Ball EM2 Diver or Omega 2351.80 SMP or Ball Fireman Racer DLC

[cheahcl]

Hello,

I'm new into watches and only have a Tag Heuer Kirium F1 (daily for the last 5 years) and a Suunto Core.. I've been wondering if anyone has views on the above mentioned models and which is best in your opinion, pros/cons, issues etc.

I really like the Racer DLC for the simplistic looks (whats the price for it new anyways)? And well the Omega is an Omega afterall... The other 2 would be purchased pre-owned for under RM4000. Are they worth that kind of money? I am looking for an automatic because quartz doesn't really appeal to me anymore despite the cheap maintenance and accurate timing.

Any inputs would be greatly appreciated... thanks!

[ivanpei]

If you can afford the Omega, I guess it's always best to go Omega. I think it's the 2531.80 not 2351.80? Since when it comes to Dive watches, the SMP/Sub range are the most recognized/established. Resale also pretty easy for the Omega. I have a SMP Chrono Diver in Bond Blue and it is fantastic. I'm a pretty big guy, so I prefer the thickness of the Chrono Diver and I like the Chronograph feature. Cheers!

[Laktos Kid]

why not try it on your wrist on the spot and compare which watch will make you smile ? 
omega is better because it is more well known but Ball is a good brand too 

[G.MAC]

I'd go with the Omega any day. Not that there is nothing wrong with the other 2 watches.

[myric]

cheahcl,

are you saying that pre-owned Omega SMP only under RM4000?

Anyone could share the "market price" on pre-owned SMP? I know it also depending on the condition of the individual pre-owned watch, but as a newbie like me will going to need some guidance.

[ivanpei]

I think preowned SMP cannot get under 4k lar, unless quartz. Auto SMP (non-coaxial) older versions probably can get around 6k?

[IWCking]

Omega is a better choice than ball. Ball is interesting. But i am not sure what is the cost of replacing when the lum running out. Ball claims that it can last up to 25 years. Not sure if they can really last that long or not. Any ball owner have experience on that?

[Everdying]

the Ball claim of it lasting for 25yrs is technically correct, but misleading.
when 25yrs comes around, it will have 25% of the original brightness as the half-life is 12.5yrs, that would already be pretty useless in the dark.
even at 12.5yrs when it reaches 50%, i would think it would be pretty dim already and also kinda useless.

no Ball owner has experienced that yet, seeing as 2005 was when their first tritium model came out.

[TheHobbit]

I understand that Ball will replace the tubes in the natural course of servicing the watch. The only concern is of course the cost.

The degradation of the tubes actually starts from day one and will achieve half life (half the brightness) at about 12.3 years. However this is dependent on many factors live quality of the tubes and the quality of the phosphor used (it is the phosphor that glows, not the tritium gas itself).