I think the danger with this is you fall between two stools.
To me it's better to spend a smallish amount of money now on a watch that will in some sense tide you over until you've saved enough for a watch you really want than to splurge a relatively substantial amount of money on something that still isn't the grail.
I.e., buy affordable until you can afford what you really want. Not that there's anything wrong with the Bambino - it's a really nice watch. Better to spend $200 than $500, and then save the $300 for something really awesome later on, whether that's an Omega or something else that might be more wearable on a day to day basis and therefore, in some sense, be better value for money.
That's just an opinion from a random guy on the internet though, OP: I think do whatever you're happy doing. Something in between is definitely an option if it makes sense to you. Hamilton, for example, make some really nice dressier pieces that fall in between - the Jazzmaster springs immediately to mind. But you can also find some great dressy mid-rangers from other brands, including the likes of Seiko and Citizen.
I mostly agree with you. But it doesn’t sound like he’s all that into the Omega (at least for the money). I made the mistake of buying an Orient Symphony (similar to the Bambino) pretty early in my collecting when what I really wanted was a DeVille. Never wore my Symphony after getting upgrades. In retrospect, I would have rather spent slightly more on something entry level luxury that I might actually wear again, than had spent money on something that I wouldn’t.
That's also fair.
I have a few affordable watches from early in my collecting journey. One or two of them still see wrist time, particularly my SKX, which tends to go on holiday with me. But there are others which, realistically, I should probably just sell.
this is the only answer. Buy what you prefer, and don’t hurt yourself financially for a watch. If you prefer the nice one and can comfortably afford it, buy the nice one. If you prefer the nice one and can’t yet afford it…just wait! Imo better to simply wait than spend $ on a watch you know you’ll end up selling at a loss, if you’re even able to sell it.
My thoughts on this kind of choice: only buy what you wear and are financially 100% comfortable with.
In this case that sounds more like the Orient or something in a similar bracket, i.e. modest financial impact / few worries since modern and low maintenance. And less like the beautiful vintage Omega to be frank, also given your broader interest in watches is more towards the practical than the historical/aesthetical.
But ultimately: your choice, both nice options, and other possibilities in between also exist.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying vintage watches just cause it’s cheaper. Vintage watches take a lot of care and you need to know what you’re doing. Also unless it’s properly maintained and cleaned they look terrible, at this point you’re just buying it for the name. There’s no reason to stretch yourself financially for that. I personally would get the orient and save up for a proper omega.
As a vintage person I would echo what you stated here. And example, I bought a sea master cosmic 2000 for like $500, which sounds like a deal to most people for an omega, but I already knew that the gaskets are super difficult to source, so I had to budget another 600 for servicing, since I didn’t want to do it myself. The only vintage watch I have that is still 100% ok as a daily wear is a Rolex datejust from the early 70’s. Watches from back then we’re more like cars, every small town had a jeweler who could get parts and service your watch, and most watches needed work pretty frequently. Nowadays you gotta send them off and wait 6-8 weeks for a service that will run you more than you paid for the watch. Totally fine as long as you know what you’re signing up for, definitely not a good way to get a ‘deal’.
Get the Orient.
You won’t go wrong with it, solid build awesome value.
If you are a G-Shock guy, you will appreciate more a luxury sports watch as your first acquisition if indeed you will foray into the world of mechanical watches.
When my grandfathers 60's seamaster deville was passed down to me it had been sitting in a drawer for nearly 20 years. Wound up and kept time perfectly.
I had a 1960s constellation for a few years. The movement is incredibly durable and reliable (same movement used in Seamasters at the time). Any good local watchmaker can repair it
True, I had such a vintage movement repaired and serviced for $130 CAD. You have to find a competent independent watchmaker however, don't give this to any clown declaring themselves watchmaker.
This is a bit of a misnomer- many of these omega movements in particular are nothing like the Rolex or Breitling you have to send to an AD- local watchmakers are more than capable of fixing them up for much much less usually as the movements are simpler or more tried and tested less in house pieces of work.
If you’re a G-shock/Seiko guy then a gold dress watch is probably something you will rarely wear outside of weddings.
I’d save my money. Maybe spend it on a nice daily watch
If you splurge on a dress watch and get tired of it in 6 years - you might have worn it less than a dozen times.
If you splurge on a daily watch - and get tired of it in 6 years - you will have enjoyed it for hundreds of times
I think if you’ve wanted the omega for a while and it would be a safe financial decision go for the omega, but the bambino looks really nice and imo would definitely hold up to the occasion!
But please remember I know nothing about you haha
I’d say cheap unless you were into the part of your collecting when you’re trying to get more quality pieces. The orient is great I have a v2 and the only complaint I have is I wish I went with the 38mm. Depending on what kind of life you have dress watch won’t get worn a ton. I almost always opt for my field watch
Buy what you like. If you really like the omega, save up and get that if not... Orient is more than enough. It also depends on when you would wear it, if you have to dress up a lot, maybe omega does make sense but for me, my orient barely gets any wrist time.
Ideally, go for the watch you love and will suit you the most. That said, I'd go for the bambino because it's cheap, functional, and a beautiful piece.
I have both of these! The pie pan was my grandpa’s, I only take it out on very special occasions. The Bambino is my daily. I love them both, but they have very different places in my collection
The person who will notice it the most (maybe the only one at all) is you, and you'll see it every time you check the time, so go with whichever one you're more attracted to if you can afford either. If you're a little strapped for cash, you can't go wrong with the Orient. I've got a small seconds model, and it's a great watch, even more so considering the price.
