submariner. But the non-tapered 80’s style bracelet kills me every time I see it.
Omega was a regular competitor at observatory timekeeping competition hence they have a checkered history in high horology. I do not know if Rolex participated although they may have given they won some medals too… Which brand participated more, outperformed the other, etc… no idea 😉
Quite a fair comparison, but I would add that the Submariner is the most iconic watch design ever made no a joy to wear, with almost perfect proportions and bracelet design. On the other hand the Seamaster is slightly too big, with a pointless ugly helium escape valve and a bracelet that doesn’t taper.
Correct.. the Seamaster bracelet is borderline sharp with a known clasp issue. After owning both the Rolex is leagues ahead in comfort, wearability, versatility and prestige.
When i bought my SMP300 2 years ago i compared it against the Speedmaster. If you want a Rolex a Omega is no replacement imo! BTW the SMP300 is an outstanding watch with a impressive presence on the wrist. I personally own it as my only expensive watch next to my G-Shock, PRX and Seiko 5. The most important thing before buying a SMP300 is to see the dial colors in person and comparing the rubber against the bracelet. Don‘t be afraid to ask. Omega is always very polite to their customers!
Jenni. Nice video. It's great to see you trying to be fair, but we all know you love Rolex. Perhaps you should have compared the Planet Ocean 38.5mm against the R? I would make different calls on your score system, and with the Rolex you do have the risk of theft and physical injury, as well as some Rolex people aren't the nicest. They really enjoy waving about, in your face, thinking you're going green with envy. I just sit quietly and enjoy either my OMG PO or my Pelagos. Please remember, your watch choice should never make anyone else feel less, for you wearing it?
I have both these watches and I prefer wearing the Omega over my Sub, it just appeals to my tastes more. The movement and the sapphire case back just make the Omega a cooler looking watch. Rolex are brilliant watches, but I just feel they are getting a bit boring. I always seem to be glancing at the Omega as it just looks so nice, but when I wear the Sub I only look at it if I need to know the time.
One big disadvantage of the co-axial movement: it’s way too bulky than others. Realistically, two or three more years of service interval is a trivial benefit compared to the discomfort from 2mm thicker case for most users.
Comparisons like this always seem to confirm my dislike for Rolex. Don’t get me wrong, Rolex has definitely made a name for themselves, but comparisons like this just show that there are better and cheaper options out there. Omega specifically has much better designs IMO (those twisted lugs are 🤌). Omega clearly has better movements and dial finishing. This is all pretty subjective, but still, I question why Rolex values are so ridiculous when Omega and other brands have similar or better options.
I bought my white dial 300m last year after being jerked around by multiple Rolex ADs over the last few years. Walked across the hotel lobby from the Rolex AD into the Omega boutique and have never looked back.
If you take the bracelets off each watch Omega polishes both sides of the lugs and between them, Rolex doesn’t. The case back of the Omega is also better finished than the Submariner. You should do some RU-vid searches about how badly finished some Rolex’s are at the moment, they’re everywhere.
To do a proper comparison, one cannot simply have categories. Movement for example ought be weighted far greater than box, since one does not wear a box, most likely did not buy the watch for the box and may never see the box again if the watch is kept for example, in a winder. Re details, very subjective. Worst rotating bezel to grace a watch? Seamaster- very difficult to actuate. Most beautiful feeling bezel I've personally tried? Rolex, on both the GMT and Sub. Details - helium escape valve- very contentious. Note that the bezel numerals and indices on the Seamaster are "painted on". On the sub, those are cut out of the ceramic to give a recessed view of the metal behind the bezel. That's detail. Visibility of date? Movement - 55 hour power reserve in a world of 70 hour power reserves? 0/+5 is better than +/-2s how? Thickness of the 300M? Omega clasp is a bit short such that the bracelet scrapes my hand every time I put it on and take it off. I own both watches, enjoy both watches and agree with another commenter that when I don't want to ding the Rolex I wear the Omega, but not for one second do I believe that using this scale or any other, is the Omega a definitely better watch. Both have their merits. I love the dial of the Seamaster for sure, but love the feel of the Sub on the wrist. The hands on the Omega while attractive, are hard to see for a person who normally wears glasses when not wearing them (on waking for example- a time when we often look to see what time it is). Worse yet, that same visually challenged person (me) will find it impossible to see the lumed markers in the dark, whereas clarity is very high on the Sub, even for ill-focused eyes. Availability and value retention are of course, inversely proportional so that will always be a wash. You'll have your choice of every Seamaster colour at many ADs. Box- not a category. Finishing and wearability - Rolex. Details and movement - tie given the pros for each. Last two - also not categories since they'll always cancel each other out. Win? You and I since they're both wonderful iconic watches from storied brands.
lol what makes you think omega is regret and sorrow? SURE if you want a rolex then buys omega of course you will regret it, same with every other case out there.
