Divers and GMT watches. Analog divers watches feature a rotating bezel, with 60 one minute markers, which is useful in measuring periods of time elapsed time for up to a period of 60 minutes. This is done simply by lining up the number 60 on the bezel with the minute hand of the watch. This is useful in reminding the diver as to how much time has elapsed.GMT watches have a independent second hour hand, which rotates once every 24 hours. Since the second hour hand is independent, it can be used to display a second time zone. The 12-hour hand is read in conjunction with 12 one hour markers on the dial. The 24-hour hand, is read in conjunction with 24 one hour markers located on the dial or on a rotating bezel. Often times, the 24 hour one markers are placed on a rotating bezel, which allows for quick changes in the time zone being referred to by the GMT hour hand, without adjusting the time by using the crown.
Because a divers watch and GMT watch would have different markers on the bezel, the two are rarely combined.
Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Ref. 2234.50.00 and 2535.80.00. Omega has two GMT watches in it line-up of Seamaster diving watches. Omega did not come up with a solution to the conflicting users of the rotating bezel in a divers and GMT watch. It simply gave the user the choice.
Omega's Ref. 2234.50.00 provides you a GMT watch with an independent 24-hour hand, with with 300 m. water resistance with has a bezel marked for use with the GMT function.
Twelve of the one hour markers are in arabic numerals and 12 use stick markers. More on this bezel later.
Omega's Ref. 2535.80.00 provides you a divers watch with a bezel marked for use as a 60 minute timer, 300 m. water resistance, and independent GMT hand read in conjunction with 24-hour markers on the bezel.
The bezel has prominent 5 minute markers with less prominent one minute markers on the bezel.
So basically, you have a choice of a GMT watch with 300 m. water resistance, or a divers watch with an independent GMT hand.
Other physical distinguishing features. Other than the bezel, the color of the dial and the bracelet (the Omega's Ref. 2234.50.00 now comes with a different bracelet from that pictured above) the other main distinguishing physical feature is the design of the hands and the 12 one hour markers. The Ref. 2234.50.00 has a larger surface area on both the hands and the markers, which allows for more luminescent material to be placed on them, this should make the Ref. 2234.50.00 more visible at night.
Also missing from the The black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 is the helium escape valve at the 10 o'clock position. Both watches are rated for 300 meters, with or without the helium escape valve and unless you spend a lot of time in diving bells, you wont really miss (or need) this feature.
Flipping both watches on their face will reveal another difference. The black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 has a solid case back with the Omega sea monster engraved on it. The blue and red themed Omega Ref. 2535.80.00 has a clear case back revealing the Omega 2628 Self Winding Co-Axial Escapement.
Back of the Omega's Ref. 2535.80.00
Co-Axial Inside? Omega's Ref. 2535.80.00 is powered by the Omega 2628 movement which produces 25,200 vibrations per hour (vph) and a 44 hour power reserve. The Co-Axial Escapement is designed to reduce friction and wear and tear on the watch movement. The Omega 2628 movement is a heavily modified ETA 2892-A2
Behind the sea monster of the black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 is a different beast: the older Omega Cal. 1128 self-winding movement. This movement produces 28,800 vph and has the same 44 hour power reserve, but not Co-Axial Escapement technology. The Omega Cal. 1128 is also modified ETA 2892-A2 movement.
Both movements are COSC certified.
Common features. Both watches are made of stainless steel, with a 41mm wide case, and sapphire crystal glass cover. In the end, these two watches are more different than one would think from first glance.
Which is better? At first glance Omega gives the users a choice of two variants of what appears to be the same model. But behind the bezels, lies substantial differences which will affect buying decisions. The black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 has a manufacturers suggested retail price of US$2,350, while the blue themed Ref. 2535.80.00 has a MSRP of US$3,350. The additional cost, comes with the newer Co-Axial Escapement technology and a one year longer warranty at three years (warranty may vary by country).
Other articles. If you are interested in this kind of watch, you may want to have a look at the Rolex Explorer II.
Omega's Ref. 2535.80.00 provides you a divers watch with a bezel marked for use as a 60 minute timer, 300 m. water resistance, and independent GMT hand read in conjunction with 24-hour markers on the bezel.
The bezel has prominent 5 minute markers with less prominent one minute markers on the bezel.
So basically, you have a choice of a GMT watch with 300 m. water resistance, or a divers watch with an independent GMT hand.
Other physical distinguishing features. Other than the bezel, the color of the dial and the bracelet (the Omega's Ref. 2234.50.00 now comes with a different bracelet from that pictured above) the other main distinguishing physical feature is the design of the hands and the 12 one hour markers. The Ref. 2234.50.00 has a larger surface area on both the hands and the markers, which allows for more luminescent material to be placed on them, this should make the Ref. 2234.50.00 more visible at night.
Also missing from the The black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 is the helium escape valve at the 10 o'clock position. Both watches are rated for 300 meters, with or without the helium escape valve and unless you spend a lot of time in diving bells, you wont really miss (or need) this feature.
Flipping both watches on their face will reveal another difference. The black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 has a solid case back with the Omega sea monster engraved on it. The blue and red themed Omega Ref. 2535.80.00 has a clear case back revealing the Omega 2628 Self Winding Co-Axial Escapement.
Back of the Omega's Ref. 2535.80.00Co-Axial Inside? Omega's Ref. 2535.80.00 is powered by the Omega 2628 movement which produces 25,200 vibrations per hour (vph) and a 44 hour power reserve. The Co-Axial Escapement is designed to reduce friction and wear and tear on the watch movement. The Omega 2628 movement is a heavily modified ETA 2892-A2
Behind the sea monster of the black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 is a different beast: the older Omega Cal. 1128 self-winding movement. This movement produces 28,800 vph and has the same 44 hour power reserve, but not Co-Axial Escapement technology. The Omega Cal. 1128 is also modified ETA 2892-A2 movement.
Both movements are COSC certified.
Common features. Both watches are made of stainless steel, with a 41mm wide case, and sapphire crystal glass cover. In the end, these two watches are more different than one would think from first glance.
Which is better? At first glance Omega gives the users a choice of two variants of what appears to be the same model. But behind the bezels, lies substantial differences which will affect buying decisions. The black and silver Ref. 2234.50.00 has a manufacturers suggested retail price of US$2,350, while the blue themed Ref. 2535.80.00 has a MSRP of US$3,350. The additional cost, comes with the newer Co-Axial Escapement technology and a one year longer warranty at three years (warranty may vary by country).
Other articles. If you are interested in this kind of watch, you may want to have a look at the Rolex Explorer II.
No comments:
Post a Comment