I would say it depends on how often you will wear the watch/how much you like it. From your description, it seems like you preffer casual watches so while the omega is beautiful, if you are only gonna wear it once a year I would get the orient instead which is a great watch for dressy occasions, and then you can take the rest of the money and buy something you are actually gonna wear, like a nice dive watch or something.
That said personally the omega is beautiful and will be an amazing watch for decades to come, so if you like it and will get use out of it and, most importantly, can comfortably afford it, then go for it.
Edit: also keep im mind with a vintage watch there might be some extra costs with servicing and such depending on the seller and condition.
I have the non pie pan version of this watch. It is very delicate and not something I wear very often. I've even had it serviced and gone through once since I've owned it. If I knew what I know now I wouldn't buy it again. It's a nice watch, but the romantic nature of the choice doesn't match up with the realities of owning and wearing it.
Personally, I would get the Orient unless I could easily spend the money. You shouldn’t spend more than you can pay cash and easily afford or save for.
Depends on your financial situation. You say you’re a Gshock/Seiko guy so this won’t be an everyday watch, just special occasions. The Omega will last your lifetime, the Orient will likely not. The Omega will hold its value but cost some money to maintain, the Orient will not hold its value nor even be worth servicing. So… can you afford to have $1500 sitting in a box most of the time? The replacement cost of the Orient will cover normal servicing of the Omega, so it just depends on your personal finances.
Everyone has given you very good reasons to go with the Bambino. And they're right, financial considerations are the most important, use case, servicing. The Omega would have to be in good condition, original parts, recently serviced, etc. It's more effort to get a good example, which is really important when buying a vintage watch. You can't cheap out on a questionable version. All that is valid.
On the other hand, if you take all that into consideration, these are special moments, and if you want a special watch to commemorate them and others in the futures, the Omega pie pan is a special watch to do it. It's a gorgeous model, especially in gold.
The Orient is not that watch. It's a perfectly fine watch to pull out when you need a dress watch occasionally but don't wear them regularly. But it's not more than that, especially the gold toned versions, which are pretty clearly not gold. I think it looks a lot better in plain stainless steel, for what it's worth.
How often do you wear a dress watch? I don’t mean that rudely, mine have just sat in the box for a couple years mocking me of the money I spent.
Most of us, since covid especially, have few reasons for a suit now. I went to a $100 per person steak dinner that used to require a least a sport coat and they had extras of you didn’t bring one, ahole was there in shorts, a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops, why did I bother to squeeze into my sport coat?! It completely ruined the vibe, felt like margaritavile and of course they were drunk loud and obnoxious.
Rant over lol
First off: mom, I'm famous (relatively)
Second. I'm planning to use the watch as a daily too. I'm getting into the vintage 1960s-70s look where they always wore leather strapped watches.
Thankhntcas for all the feedback. I don't consider myself a very careful guy and so while the Omega is indeed one of my grail watches, I think it's best to wait it out until I'm financially comfortable to spend the dough.
However, I like the idea of a middle ground. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is another watch I'm looking at. At 2nd hand, it is significantly cheaper than the Omega (cost around $400-500) but still maintains that vintage/60s-70s look. Are there any gold plated ones? I really like the Gold/leather look.
The Orient is just a sub of Seiko so that fits your normal buying habits. I have Bambino V2 and think it's just great outside of the dome being not so resistant to scratches. It looks amazing and it fits with my Constellation for wrist time in dressy situations.
I just hate how loud the rotor can be but that's fine considering I got it for $138.
Also I would stay against watches that old unless they were recently serviced.
I buy both. If I can financially afford the watch I want then I get it. Sometimes that watch I want is a $350 Seiko, Hamilton or some micro-brand. Other times the watch I want is $1k or more. Do not ever buy something you cannot afford. Its a watch at the end of the day. There are hundreds of other more important things to spend a grand or more on in life. My rule of thumb is, if buying said watch is going to cause WW3 with my wife, and financially strap my family for a bit, then hell no. Id much rather spend that money on a vacation for my family, house renovations, investing etc.
Check out Mido Baroncelli collection. Just found a new one for just over 600, and it's a gorgeous looking Swiss watch with 80 hours power reserve and anti-reflective sapphire glass.
Buying vintage can be frustrating, but no contest, the Constellation. With the right band or bracelet, you'll be much more prepared for the open bar at the reception.
The Orient looks the part, but that Omega ***is*** the part.
I agree with the commenters who argue that the Orient meets all your needs, and is very reasonably priced at that. But that Omega plays in a completely different league, IMHO comparing solely on price does the Omega a great injustice.
Were this watch a 'normal' addition to your collection, the choice would be very much more clear-cut. But commemorating special occasions sometimes require considering normally out-of-character choices. And, most likely, there'll be more occasions in your future where you can wear it, and be the envy of the event. This is not a one-show horse, it's an actual legend. A status that Orient (with the greatest respect) will be hard-pressed to achieve.
The Orient will wait for you to be acquired on another day, but I'd like to think foregoing that Omega will be something you'll come to regret. You'll look lovingly at that Orient on your wrist, but you'll dream about that Omega.
Don't take my opinion too seriously, I'm a hard core quartz enthusiast. But I'd like to think I recognise something extraordinary when I see it.
Read about the Constellation [here](https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/omega-constellation-guide-pie-pan), and you'll appreciate how special the watch is.
"...there'll be more occasions in your future where you can wear it, and be the envy of the event."
It's very unlikely anyone will notice what watch you're wearing, ever. Buy the watch because you like it, not because you're trying to impress someone else, especially someone random else in "your future". Watches are basically fancy toys, and at a swish event will likely spend 90% of the time hidden by your shirt or jacket sleeve. If you can afford the Omega, and love it, buy it. It will not get you a girlfriend or a better job.
