OK Omega....Let's Talk Contrast

[JohnBaker3]

Hey Guys:

Omega makes a fine watch. I own 3 and I cherish every one of them.

However, as a manufacturer, they seem to overlook the possibilty that the contrast between the hands and the dial just might not work.

They got it 100% right with the SMP; the 6 white hands over a matte black dial is pretty awesome.

When I made my "Mitsukoshi Replica", I was able to source black hands that show well against that premier white dial.

Unfortunately, they really missed the boat with their 211 and 3211 series of Panda dial products. It also showed up with the 35th anniversary Apollo 11 watches.

The silver hands against a white dial become total camoflage in most lighting conditions. You throw in a pair of eyes that are 40+ years of age, and you better have a minute repeater on your wrist.

OK, my rant is over; go back to work; if you buy a watch, make sure that you can actually read the time on it....

[joe100]

If they'd have given them a 3d design like the AT, you could see them from any angle. I do agree some Omegas are hard to read indeed

[jay_man2]

That's why I don't get the infatuation with most Daytonas and just about any AP. I buy watches to be able to tell time, and enjoy them. My SMP and Speedy Mark II black dial are the most legible watches I own.

And if I could have a do-over, I'd have passed on the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue. The dial/hand combo is difficult to read in real world lighting.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by jay_man2

I buy watches to be able to tell time, and enjoy them.

Absolutely, fricken, brilliant ! That's what I'm talking about !!

[drhr]

Totally understand what you're saying. When I first considered this, one of the fears I had was what you are describing. Thankfully, it actually has not been a problem at all and I'm a couple decades older than you . . .

[JohnBaker3]

DrHR:

Very nice watch. Because of the multi-angles/edges on the hands, it really helps with the "readability" at different viewing angles.

This should be something that everyone takes into account BEFORE they write the check, even for a new watch.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.....ask me how I know !!

Be safe.

PS: When I said 40+, I meant 66.....

[ck1109]

You need to buy an Alaska project :-). The black(+red) on white contrast is what I like a lot.

[And]

The legibility of a watch is a huge issue for me. I tend to think that Omega have largely excelled in that over the years. The speedy pro beats the Daytona, the PO beats the Sub. I don't understand skeleton hands though (less visible surface area) or hands the same colour as the face.

[drhr]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

DrHR:

Very nice watch. Because of the multi-angles/edges on the hands, it really helps with the "readability" at different viewing angles.

This should be something that everyone takes into account BEFORE they write the check, even for a new watch.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.....ask me how I know !!

Be safe.

PS: When I said 40+, I meant 66.....

Thx! Same age

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by drhr

Thx! Same age

Michael:

Where abouts in the islands do you live? I was stationed on Oahu back in 1970-1971. Sure miss the afternoon breezes and the surf.

Be safe.

John B

[drhr]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

Michael:

Where abouts in the islands do you live? I was stationed on Oahu back in 1970-1971. Sure miss the afternoon breezes and the surf.

Be safe.

John B

Oh neat John, you were here when the Islands were a bit less developed/commercialized, wish we could have some of that now. Born and raised in Kailua now living in town. Were you stationed at Kaneohe Marine Base by chance since you mention wind and surf?

[Loujcacique]

Love the mitsukoshi!!!

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by drhr

Oh neat John, you were here when the Islands were a bit less developed/commercialized, wish we could have some of that now. Born and raised in Kailua now living in town. Were you stationed at Kaneohe Marine Base by chance since you mention wind and surf?

Actually, I was stationed on Sand Island aboard USCGC Winnebago. I loved to drive around the island to see every thing it had to offer.

I even learned to fly up at Dillingham Airfield in Schweitzer 2-32 sailplanes.

Unfortunately, the surf here in Texas in nothing compared to the North shore.

Be safe.....

John B

[Neunundneunzig]

I agree, I love the contrast on the SMP!

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by ck1109

You need to buy an Alaska project :-). The black(+red) on white contrast is what I like a lot.

Now that is some serious contrast.....easy to read....very awesome, sir!

[Docar]

Sold this one three months after I bought it
because I couldn't tell the time due to lack of contrast.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Docar

Sold this one three months after I bought it
because I couldn't tell the time due to lack of contrast.

I understand your reasoning and situation; what did you replace it with?

[Docar]

I replaced the Aqua Terra with this...


Grand Seiko SBGR031. One of the easiest to read dials I've ever owned.
(not my photo)

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Docar

I replaced the Aqua Terra with this...


Grand Seiko SBGR031. One of the easiest to read dials I've ever owned.
(not my photo)

Definitely no problems reading that one! Nice watch, sir !!

I hope Omega reads some of these threads during their lunch hour...

[RollieVerde]

My dad's Air-King which is now mine has this exact problem, and yes, I do have trouble reading it especially w/o my reading glasses on. It's the kind of thing a potentially buyer should check before purchase, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who has run into this. For a majority of folks it may not be a problem, but for us. . .

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by RollieVerde

For a majority of folks it may not be a problem, but for us. . .

I'm not sure this is a great club to be in, but for what it's worth....WELCOME!

[KBM]

I see what you're saying. Actually, one of the coolest Speedmaster traits, to me, is the white on black contrast of the hands. I didn't fall for the new blue Ti 9300 Speedmaster exactly because they made the hands silver rimmed, so to speak.

[JohnBaker3]

Hey Guys:

If you notice in my original photos, I have a SMP with the white dial. I originally updated it to the black edged hour and minute hands.

It was a lot easier to read than the orginal Stainless Steel hands; however, at cetain times of day and/or light conditions, it was still pretty weak.

Last week, a small package from Otto Frei arrived! In it were new minute/hour hands in international orange!

It only took my watchmaker about 10 minutes to make the swap and VIOLA!!

I now have a great looking Omega that can be easily read in all but pitch black conditions!! And, it my be one of a kind, too !

[ocwatching]

Very nice!

[sea-dweller]

Great photos of some nice watches!

[JohnBaker3]

Looks like PARNIS has joined the club.....

This piece looks good in the photo, but in real life the silver hands fade to zip over the textured white dial...

Life goes on....

[polarinda]

I bought a vintage seamaster to replace the datejust silver on silver. Miles better in terms of readability.

Once i have problems reading time...the watch is gone..

[Nactex]

The Speedy with the orange hands is fabulous.