Caveman's Watch Forum

Hey Kelly R! Doing my bit to "Blight Watch Collecting In General!" >

Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date: Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:29 a.m.

I think it's no secret which side of the 'Homage Issue' I take. So after a few of weeks of window shopping, I decided that I just had to have this one, and pulled the trigger on Feb. 26. After all, according to the seller "Every Watch Have Individual Serial Code. Limited Edition For Only 100 Pcs"! Riiiight. And I'm in the market for some beach-front property in Arizona! Didn't want to wait to long, though, just in case. Hate to find them sold-out just when I was ready to take the plunge!

The watch arrived yesterday. Sorta. What actually arrived was the Dreaded Pink Slip. Still, 10 days from Hong Kong to North Mississippi is pretty good time! I was anxious enough to see this watch 'in the flesh' that I took an early lunch break and picked it up. Am wearin' it right now!

!

What's that? Oh. Y'all wanna see a photo? Sorry, haven't had time to shoot any...

Oh, alright, here's the seller's pics:
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Seamaster homage

< click pics to enlarge>

It's an , 21-jewels, triple-date with 24-hour indicator. 42mm excluding the crown, and takes a 20mm strap.

As an aside, note the slight discoloration on the bezel near the 30 mark. I was like WTF?! and e-mailed the seller asking about it. His reply was something like (I'm going from memory here) "Watch in photo is display model. Not for sale. Have chemical damage. Auction watch is perfect condition." Hooookay. I've bought two other Alphas from the gent, and they were fine, as was his service. So I took his word for it. But why would anyone use a damaged watch for their photos? Perhaps he thought that it would not be visible in his medium-res photos. But if I saw it, others are bound to have, too. Probably cost him some sales, I imagine...

In any case, he was true to his word, and my watch does appear to be perfect.

Indeed, my overall first impression of the watch couldn't be more favorable. The fit and finish is superb, as I've come to expect from . And not just superb "for the price", either! No, IMHO the level of craftsmanship this watch displays would not be out of place on a watch selling for 10 times the price. If not 20! The dial and hands are crisp and clean, even when viewed with a loupe. This is in stark contrast to my Raketa which, while it looks fine on the wrist, is less than perfect under the loupe. (I was wearing the today, and felt a little guilty at being so ready to end the honeymoon. Only 5 days? Does that make me fickle? ) The caseback detail is far more cleanly formed than I expected. The unidirectional rotating bezel feels just right. The action of the crown and pushers feels slick and solid. Even the screwdown, which is less than perfect my Explorer, feels smooth and precise.

And the bracelet is a wonder! Solid links, including true solid end-links, screw-pin adjustment, and a clasp that looks to be machined from billet. The action of the pushbutton clasp works easily, as does the diver's extension, yet both feel solid and secure. Looks to me like the bracelet alone should go for $70! That said, I'll probably be wearing it on a blue NATO for a while. Why? Well.. it's just a tiny bit small for my 8-1/8" wrist. No fault of the watch, mind you. My wrist is just enough bigger'n average that I've come to expect it. Hopefully I will be able to obtain a spare link. [knocks on wood] We'll see, and I'll certainly let y'all know how it comes out. Meanwhile, I think it's gonna look great on a NATO!

Kelly - I admit that I was baiting you with that subject line. Please don't take offense, just 'stirring the pot' a bit, as you yourself are wont to do. I will address a couple the points you made in that 15 February 'Homage blight' post, though.

Would I "rather have an original than a knock-off of a more expensive watch"? Nope, I like this watch fine!

Is it a "cheap imitation"? Not in my opinion. I'd call it an "inexpensive alternative". For, while it certainly is inexpensive, there's nothing cheap about it as far as I can see.

"If you don't want the real deal because of the price, fine, but why buy a homage?" You answered that one yourself, just a bit later:

"..if you say you just like the way the watch looks, again fine." I do indeed like the looks of this watch! While Divers aren't my thing, in general, the style of the Seamaster strikes me as the epitome of the genre. That said, I'd never pony up the cash for an . I like 'em, but I don't like 'em that much!

I think these homages dilute one's appreciation of the genuine article.. I actually agree with you there.. though not for the reason I assume you meant. This watch probably does 'dilute' my appreciation of the Seamaster. To be precise, it makes the Seamaster seem, to me, to be just plain over-priced. I mean, I know it's not as simple as that. And it's certainly not a popular viewpoint. But when a watch like this captures the essence so well, with such a major part of the original's quality, at such a tiny fraction of it's cost.. well, what else could I think?