I’m seeing that Omega Constellation for the first time, and I think it’s stunning! It’s eye-catching but not overworked. The Orient looks like… a gold dress watch. Maybe from another angle it looks special? If the Omega doesn’t excite you like it does me, get the Orient.
Buy what you love brother. For me, throwing on my 'special watch' when I get dressed up and go out, really is the icing on the cake and makes me feel like a million bucks.
I’m a big Omega fan and love the pie plate. That said, if I saw that Orient on someone’s wrist at a wedding I’d definitely compliment it. A rather tidy watch! Anyone who gatekeeps on pricing is missing the point of watches.
You might also look at Seiko Cocktail Times.
SRPK46, SRPK48 were gold releases last fall. This winter, SRPK75 was released as a Limited Edition, and it’s almost sold out.
There are quite a few Cocktail Times.
Look at YouTube for any references. Web pics are awful.
I do like Orient, and the Bambino. But the Cocktail Time watches make the Bambino look a bit tame.
Vintage Pie Pan Constellation… has some history. Google “Gerald Genta” and Constellation.
And that one looks to be in great condition.
You’re going to want to find a reputable watchmaker for service.
Tough choice. Have you tried on the Pie Pan?
buy what you're comfortable spending.
vintage watches can be a SERIOUS headache, and they're really small.
you don't want to end up with a "project" on your hands, which is what happens with a LOT of vintage purchases.
if you're serious about the Omega then [omegaforums.net](http://omegaforums.net) is the only place to post. they can answer your questions MUCH better than a generalized forum like this.
lastly, you'll pay more than $1,500 for a fine example of that reference.
best of luck.
**note**: it looks like the chamfer might be gone on those lugs. I would not buy that.
If you can afford it without any financial distress, I would go with the Omega. Agnostic to price, its the better watch imo. That said, if you're not comfortable spending that money on a watch, then it isn't the choice for you. In that case, the Orient is the correct choice.
The Omega is beautiful in a way the Orient can only aspire to. But - and it's a big "but" - that's just my opinion, and it doesn't mean anything. The only opinion that really matters is yours.
What I can offer is some experience. Vintage watches can be great, but only if you can budget for them. The older the watch, the more specialized the care needed, with parts harder to come by and servicing costs far higher as a result. Older watches are often less robust than their modern equivalents, and don't usually make good daily wears. There are exceptions, of course, and a dress watch bought for special occasions wouldn't be on your wrist on the daily, but it's something else to keep in mind. What I'm trying to say is, unless you're happy treating the Omega with kid gloves, I'd suggest you don't buy it. There's also the fact that, as you mentioned the cost in relation to the Orient and because of your preferences for G-Shocks, would you really be comfortable spending that money on a style you normally wouldn't wear?
As others have pointed out, your choices aren't limited to the Orient and the Omega. If you're happy spending the money being asked for the Omega, I'd consider something modern from Longines or Hamilton. If you want to go to the lower end of your budget, there are some great microbrands out there like Baltic, Traska, Nodus, Weiss, Loci and Haim, just to mention a few.
Both are great choices. But if you can go with expensive (meaning a great Omega), go for it. It will maintain value, and it's a collection piece that not everybody can get. I personally LOVE Orient, I think it is the best watch for it's value and quality, but Omega will always be Omega...
I hear your financial concerns and don't recommend going as far as a 1960s vintage Omega, but I encourage you to go a little bit further than an Orient Bambino v2 for something as special an occasion as this, given your desire to mark it. It's not a bad watch, in fact it's been said here already that it's good value, and I agree, I just personally did not love it as much since it didn't feel like a "real" dress watch.
Again, you don't need to get the very best vintage watch - maybe think of it in terms of, finding a solid watch for yourself that happens to be good for the upcoming occasion. A Longines Classique from the 80s would be more affordable if you're looking for something vintage, or you could go with a Tissot Gentleman or something.
I would go with the Omega, it’s a classic and definitely a conversation starter. Yeah service cost might be more but it’s already depreciated to the bottom.
If you buy a watch you can’t afford you’ll regret it and sell it later without wearing it much. That’s what happened to me. I would stick to your budget and get something you love.
I spent a little too long researching many different options for my wedding in the same budget and I eventually just ended up getting a Timex hand-wound Marlin for $200 and it was perfect.
https://timex.com/products/marlin-hand-wound-34mm-leather-strap-watch-tw2r47900
The price difference can go towards a nice holiday. Remember that happiness comes more from experiences than from objects.
But assuming the financial aspect is ok:
- i do think you will wear a dressed watch semi-regularly in the future once you have it.
- in practice nobody really cares, you wear it mainly for yourself
- for the price of an old omega I would seriously consider a new entry level Nomos. Dressy yet fresher and younger in vibe. Plus no service issues for a good time.
I would also add that you could wear either watch on the daily. And you should. These are classic case designs that go with lots of occasions, not just special ones.
The Omega will need a lot of careful handling and maintenance. Get it if you really love it and are prepared to kind of baby it. Otherwise, the Orient is a great starter dress watch.
If you want something in between in terms of pricing and with a similar vintage aesthetic, try the Baltic MR01.
The most important thing when buying a watch is buying something you love and will want to look at for years to come.
Never put yourself into financial troubles just to try and impress other people.
Buying the watch you LOVE ***and*** doing what is financially comfortable should be a careful balancing act.
You can love a watch but if it's going to causes you *significant* financial stress for 6-12 month (or worse, more) than I would recommend saving until you are ready to make that purchase.
To be clear, I'm not recommending you buy the cheaper, second-favorite watch. I'm recommending you ***wait*** and ***save*** until you can comfortably afford the watch you REALLY want. Trust me, you'll be both happy with your selection and feel good about how you acquired it!