I’m getting into Watches and want to get an omega aqua terra I see they have some on their website for 6,300 can I literally buy one online no waitlist no nothing like Rolex and other brands?🤔🤔
Nice video and fair comparison, well done. But honestly I am personally struggling to compare the two. Beside functionalities that I would say are similar, one is undoubtedly much more beautiful than the other, in all means. When you put it together on the screen it gets so so obvious… I don’t say which one because the reader knows already
if you want to wear it everyday, wear the one that technically better because it is more of a tool watch, if you want brand and recognition, my opinion is to go for the other one! both is a very good watch
How can you say a Sub value retention is greater than a Seamaster, when the Sub has been on a 24 month slide with plenty more room to bottom out? I mean, I think you have to base it on what your actual acquisition cost is, not what you'd like it to be (retail).
i like rolex, but every time i see someone wearing one i ask "is it a real one?" i just assume off the bat it was purchased on holiday in turkey. this is why i bought the seamaster. if i was going to wear a fake watch i wouldnt wear an omega so in my mind it just gave it a greater level of authenticity
Sound logic, but a fake watch, you'e only fooling yourself. Also guessing you're from Europe. In the US, Turkey and China are long way for fakes. I love Rolex and know my watches are real / could afford them. The only thing that matters is what I think.
A wise youtuber once said: If you are offered a choice between a free Submariner and a free Seamaster, take the submariner, sell it, buy the seamster and put the extra cash in your pocket.
Value retention shoudlnt be a category when tou buy a TV, a new phone , necklace , car or anything else value retention is never considered . Its only included so rolex doesnt lose too badly . For the price of the Rolex could by th3 omega and w killer dress watch and have true versitility for all occasions.
Correct! That's why you see too many get all worked up when someone doesn't like rolex Bec many bought into the so called "investment" angle peddled by slick salesmen. Now , they get night sweats thinking about resale values 😅. Bec most likely many have over stretched themselves. Watches have and always should be treated as an expense, written off even before you buy them. Just like cars...heck a Rolex costs just like a regular car or less...do you see ppl losing sleep over their resale values? I agree completely with what you said 🎉 To be clear I have both brands. Bought them not Bec of resale values That's why I am happy to look at zenith, jlc , ALS etc bec if you only care about resale you will miss out on a lot of great watches.
C’mon Jenni, I’m an Omega fanboy and owned a dozen Seamaster but I’m going to call you out. Watches are about design coherence and being iconic and in both of those categories, Rolex has Omega beat hands down and that’s why it’s infinitely more desirable.
Submariner: 26 polished sections, 9 brushed sections. Seamaster: 63 polished sections, 16 brushed sections. Of course people give the edge to Rolex for finishing, there's so much less needing finishing to begin with and it's just linear brushing and flat polishing. Best in class, sure, but that's too easy a win.
Thx as always. Interesting method of comparison. In tech when we look at buying an application and selecting the winner from competing vendors, we put a ‘weight’ factor on the categories - box would probably be 5% compared to 20 or 25% for finish and movement.
My experience with Omega and availability has been excellent. When I wanted to get a new Deep Black, the local boutique did not have any in stock. So what did they do? They hunted one down and had it delivered within 5 business days.
Jenni! Your energy is just infectious! When it comes to Rolex vs omega the answer is always Rolex! 😝 Omega box and packaging puts Rolex to SHAME!!!! BUUUUUT Rolex bracelet game & wearing experience is just too good! But hey, that’s just one gals opinion!!
I have the SMP300 and I love it. I like the Sub, but not enough to pay 10k for it lol, for that you could get an SMP 300 and have the better part of an Aqua Terra paid for to go with it. Easy decision.
Even when I prefer Rolex as a brand, in the battle of the subs I have to admit that Omega wins this one. Only thing... Go with the rubber strap! Despite the great quality of Omega watches they still can't make a steel strap as good as Rolex.
I think the Finishing in my opinion goes to the SMP 300, the case and sexy twisted lugs trumps the Rolex's chunky block like ones and the case back why oh why doesn't Rolex have a crystal back, Every time i look at my SMP 300 for a quick look at the time i cant help but bring it closer for a gander.
