Omega vs Rolex. Watches can make or break a look. A luxury watch can elevate an outfit and a person to appear put together and fabulous.
Two of the most well-known watch brands to achieve this elevation are Omega and Rolex. Both brands are luxury Swiss watch brands that are shopped by people all over the world.
Having one of these watches on your wrist is often a sign of class and style. But which brand is better?
As usual, the better brand is mostly up to preference. However, there are a lot of key factors you can examine to help make a decision on which watch is best for you and your lifestyle.
For example, Omega watches come in more styles, including quartz movement styles, which Rolex no longer manufacturers. On the other hand, Rolex watches are recognized as the more prestigious brand by the general public.
Omega vs Rolex Quality
Obviously, both brands are great quality brands. That is why they are two of the most well-known brands in the world for wristwear. However, there are different aspects of the quality we can examine to make a better decision as consumers.
Right off the bat, Rolex watches tend to cost more than Omega watches. One reason is due to the build of the watch.
Both brands have very dependable builds, but Rolex seems to be more consistent across the board, which is why the price is higher. Omega watches, while rare, tend to have some imperfections about their build.
This means pieces may be loose or things may not work as advertised. Again, this is very rare but happens more in Omega watches than with Rolex watches.
Rolex produces about a million pieces annually. Of these pieces, almost every single one comes out flawlessly.
Statistically, this means the quality is very reliable and it is very unlikely you will have a defect on your timepiece. Omega statistically is more likely to have a defect, but again, it happens rarely.
You are more than likely to also get a perfectly made watch from Omega.
Furthermore, Rolex owns its own foundry where they derive their materials, making the completely self-sufficient with watch production. Omega does not have this same advantage but is also working hard to become self-sufficient in production.
This is not a big deal to many watch-buyers, but it is an interesting note when comparing brand quality.
Omega vs Rolex – Resale Value
Reselling luxury goods for a lower price is a big market. At times, you can sell luxury goods for almost the same price as they were bought for depending on how good of a shape the product has maintained.
For Omega and Rolex, Rolex tends to hold up better over time. This means the resale value of Rolex watches is generally higher.
Again, this depends primarily on the condition of the watch. A well-maintained Omega will sell better than an old and broken Rolex.
Generally speaking, however, a Rolex will sell for more second-hand and is the best resale watch in the market. As long as you are maintaining the quality of your watch for a future resale, you should be able to get a fair amount of money, no matter the brand.
Omega vs Rolex – Movement
The movement for both watch brands is smooth and reliable. The twists and turns of both brands, such as the rotating knobs on the side, glide smoothly and seamlessly.
This shows that both watches are made with a lot of care and consideration, and a ton of work goes into the fine details. Furthermore, Omega watches often have quartz movement in some designs, which Rolex stopped doing years ago.
Omega vs. Rolex – Durability
If you are dropping hundreds or thousands of dollars on a watch, you want to make sure it’s durable. Luckily, both of these brands have mastered the art of durability.
Both watches are very well rated for their magnetic resistance. This means neither brand is going to have an issue with screwed-up timekeeping due to magnetic frequencies, which happens over time with other watch brands.
This is due to EMF, which stands for electromagnetic frequencies and are ever-present in all man-made electric devices like our phones, TVs, computers, etc.
As for water resistance, both brands produce divers watches that are water-resistant. They feature a screw-in crown that can seal the watch’s nooks and crannies and prevent water from entering.
Both brands also offer a 5-year warranty so you can be assured that any defects or broken parts can be repaired within that time frame as long as they are in accordance with the warranty policy.
Omega vs. Rolex – Prestige
Obviously, both of these brands signify wealth and class when worn on one’s wrist. However, Rolex as a brand contains much more prestige than Omega.
This label has very little to do with the make of the watch and a lot to do with price and marketing.
As celebrities and wealthy people wear Rolex watches, they are acting as walking advertisements for the brand that this watch is the watch that wealthy people wear. Their price signifies this, as the average person cannot afford a Rolex without saving up for it.
Omega vs Rolex – Price: Which is More Expensive?
As far as price tag, Rolex blows Omega out of the water with its high price point. A new Rolex watch can easily be over $10,000.
This is not an amount of money that is disposable to the average person. It takes a lot of money to afford one of these watches!
Omega watches on the other hand are a bit more reasonable in comparison. An Omega watch typically costs between $3,000 and $10,000.This is still not affordable for the average person but is still cheaper than a Rolex in comparison.
Omega Seamaster vs Rolex Submariner
The Omega Seamaster and Rolex Submariner are examples of the brands’ diver watches, which as we mentioned before are water-resistant and feature a screw-in crown to lock out water.
The Seamaster designs are very well-applauded for their capabilities. They are waterproof up to 1200 meters, which is very deep!
For the average person who is not a deep-sea diver, this is more than enough to keep water out. The Rolex Submariner goes the extra mile and is water-resistant to over 3000m.
Omega Speedmaster vs Rolex Daytona
At first glance, the Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Daytona look very similar. They both feature a timer and stopwatch function which comes in handy for many consumers.
The Omega Speedmaster features the Co-Axial Escapement technology, which is durable and more smooth than other options. It ensures less lubrication is needed for smooth gliding of the knobs and watch hands.
However, studies have shown that it can have a +2/-2 inaccuracy per day.
The Rolex Daytona is more accurate than the Omega Speedmaster. It also has a higher prestige and resale value.
The only downside besides price increase is that it does not come in as many design options.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a new watch and have the funds to pick either brand, the choice ultimately comes down to preference and price point. If you want the prestige of a Rolex, the quality and durability are there.
However, the quality and durability are nearly just as good in Omega watches for a fraction of the price. Either way, your wrist will thank you for the stylish accessory.