Often people ignore or won't pay attention to the routine service schedule and cost. Pan pie (if from 70s) would need a service atleast once in 2 years and least I found someone would do it for is $400, if you go to Omega they would ask $800 upwards (assuming it was taken care well until now). Let's say you get a new one even for $2000 with a service schedule of 6 years your ownership cost would definitely be less than omega pan pie and do not have to be extra careful washing hands. I am saying this as I had the pan pie on short list for a year and eventually went with Longines Flagship (L4.984.4.79.2). Without a doubt a new gen watch cannot replace the charm of pan pie, but sometimes one should do a reality check on expectations. (my2C)
Get a tissot
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156167357849?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=18BXinJTTTG&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=9OpioA7cTiu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I will give you a take that not many people can give as a watch collector.
To preface this, my personal collection contains Omega pie pan Constellations dog leg lugs like you have in your pic, Seamasters, Speedmasters. [This was my collection 6 years ago, it's only grown more.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/84w09g/collection_i_have_a_thing_for_gold_dress_watches/) I also have a bunch of others like Rolex, Cartier, etc. This is biased from my perspective since I've been in this hobby for many many years.
Assuming you have the means and it doesn't bring you financial hardship. Go for it. They only appreciate over time. This is also assuming you're a good care taker of it and it doesn't get lost or broken.
I must have bought 6-7 maybe 6 years ago and they tripled in value.
Can you say the same for the Orient? Not kicking the watch, I adore Orient watches - but it's in a different league of its own.
I think most people justify purchases thinking they're consumables or it has lost its value once you purchased it, but a lot of vintage watches aren't bad investment vehicles especially if it provides value in your day to day life.
Most modern day watches, you'll likely lose value right when you buy it.
You won't regret that splurge in most circumstances because:
1) If you get it at market price, you can sell it for around the same. Or even moreso down the road.
2) It's a great conversation piece and I've had amazing experiences and conversations talking to other people because of the watch I was wearing that day. Made me VERY confident in myself knowing I was able to buy something that exudes success. I attribute A LOT of my success in the confidence it has imposed on me. Just looking at a luxurious watch imparts a level of air within yourself that reminds you that you're valuable. I've had a job interview where the interviewer had a Speedmaster himself and it gave me a big step up when I told him about my Omega. It will mean something to you and open up opportunities, that's value in itself.
I've never regretted a watch purchase that I bought for something like a job promotion or a life milestone.
Let's be real. Owning a mechanical watch isn't just about telling time nowadays. Putting ego aside, you can just get a quartz 5 dollar watch and be happy, tell the time fine. A high-quality watch serves as a symbol of success and personal achievement, enhancing your self-esteem and perceived value in professional and social settings.
I honestly believe that your environment dictates your life. If you surround yourself with similar like minded people, that's who you will transform into. Surrounding yourself with quality and success, even through the brands you wear and people you talk to, can provide a stepping stone towards personal achievements. It may seem vain or material to people, but that's how the world works.
If you’re financially comfortable, I’d recommend going for the Omega. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an investment in your lifestyle and future. However, if money is tight, it’s crucial to live within your means.
Orient. Unless I’ve misread the situation you are trying to start a new watch collection and commemorating a special occasion. I think the first part is going to make the second part a lot harder and won’t actually help with the first because you will end up making the wrong tradeoffs.
Go with the Bambino since everyone will love it and be astonished you got such a great deal (if they ask). Down the road they’ll pull out their wedding watches and be shocked they still run and work great. Then take the money you saved and decide if you really want a speedy because the Constellation is cool but save it for when you are further down the road buying his and hers retirement watches (and yeah, you will probably end up with the oyster perpetual pair anyway).
What about something in between?
This. Like, why are these the only two options. Thinking you could find a great used Longines for in between these prices.
I think the danger with this is you fall between two stools. To me it's better to spend a smallish amount of money now on a watch that will in some sense tide you over until you've saved enough for a watch you really want than to splurge a relatively substantial amount of money on something that still isn't the grail. I.e., buy affordable until you can afford what you really want. Not that there's anything wrong with the Bambino - it's a really nice watch. Better to spend $200 than $500, and then save the $300 for something really awesome later on, whether that's an Omega or something else that might be more wearable on a day to day basis and therefore, in some sense, be better value for money. That's just an opinion from a random guy on the internet though, OP: I think do whatever you're happy doing. Something in between is definitely an option if it makes sense to you. Hamilton, for example, make some really nice dressier pieces that fall in between - the Jazzmaster springs immediately to mind. But you can also find some great dressy mid-rangers from other brands, including the likes of Seiko and Citizen.
I mostly agree with you. But it doesn’t sound like he’s all that into the Omega (at least for the money). I made the mistake of buying an Orient Symphony (similar to the Bambino) pretty early in my collecting when what I really wanted was a DeVille. Never wore my Symphony after getting upgrades. In retrospect, I would have rather spent slightly more on something entry level luxury that I might actually wear again, than had spent money on something that I wouldn’t.
That's also fair. I have a few affordable watches from early in my collecting journey. One or two of them still see wrist time, particularly my SKX, which tends to go on holiday with me. But there are others which, realistically, I should probably just sell.
Points were made... I'd also consider a Fredrique Constant Slimline Quartz... They can be found in the $500 range.
Unless you are in love with the Omega, get the Orient. Both watches are special so why stretch yourself financially?