More to come. Hopefully I'll be able to get some decent pics, and perhaps I'll do a real review once I've had a chance to live with the watch for a week or two.

-Ricky

Messages In This Thread

Hey Kelly R! Doing my bit to "Blight Watch Collecting In General!" > (views: 132)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:29 a.m.

Congrats Ricky (views: 3)
Adam in NYC -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 1:33 p.m.

Congrats Ricky, great Omegomage (great word of WIS Kelly)! (views: 5)
Paulo -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 10:31 a.m.

Paulo! Agree that 'Omegomage' is inspired! Love it! (views: 2)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 11:01 a.m.

To each his own Brother Ricky. Congrats! . . . (views: 10)
Kelly M. Rayburn -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 3:23 a.m.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, if not your taste in Omegomages.

Kelly! Fair enough. But no thanks.. >>
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 10:00 a.m.
..for the coffee I just snorted through me nose when I read 'Omegomage'...
What a great word! I'll borrow it, if you don't mind.
-Ricky

Re: Hey Kelly R! Doing my bit to "Blight Watch Collecting In General!" > (views: 44)
billd -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:46 a.m.
The only major diffence is on watch can go 300m under water, while the other can only go about 30m.

And since I don't actually dive, 'tis no problem at all. (views: 7)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 1:02 a.m.

Sheesh.. >> (views: 25)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:41 a.m.
"with 24-hout indicator"?
"inexpensivc alternative"?
I really need to start spell-checking this stuff before I post it!
Hey, you can't hardly find a good hout indicator anymore, though!
-Ricky

Congrats Ricky! (views: 7)
mike03 -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:39 a.m.

Re: Hey Kelly R! Doing my bit to "Blight Watch Collecting In General!" > (views: 50)
billd -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:36 a.m.
That's a really nice looking watch!

That's the spirit! >> (views: 14)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 1:01 a.m.
Your's is great, too! Doh! If I didn't think so, I'd have never bought this homage.
Really, though, think about it, s. This is the right spirit. Y'all that are lucky enough to own the real deal ought to feel flattered when us Poor Joes buy an homage! I just don't ken the acrimony, the shouts of ! On TZ, I could understand. But not on the !
-Ricky

Thanks for the s and the mini review. Hey, enjoy the style of a watch that you might otherwise miss out on! (views: 12)
Chris King -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 12:48 a.m.

. My pleasure. Also the right spirit, IMHO.. >> (views: 9)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 1:09 a.m.
..I daresay that I never will be blessed in owning an actual . But why forego the pleasure of the homage?
-Ricky

New s of the Omegomage. >

Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom 
Date: Friday, 10 March 2006, at 11:39 p.m.

As promised, I switched her over to a blue 22mm NATO strap this morning:

Sea-Master Pro Triple-Date Omegomage

Yes, 22mm. While the Omegomage does take a 20mm strap, it was not too hard to squeeze this 22mm strap in, though it is a bit stiffer weave than normal. This combo is the Dog's Bollocks, if I do say so meself!

I got not one, not two, but three comments on this watch at work today. An event akin to Hell Freezing Over! Usually, no one notices. Two of the comments were based on the (mistaken, obviously) impression that it was a . ( "How did you swing a bonus this year." [long story that, and a sad one ] "Whoa! Give up on the Poor Man's Watches?." [from a semi-WIS whom I've corrupted, and who occasionally lurks here]). The last bloke was so amazed when I told him that the watch was < $80 that he insisted that I unstrap it from my wrist and hand over my pocket loupe so he could scrutinize it. Like I said, I've corrupted him..

So. I think we can agree that it's an eye-catching watch.

On the downside, when I swapped the bracelet for the NATO I found an aspect of the Omegomage that I'm less that pleased with. The case diameter between the lugs is very roughly brushed. It's not a problem with the bracelet on, as only a tiny sliver is visible (I missed it on first inspection, even though I went over every square millimeter of the watch with my loupe.) 'tis visible in this pic:

Look closely, 'twixt the lugs.

See what I mean? I'd be much more pleased if the finish in this area matched the ultra-fine brushed finish on the sides of the case. It's a nit, mind you. But it just goes to show that there's always room for improvement!

