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23 July 2014, 06:00 AM | #1 |
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OK Omega....Let's Talk Contrast
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....
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. Last edited by JohnBaker3; 23 July 2014 at 06:01 AM.. Reason: typos |
23 July 2014, 08:58 AM | #2 |
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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
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23 July 2014, 09:57 AM | #3 |
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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. |
23 July 2014, 11:32 AM | #4 |
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Absolutely, fricken, brilliant ! That's what I'm talking about !!
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
23 July 2014, 11:59 AM | #5 |
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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 . . .
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24 July 2014, 12:14 AM | #6 |
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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.....
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
24 July 2014, 03:31 AM | #7 |
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You need to buy an Alaska project :-). The black(+red) on white contrast is what I like a lot.
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24 July 2014, 08:26 AM | #8 |
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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.
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24 July 2014, 10:19 AM | #9 | |
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Quote:
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24 July 2014, 10:37 AM | #10 |
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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
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
24 July 2014, 11:42 AM | #11 |
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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?
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31 July 2014, 06:41 AM | #12 |
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Love the mitsukoshi!!!
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31 July 2014, 06:54 AM | #13 | |
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Quote:
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
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
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1 August 2014, 12:59 AM | #14 |
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I agree, I love the contrast on the SMP!
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5 August 2014, 07:18 AM | #15 | |
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Quote:
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
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5 August 2014, 11:23 PM | #16 |
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Sold this one three months after I bought it
because I couldn't tell the time due to lack of contrast. |
6 August 2014, 01:10 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
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6 August 2014, 05:14 AM | #18 |
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I replaced the Aqua Terra with this...
Grand Seiko SBGR031. One of the easiest to read dials I've ever owned. (not my photo) |
6 August 2014, 07:08 AM | #19 | |
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Quote:
I hope Omega reads some of these threads during their lunch hour...
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
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6 August 2014, 08:23 AM | #20 |
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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. . .
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6 August 2014, 10:33 AM | #21 | |
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Quote:
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
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6 August 2014, 11:00 AM | #22 |
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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.
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29 September 2014, 01:06 AM | #23 |
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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 !
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. Last edited by JohnBaker3; 29 September 2014 at 01:15 AM.. Reason: Typos |
29 September 2014, 03:05 AM | #24 |
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Very nice!
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2 October 2014, 11:48 AM | #25 |
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Great photos of some nice watches!
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16 August 2015, 01:12 AM | #26 |
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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....
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
16 August 2015, 01:04 PM | #27 |
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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.. |
25 August 2015, 04:16 AM | #28 |
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The Speedy with the orange hands is fabulous.
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