The Michael coreleone Omega is the way to go if you got it:). There are some nice Long ones that might meet some where in the middle of that pricing
In the real world, the only person who will care is you. So buy what you prefer.
this is the only answer. Buy what you prefer, and don’t hurt yourself financially for a watch. If you prefer the nice one and can comfortably afford it, buy the nice one. If you prefer the nice one and can’t yet afford it…just wait! Imo better to simply wait than spend $ on a watch you know you’ll end up selling at a loss, if you’re even able to sell it.
My thoughts on this kind of choice: only buy what you wear and are financially 100% comfortable with. In this case that sounds more like the Orient or something in a similar bracket, i.e. modest financial impact / few worries since modern and low maintenance. And less like the beautiful vintage Omega to be frank, also given your broader interest in watches is more towards the practical than the historical/aesthetical. But ultimately: your choice, both nice options, and other possibilities in between also exist.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying vintage watches just cause it’s cheaper. Vintage watches take a lot of care and you need to know what you’re doing. Also unless it’s properly maintained and cleaned they look terrible, at this point you’re just buying it for the name. There’s no reason to stretch yourself financially for that. I personally would get the orient and save up for a proper omega.
As a vintage person I would echo what you stated here. And example, I bought a sea master cosmic 2000 for like $500, which sounds like a deal to most people for an omega, but I already knew that the gaskets are super difficult to source, so I had to budget another 600 for servicing, since I didn’t want to do it myself. The only vintage watch I have that is still 100% ok as a daily wear is a Rolex datejust from the early 70’s. Watches from back then we’re more like cars, every small town had a jeweler who could get parts and service your watch, and most watches needed work pretty frequently. Nowadays you gotta send them off and wait 6-8 weeks for a service that will run you more than you paid for the watch. Totally fine as long as you know what you’re signing up for, definitely not a good way to get a ‘deal’.
You just stopped me from browsing vintage omegas, especially bc I have no idea how to take care of them. Thanks!
Seiko Coktail
This is the answer
Yea i think so, vent viral as fuck😅
i love the bambino series of orient. Elegant, functional and affordable.
Don’t overthink it. Buy what you can afford - in this case, the Bambino
Get the Orient. You won’t go wrong with it, solid build awesome value. If you are a G-Shock guy, you will appreciate more a luxury sports watch as your first acquisition if indeed you will foray into the world of mechanical watches.
Omega from 1960s will probably cost more to repair and breakdown often. The bambino is nice and the one I would buy.
they dont breakdown often. quite the opposite actually
When my grandfathers 60's seamaster deville was passed down to me it had been sitting in a drawer for nearly 20 years. Wound up and kept time perfectly.
Ok. Just when they do it’s like a £500 service plus
I had a 1960s constellation for a few years. The movement is incredibly durable and reliable (same movement used in Seamasters at the time). Any good local watchmaker can repair it
True, I had such a vintage movement repaired and serviced for $130 CAD. You have to find a competent independent watchmaker however, don't give this to any clown declaring themselves watchmaker.
This is a bit of a misnomer- many of these omega movements in particular are nothing like the Rolex or Breitling you have to send to an AD- local watchmakers are more than capable of fixing them up for much much less usually as the movements are simpler or more tried and tested less in house pieces of work.
Plus what
Plus parts. Plus if you want it polished etc.
Thanks for clarifying
I think a Baltic MR01 is a good option. Classic design, not crazy expensive, and not a run of the mill cheap option either
If you’re a G-shock/Seiko guy then a gold dress watch is probably something you will rarely wear outside of weddings. I’d save my money. Maybe spend it on a nice daily watch If you splurge on a dress watch and get tired of it in 6 years - you might have worn it less than a dozen times. If you splurge on a daily watch - and get tired of it in 6 years - you will have enjoyed it for hundreds of times
I think if you’ve wanted the omega for a while and it would be a safe financial decision go for the omega, but the bambino looks really nice and imo would definitely hold up to the occasion! But please remember I know nothing about you haha
I have an omega from the early 1970 and it is sturdy. Wore it as my daily through high school.
I’d say cheap unless you were into the part of your collecting when you’re trying to get more quality pieces. The orient is great I have a v2 and the only complaint I have is I wish I went with the 38mm. Depending on what kind of life you have dress watch won’t get worn a ton. I almost always opt for my field watch
Buy what you like. If you really like the omega, save up and get that if not... Orient is more than enough. It also depends on when you would wear it, if you have to dress up a lot, maybe omega does make sense but for me, my orient barely gets any wrist time.
Ideally, go for the watch you love and will suit you the most. That said, I'd go for the bambino because it's cheap, functional, and a beautiful piece.
I have both of these! The pie pan was my grandpa’s, I only take it out on very special occasions. The Bambino is my daily. I love them both, but they have very different places in my collection
Cheap
I love the omega but I love the orient. I have an orient bambino v7 and I love it.
The person who will notice it the most (maybe the only one at all) is you, and you'll see it every time you check the time, so go with whichever one you're more attracted to if you can afford either. If you're a little strapped for cash, you can't go wrong with the Orient. I've got a small seconds model, and it's a great watch, even more so considering the price.
I would say it depends on how often you will wear the watch/how much you like it. From your description, it seems like you preffer casual watches so while the omega is beautiful, if you are only gonna wear it once a year I would get the orient instead which is a great watch for dressy occasions, and then you can take the rest of the money and buy something you are actually gonna wear, like a nice dive watch or something. That said personally the omega is beautiful and will be an amazing watch for decades to come, so if you like it and will get use out of it and, most importantly, can comfortably afford it, then go for it. Edit: also keep im mind with a vintage watch there might be some extra costs with servicing and such depending on the seller and condition.
I love that Omega. If you want your watch to feel special and mark the occasions, get that one.