What else? Hmmm. Oh! Forgot to mention how pleased I am with the crystal! It's not flat, as I originally thought, but is ever so gently domed. Stunning!

Guess that's it.. except I'd be remiss if I didn't report on the accuracy. I've synched it to my Master Quartz and, over a 24-hour period it comes in at +6.

I'll leave you with the obligatory :

Without a doubt THE best Bang-For-The-Buck watch I've seen in a Coon's Age!

Thanks for lookin, y'all!

-Ricky

Messages In This Thread

New s of the Omegomage. > (views: 169)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Friday, 10 March 2006, at 11:39 p.m.

Great combo Ricky! It sure looks like an (views: 9)
Mike D -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 1:12 p.m.

Doesn't it, though? (views: 5)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 4:13 p.m.

Looks great on that strap Ricky. (views: 3)
Kelly M. Rayburn -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 2:34 a.m.

Kelly! I think so, too. Not missin' the bracelet at all! (views: 4)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 4:14 p.m.

Looks , Ricky! (views: 4)
John N -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 12:48 a.m.

John! (views: 5)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 4:15 p.

Re: New s of the Omegomage. > (views: 44)
fmcat -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 12:06 a.m.
I love you... not literally,, but still,
nice watch

Errrr.. OK! I love you, too, . Figuratively, of course.. (views: 7)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Saturday, 11 March 2006, at 4:12 p.m.

Yippee! It's an >>

Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date: Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 2:16 a.m.

I found this in my mailbox a short while ago:

The missing link!

Yes, I know it's "only" a spare link. But I'm awfully glad to see it, nevertheless, for it's arrival meant that I could swap the bracelet back onto the Omegomage:

Sea-Master Pro Triple-date Chronometer

The story of how I acquired the link is an in itself, and deserves to be told.

One Jamie Simmons, from Cobourg, Canada, saw my post of 9 March here, in which I mentioned that the bracelet was a bit short for my wrist. Jamie owns that same watch, though the black dial version, and is blessed with a normal-sized wrist. Not only that, but he bought a sterile version of the same bracelet for a Swiss Army diver (yes, these bracelets really are that nice!) a while back. Long story short, this meant that Jamie had several spare links, and was gracious enough to offer to send me one gratis. , Jamie!

Here's an excerpt from Jamie's e-mail "Be happy to just put it in a regular envelope and send it off to you by good old post. I have done this a few times before. Sort of repays the kindness someone extended to me when I bought a wonderful Blue Angels Skyhawk that was a link short, even for my wrist."

So, as it turns out, I owe thanks to the , too! If some kind soul here hadn't come to Jamie's aid, perhaps he wouldn't have felt the need to help me out. So, , give yourselves a collective pat on the back, as you're the kindest, most helpful lot that I've ever encountered!

Of course, karma demands that I should also "pass it along". Trouble is, with the size of my wrist, I never have spare links. Ah well, I'll figure out some way to repay the favor...

So, you knew I'd post plenty of new pics, right? :

And a close-up of the clasp...

And a better close-up of the face. Last one I posted was too purplish.. This is pretty accurate, color-wise:

And, of course, a new :

While I was very pleased with the Navy blue NATO, it's sure great to have 'er back on the bracelet!

-Ricky

Messages In This Thread

 Yippee! It's an >> (views: 147)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 2:16 a.m.

Congrats Ricky! Glad you got the bracelet back on! Love that blue! (views: 1)
Mike D -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 3:58 a.m.

Jamie- where have you been? Quit lurking
coachjdc -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 3:53 a.m.

Congrats Ricky...thanks for sharing the story (views: 3)
mike03 -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 3:13 a.m.

for this good news! (views: 3)
John N -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 2:53 a.m.

Congrats Ricky. That is a very nice bracelet. (views: 4)
Kelly M. Rayburn -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 2:45 a.m.

for you and Jamie it's stories like this that make me love this place (views: 10)
greg honeycutt -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 2:36 a.m.
a BIG CHEERS to the

I too have been a recipient of the "Pay it forward link karma system"... (views: 18)
FloridaSam -- Tuesday, 21 March 2006, at 2:24 a.m.
When I needed a few links for my Jubilee a fellow forum member sent me few in the mail gratis. I'm sure if I have a link or 2 someone needs in the futire I will gaciously return the Karma and yes, that bracelet looks really nice, I like bracelets very much.

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