The Breitling Watch Source Forums

As controversial as this "Love it or hate it" Speedmaster model may be, I liked it from the start. As time goes by, I am really starting to love it.

I have spent a lot of time on various forums, blogs, websites reading about this model and looking at various photos. Not to mention the numerous times I have actually tried it on. It comes either with a black rubber strap or a brown leather strap, both with excellent deployant. Being titanium, it is way lighter than it looks, and is actually very comfortable.



In the end, Omega seems to be able to provide me with so many - if not all - features that I have wanted in a watch, or watches, over the years. The Speedy gives me the hesalite crystal and the manual wind movement. The AT8500 Skyfall, the independent hour hand, and of course the gorgeous blue dial. The Z-33 apart from the stellar looks (I realize this is very subjective), a HEQ movement, an alarm, a perpetual calendar and many other features, admittedly some that I don't need. But if we go through life getting nothing but what we need, then we never have any fun. And that's what this passion of ours is all about.

Another thing I really like, is the fact that the analog second hand hits spot on the markers, or very darn close, which is something I have rarely seen in even the more expensive quartz watches. My Breitling Colt, although one of my favourite watches - which I had for seven years - was all over the place as far as hitting close to the markers.

Going back to have a look at this on the weekend, and try it on again. Not saying it really will be my next watch, but instead of being a "really like but will probably never get" watch, it may well be my next if there is one at all.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

We'll agree to disagree on this one Carl

I still feel the same about this as when I first saw it - I like the case shape (very 60's/70's), but I've got to be honest the rest leaves me a little cold. But I totally agree with your line "if we go through life getting nothing but what we need, then we never have any fun". Great sentiment!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I like a lot of Omegas but I must say not that one. Load up the Speedmaster page on their website and with the Z-33 on there, stage right, it looks like a quiet gathering of dapper gents has been gatecrashed by an Aerospace on acid.

But that's why I have an Aero I guess (and its hands also hit the markers spot-on). Like you I do love ana-digi functionality, and titanium.

As already said, variety is the spice of life - the Z-33 makes the world a more interesting place.

It's definitely that kind of watch. The biggest problem I would have, is deciding on which shoes to wear with it

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I don't think anyone would be looking at your shoes.

OK. Belt and handbag then!

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Well, I had another great time at the Boutique! I specifically went to try on the Z-33, and hoped that they had the one with the leather strap. They did! The Sales Associate was good enough to oblige me by taking a wrist shot:



As with most wrist shots, the watch being the focal point and the wrist behind it, it actually looks even bigger on the wrist in this photo. There is more space between the ends of the case/lugs and the edge of the wrist. It fits, for example, smaller than the Breitling Seawolf. The case is only 42mm wide. It looks bigger in the non-wristshot pics, because the case is so big, although it doesn't seem so in real life.

I love this watch even more each time I try it on. Also tried on the 45.5mm Planet Ocean Titanium model with the LiquidMetal bezel. Wow! Actually has more of a wrist presence than the Z-33.

My next watch will likely be another Omega, and likely the Z-33!

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

While it's not my thing (as outlined above), it's definitely got a really strong look about..... and I must be honest, I've warmed to it a bit on that wrist shot! Go for it, Carl!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

It does look a lot better on the wrist, I must say. Enjoy the next watch, Carl, whether it's this one or something else.

Quite a change of pace from the very traditional Explorer I and Speedy, with the Skyfall as a nod to more mainstream modern looks, and I suspect that's the point, right? I don't know if I'd get it, but I do think I "get" it. Certainly an interesting and unique piece. I'll have to stop in a boutique and check one out. Good luck, whatever, you decide.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

These Z-33s definitely have some throwback cues from the vintage Mark series, which I like. Just don't know if I can blow that kind of coin on a quartz watch. But not bad.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Funny you should say that! I was walking back from the gym tonight, and thinking about the Z-33, and the two watches I now have (both Omegas, my Explorer I sold today). Of the three models: Speedmaster Pro 3750.50, Aqua Terra 8500, and Z-33 Spacemaster, not one of these models has a thing in common with the other two, apart from the fact that they are all Omegas. I suppose you could say that both the Speedy and the Z-33 have a chronograph function, though, and the AT8500 and the Z-33 have a sapphire crystal with AR coating both sides.

The Speedmaster, in pretty much the same form over the years, has been around since 1957. Manually wound movement, hesalite crystal, no date. The AT8500 is the latest basic automatic movement of Omegas, the teak style case was actually around in the 50s I am told, but I have yet to find a photo. The Z-33 is the latest 5666 quartz movement, has a perpetual calendar, an alarm, titanium case, leather (in my case) or rubber strap. I don't think there is any metal bracelet that would fit it, as the lug width is an unusual 21mm.

As far as aesthetics, nothing really similar in that department amongst the three models.

I can totally relate to those who have many similar models of a watch. Some collectors have many Rolex Subs, for example. Some have numerous Speedy models. Just love of a particular watch. I suppose I'm not really a collector. I just find great pleasure in fine watches, and I have been trying to find "the one" or "if I could only have one", and I thought perhaps the AT8500 would be that one, but it obviously hasn't worked.

Anwyay, here I am rambling on. Point is, I think that I finally "get it" myself

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I love it. I tend not to fall for Quartz watches, but that one i could own. Go for it!

I have tried this one on in person. Liked everything about it except for how thick the case is.

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