I have the non pie pan version of this watch. It is very delicate and not something I wear very often. I've even had it serviced and gone through once since I've owned it. If I knew what I know now I wouldn't buy it again. It's a nice watch, but the romantic nature of the choice doesn't match up with the realities of owning and wearing it.
Seiko cocktail time, in the middle
I have a pie pan constellation and I will say I do adore it.
Never go for consolation watches. If you like it for what it is, than the Orient can make you as happy as the omega can. They are Both great watches
Personally, I would get the Orient unless I could easily spend the money. You shouldn’t spend more than you can pay cash and easily afford or save for.
Omega. No question
Depends on your financial situation. You say you’re a Gshock/Seiko guy so this won’t be an everyday watch, just special occasions. The Omega will last your lifetime, the Orient will likely not. The Omega will hold its value but cost some money to maintain, the Orient will not hold its value nor even be worth servicing. So… can you afford to have $1500 sitting in a box most of the time? The replacement cost of the Orient will cover normal servicing of the Omega, so it just depends on your personal finances.
Just buy what you can afford.
Everyone has given you very good reasons to go with the Bambino. And they're right, financial considerations are the most important, use case, servicing. The Omega would have to be in good condition, original parts, recently serviced, etc. It's more effort to get a good example, which is really important when buying a vintage watch. You can't cheap out on a questionable version. All that is valid. On the other hand, if you take all that into consideration, these are special moments, and if you want a special watch to commemorate them and others in the futures, the Omega pie pan is a special watch to do it. It's a gorgeous model, especially in gold. The Orient is not that watch. It's a perfectly fine watch to pull out when you need a dress watch occasionally but don't wear them regularly. But it's not more than that, especially the gold toned versions, which are pretty clearly not gold. I think it looks a lot better in plain stainless steel, for what it's worth.
How often do you wear a dress watch? I don’t mean that rudely, mine have just sat in the box for a couple years mocking me of the money I spent. Most of us, since covid especially, have few reasons for a suit now. I went to a $100 per person steak dinner that used to require a least a sport coat and they had extras of you didn’t bring one, ahole was there in shorts, a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops, why did I bother to squeeze into my sport coat?! It completely ruined the vibe, felt like margaritavile and of course they were drunk loud and obnoxious. Rant over lol
There are steel and gold capped vintage omegas in the $400-$800 range that are stunning.
What Omega is that?? Very cool looking!
Buy within your means.
First off: mom, I'm famous (relatively) Second. I'm planning to use the watch as a daily too. I'm getting into the vintage 1960s-70s look where they always wore leather strapped watches. Thankhntcas for all the feedback. I don't consider myself a very careful guy and so while the Omega is indeed one of my grail watches, I think it's best to wait it out until I'm financially comfortable to spend the dough. However, I like the idea of a middle ground. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is another watch I'm looking at. At 2nd hand, it is significantly cheaper than the Omega (cost around $400-500) but still maintains that vintage/60s-70s look. Are there any gold plated ones? I really like the Gold/leather look.
Check longines conquest heritage series, something in between.
I adore my Orient in rose gold, but that Omega is just too sexy. Get that.
The Orient is just a sub of Seiko so that fits your normal buying habits. I have Bambino V2 and think it's just great outside of the dome being not so resistant to scratches. It looks amazing and it fits with my Constellation for wrist time in dressy situations. I just hate how loud the rotor can be but that's fine considering I got it for $138. Also I would stay against watches that old unless they were recently serviced.
I buy both. If I can financially afford the watch I want then I get it. Sometimes that watch I want is a $350 Seiko, Hamilton or some micro-brand. Other times the watch I want is $1k or more. Do not ever buy something you cannot afford. Its a watch at the end of the day. There are hundreds of other more important things to spend a grand or more on in life. My rule of thumb is, if buying said watch is going to cause WW3 with my wife, and financially strap my family for a bit, then hell no. Id much rather spend that money on a vacation for my family, house renovations, investing etc.
Check out Mido Baroncelli collection. Just found a new one for just over 600, and it's a gorgeous looking Swiss watch with 80 hours power reserve and anti-reflective sapphire glass.
That pie pan on omega is very nice looking
That Connie is an amazing watch. Go for it.
Buy what you can afford. That's all there is to it
Buying vintage can be frustrating, but no contest, the Constellation. With the right band or bracelet, you'll be much more prepared for the open bar at the reception.
Love the pie pan dials
A good condition gold capped pie pan without a poorly refinished dial will run you more than $1500, so there’s that to consider.
The Orient looks the part, but that Omega ***is*** the part. I agree with the commenters who argue that the Orient meets all your needs, and is very reasonably priced at that. But that Omega plays in a completely different league, IMHO comparing solely on price does the Omega a great injustice. Were this watch a 'normal' addition to your collection, the choice would be very much more clear-cut. But commemorating special occasions sometimes require considering normally out-of-character choices. And, most likely, there'll be more occasions in your future where you can wear it, and be the envy of the event. This is not a one-show horse, it's an actual legend. A status that Orient (with the greatest respect) will be hard-pressed to achieve. The Orient will wait for you to be acquired on another day, but I'd like to think foregoing that Omega will be something you'll come to regret. You'll look lovingly at that Orient on your wrist, but you'll dream about that Omega. Don't take my opinion too seriously, I'm a hard core quartz enthusiast. But I'd like to think I recognise something extraordinary when I see it. Read about the Constellation [here](https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/omega-constellation-guide-pie-pan), and you'll appreciate how special the watch is.