Get a 3rd party bracelet? the original design's 2nd and 3rd link are probably too close to the edge to make it taper nicely. You can always buy the omega mesh if you don't like 3rd party straps.
Exactly. For a luxury watch going cheap (someone in supply chain gets them a better rate buying the same size links in bulk) on the bracelet is unconscionable.
@@simonthewatchguy6073 yeah that's why you don't have to. Just saying it's part of the watch original design like the HEV. Would like to hear their official opinion why they don't do it though.
Why does everyone compare the 90s SMP300 with the handcuff bracelet, with a Submariner? Compare it with the Seamaster 300. Those are compareable, at least looks wise.
Except she missed the most important factor. The wearability and comfort comparison. You cannot compare the both of them when it comes to comfort, wearability and design. The Rolex is leagues ahead of the Omega. I’ve owned both and the Submariner Date is much light, thinner and bracelet just drapes around your wrist unlike the thick, chunky, heavy and borderline sharp Omega bracelet with no taper.
The Rolex is a magnet for thugs, thieves and criminals so I’d rather steer clear unless I was looking to get into fights with these low lifes… This must also be considered.
It's just too much going on that dial of Seamaster plus that ugly hand set. For me Omega should come back with 2254.50 because that watch was by far the best Seamaster 300m they have ever produced!
Omega really packs a punch for it's cost. Honestly a great piece of machinery. The only gripe I have on the Seamaster is the bezel is a tad bit tough to rotate if your fingers are dry or wet.
You are paying Omega thousands for the same movement Swatch puts in a million other watches, at a much lower price… not to mention even homage and micro brands! They claim to have Co-Axial, on where they take a high beat ETA, and turned it into a pig so that it beats slower for longer service intervals! 😂
Omega is Omega. We all know that Toyota and Honda make great cars that don't even need a service but people still want to buy a BMW or Benz. That being said no matter how Omega makes a great watch, people will likely want Rolex more.
I like ur watch reviews 😅 u inspired me a lot but something it's bad 😅 getting addicted of wearing watches from quartz to cheapest mechanical watches I never get satisfaction never owned a Rolex it's a dream but not on this life I guess 😅 a week ago I began to watch videos on fitness watches n I bought one 😅 I guess I feel better now coz I can change more than 100 watch faces 😂 whenever I get bored wearing one just change the watch face 😂
I recently had to decide between these two for myself, I ended up going with the Omega as I think its a much more interesting watch. The details on the dial, the movement, the bracelet looks cool (IMO), even the helium escape valve is pretty unique. I don't regret my choice for a second. I personally think the Sub overall is a bit bland... However, I now want a Rolex OP which is arguably the blandest watch they make...
Plus you can’t buy the Submariner. I bought the Omega as a revenge purchase, I would have bought it anyway but really wanted the submariner right then..
I had my choice between the two. The fact that I had to kiss the proverbial backside of the dealer to get a Submariner 😊really turned me off. So, I chose the Seamaster and absolutely love it.
If Omega could drop the case diameter and thickness, and have better looking bracelet that also tapers, that would be my choice. Currently too big for my wrist. I've tried it on, it's huge. Another thing... I'm generally not a fan of textured dials, but that wave pattern dial really adds to the character of the watch. I like it.
I agree! I like the sea master so much but I tried it on today and it sits so big on my wrist! I also don’t love the bracelet. It’s so important to try watches on before you buy.
Omega has a mesh bracelet that I think is a must have for the Seamaster. Bracelet can be bought from Omega for $760 USD. The watch and mesh bracelet were made for each other. In fact, some of the 007 editions of the Seamaster use that bracelet.
@@Matys1975I currently have it on rubber not a fan of the original metal bracelet. The mesh looks nice, but 2 things that turn me off, is the gap between the lugs where the bracelet connects to the watch and the pretty significant bulge that forms at the clasp
I’ve always thought the planet ocean is a better contender to go up against the sub. The SM300 feels more like a Yaight master contender - ie. It’s the sister version of the daddy watch (planet ocean).
I own both. There is nothing about the Rolex that warrants the additional price aside from the name. The Seamaster quality, materials, fit and finish, movement - all on par with the Rolex for much less. Also more options for straps, bracelets, color ways, etc. Also the lug-lug of the Seamaster is 50mm. It’s definitely not 48.5. This is the first video I’ve ever seen it listed below 49mm.
In my opinion the best omega ever is the 41mm Aquaterra. When compared to the datejust - it blows it out of the water. The Omega 300M is not as good as the Rolex sub unfortunately