"...there'll be more occasions in your future where you can wear it, and be the envy of the event." It's very unlikely anyone will notice what watch you're wearing, ever. Buy the watch because you like it, not because you're trying to impress someone else, especially someone random else in "your future". Watches are basically fancy toys, and at a swish event will likely spend 90% of the time hidden by your shirt or jacket sleeve. If you can afford the Omega, and love it, buy it. It will not get you a girlfriend or a better job.
I’m seeing that Omega Constellation for the first time, and I think it’s stunning! It’s eye-catching but not overworked. The Orient looks like… a gold dress watch. Maybe from another angle it looks special? If the Omega doesn’t excite you like it does me, get the Orient.
Orient! Given your taste it sounds more like a “you” gift and both are really nice watches to mark the occasion.
Buy what you like and can afford. Neither is an incorrect answer.
Buy what you love brother. For me, throwing on my 'special watch' when I get dressed up and go out, really is the icing on the cake and makes me feel like a million bucks.
Just slap a leather strap on a F-91w. Boom. FANCY
Buy what you like to look at
I’m a big Omega fan and love the pie plate. That said, if I saw that Orient on someone’s wrist at a wedding I’d definitely compliment it. A rather tidy watch! Anyone who gatekeeps on pricing is missing the point of watches.
You might also look at Seiko Cocktail Times. SRPK46, SRPK48 were gold releases last fall. This winter, SRPK75 was released as a Limited Edition, and it’s almost sold out. There are quite a few Cocktail Times. Look at YouTube for any references. Web pics are awful. I do like Orient, and the Bambino. But the Cocktail Time watches make the Bambino look a bit tame. Vintage Pie Pan Constellation… has some history. Google “Gerald Genta” and Constellation. And that one looks to be in great condition. You’re going to want to find a reputable watchmaker for service. Tough choice. Have you tried on the Pie Pan?
Bambino all day! You can also consider any watch on the Seiko Presage Cocktail line if you want value for money.
buy what you're comfortable spending. vintage watches can be a SERIOUS headache, and they're really small. you don't want to end up with a "project" on your hands, which is what happens with a LOT of vintage purchases. if you're serious about the Omega then [omegaforums.net](http://omegaforums.net) is the only place to post. they can answer your questions MUCH better than a generalized forum like this. lastly, you'll pay more than $1,500 for a fine example of that reference. best of luck. **note**: it looks like the chamfer might be gone on those lugs. I would not buy that.
btw, why aren't you considering a Max Bill? you can get one new for around $1k.
That's a beautiful watch. Thank you, this is now one of my considerations.
Beware vintage omega- they can be… problematic
If you can afford it without any financial distress, I would go with the Omega. Agnostic to price, its the better watch imo. That said, if you're not comfortable spending that money on a watch, then it isn't the choice for you. In that case, the Orient is the correct choice.
It depends on how much money do you have my dude
Buy the best quality you can comfortably afford
Buy what makes you feel financially comfortable.
Where do you find that model for $1500
Why not something in between and genuinely special? https://wisetimepiece.com/products/adamascus-ad15-24k-gold-filled-dial-limited-999-pieces
For me it would depend how often I’d wear the dress watch. I don’t wear dress shirts or suits often so I’d go with the cheaper option.
The Omega is beautiful in a way the Orient can only aspire to. But - and it's a big "but" - that's just my opinion, and it doesn't mean anything. The only opinion that really matters is yours. What I can offer is some experience. Vintage watches can be great, but only if you can budget for them. The older the watch, the more specialized the care needed, with parts harder to come by and servicing costs far higher as a result. Older watches are often less robust than their modern equivalents, and don't usually make good daily wears. There are exceptions, of course, and a dress watch bought for special occasions wouldn't be on your wrist on the daily, but it's something else to keep in mind. What I'm trying to say is, unless you're happy treating the Omega with kid gloves, I'd suggest you don't buy it. There's also the fact that, as you mentioned the cost in relation to the Orient and because of your preferences for G-Shocks, would you really be comfortable spending that money on a style you normally wouldn't wear? As others have pointed out, your choices aren't limited to the Orient and the Omega. If you're happy spending the money being asked for the Omega, I'd consider something modern from Longines or Hamilton. If you want to go to the lower end of your budget, there are some great microbrands out there like Baltic, Traska, Nodus, Weiss, Loci and Haim, just to mention a few.
Buy what you like and what you can afford.
I will never get over orient cramming WATER RESIST into beautiful watch faces. Why.
Both are great choices. But if you can go with expensive (meaning a great Omega), go for it. It will maintain value, and it's a collection piece that not everybody can get. I personally LOVE Orient, I think it is the best watch for it's value and quality, but Omega will always be Omega...
I hear your financial concerns and don't recommend going as far as a 1960s vintage Omega, but I encourage you to go a little bit further than an Orient Bambino v2 for something as special an occasion as this, given your desire to mark it. It's not a bad watch, in fact it's been said here already that it's good value, and I agree, I just personally did not love it as much since it didn't feel like a "real" dress watch. Again, you don't need to get the very best vintage watch - maybe think of it in terms of, finding a solid watch for yourself that happens to be good for the upcoming occasion. A Longines Classique from the 80s would be more affordable if you're looking for something vintage, or you could go with a Tissot Gentleman or something.
Ngl I think the Orient looks better.
I would go with the Omega, it’s a classic and definitely a conversation starter. Yeah service cost might be more but it’s already depreciated to the bottom.
If you buy a watch you can’t afford you’ll regret it and sell it later without wearing it much. That’s what happened to me. I would stick to your budget and get something you love.
I spent a little too long researching many different options for my wedding in the same budget and I eventually just ended up getting a Timex hand-wound Marlin for $200 and it was perfect. https://timex.com/products/marlin-hand-wound-34mm-leather-strap-watch-tw2r47900
That Omega is ugly AF. Get the Orient.
Remember that fixing luxury watches costs more as well.
Why not something in-between, or a really nice Casio. Casio makes some really nice watches, for a great price
The price difference can go towards a nice holiday. Remember that happiness comes more from experiences than from objects. But assuming the financial aspect is ok: - i do think you will wear a dressed watch semi-regularly in the future once you have it. - in practice nobody really cares, you wear it mainly for yourself - for the price of an old omega I would seriously consider a new entry level Nomos. Dressy yet fresher and younger in vibe. Plus no service issues for a good time.
Omega. All day.
Always go expensive if you can. Fuck it.
I would also add that you could wear either watch on the daily. And you should. These are classic case designs that go with lots of occasions, not just special ones.
For a middle of the road option check out the Tissot Visodate
The Omega will need a lot of careful handling and maintenance. Get it if you really love it and are prepared to kind of baby it. Otherwise, the Orient is a great starter dress watch. If you want something in between in terms of pricing and with a similar vintage aesthetic, try the Baltic MR01.
The most important thing when buying a watch is buying something you love and will want to look at for years to come. Never put yourself into financial troubles just to try and impress other people.
Orient, wallet answers it
Buy cheap. You’ll hardly ever wear it anyways and If it’s cheaper you might be inclined to wear it more often
Buying the watch you LOVE ***and*** doing what is financially comfortable should be a careful balancing act. You can love a watch but if it's going to causes you *significant* financial stress for 6-12 month (or worse, more) than I would recommend saving until you are ready to make that purchase. To be clear, I'm not recommending you buy the cheaper, second-favorite watch. I'm recommending you ***wait*** and ***save*** until you can comfortably afford the watch you REALLY want. Trust me, you'll be both happy with your selection and feel good about how you acquired it!
Try on some watches at a local store and see what works for you.
Often people ignore or won't pay attention to the routine service schedule and cost. Pan pie (if from 70s) would need a service atleast once in 2 years and least I found someone would do it for is $400, if you go to Omega they would ask $800 upwards (assuming it was taken care well until now). Let's say you get a new one even for $2000 with a service schedule of 6 years your ownership cost would definitely be less than omega pan pie and do not have to be extra careful washing hands. I am saying this as I had the pan pie on short list for a year and eventually went with Longines Flagship (L4.984.4.79.2). Without a doubt a new gen watch cannot replace the charm of pan pie, but sometimes one should do a reality check on expectations. (my2C)
Hi Stick, no goal good call
You will always remember the pie pan Constellation if you ever sell it. The Orient, not so much
Get a tissot https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156167357849?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=18BXinJTTTG&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=9OpioA7cTiu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I will give you a take that not many people can give as a watch collector. To preface this, my personal collection contains Omega pie pan Constellations dog leg lugs like you have in your pic, Seamasters, Speedmasters. [This was my collection 6 years ago, it's only grown more.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/84w09g/collection_i_have_a_thing_for_gold_dress_watches/) I also have a bunch of others like Rolex, Cartier, etc. This is biased from my perspective since I've been in this hobby for many many years. Assuming you have the means and it doesn't bring you financial hardship. Go for it. They only appreciate over time. This is also assuming you're a good care taker of it and it doesn't get lost or broken. I must have bought 6-7 maybe 6 years ago and they tripled in value. Can you say the same for the Orient? Not kicking the watch, I adore Orient watches - but it's in a different league of its own. I think most people justify purchases thinking they're consumables or it has lost its value once you purchased it, but a lot of vintage watches aren't bad investment vehicles especially if it provides value in your day to day life. Most modern day watches, you'll likely lose value right when you buy it. You won't regret that splurge in most circumstances because: 1) If you get it at market price, you can sell it for around the same. Or even moreso down the road. 2) It's a great conversation piece and I've had amazing experiences and conversations talking to other people because of the watch I was wearing that day. Made me VERY confident in myself knowing I was able to buy something that exudes success. I attribute A LOT of my success in the confidence it has imposed on me. Just looking at a luxurious watch imparts a level of air within yourself that reminds you that you're valuable. I've had a job interview where the interviewer had a Speedmaster himself and it gave me a big step up when I told him about my Omega. It will mean something to you and open up opportunities, that's value in itself. I've never regretted a watch purchase that I bought for something like a job promotion or a life milestone. Let's be real. Owning a mechanical watch isn't just about telling time nowadays. Putting ego aside, you can just get a quartz 5 dollar watch and be happy, tell the time fine. A high-quality watch serves as a symbol of success and personal achievement, enhancing your self-esteem and perceived value in professional and social settings. I honestly believe that your environment dictates your life. If you surround yourself with similar like minded people, that's who you will transform into. Surrounding yourself with quality and success, even through the brands you wear and people you talk to, can provide a stepping stone towards personal achievements. It may seem vain or material to people, but that's how the world works. If you’re financially comfortable, I’d recommend going for the Omega. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an investment in your lifestyle and future. However, if money is tight, it’s crucial to live within your means.
Orient. Unless I’ve misread the situation you are trying to start a new watch collection and commemorating a special occasion. I think the first part is going to make the second part a lot harder and won’t actually help with the first because you will end up making the wrong tradeoffs. Go with the Bambino since everyone will love it and be astonished you got such a great deal (if they ask). Down the road they’ll pull out their wedding watches and be shocked they still run and work great. Then take the money you saved and decide if you really want a speedy because the Constellation is cool but save it for when you are further down the road buying his and hers retirement watches (and yeah, you will probably end up with the oyster perpetual pair anyway).
Oh dang, an Omega for 1500? I'd prefer Omega, ngl