Watch advice - Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra vs Cartier Ballon Bleu?
- Thread starter Ferdi_the_yak
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I have the Omega constellation - beautiful watch, and I also have the BB small, SS which I seem to reach for most of the time..would go for the BB - so elegant, sleek design..just love it...
I kind of feel like in your heart you want the Omega more. I don't think the face blends in with the strap.
Well since I have an obsession with getting two, not one, but two different Cartier watches, I would choose Cartier between the two watches. I just think it's prettier and more like a piece of jewelry. I wouldn't worry about the scratches. I know someone with a Cartier SS watch and I commented on it, how lucky she was. She warns me not to look at it bec. it's so scratched, but I couldn't see the scratches until I grabbed her arm and stared hard. The scratches just blend in on SS watches, not noticeable. I think you're leaning more towards the Omega though and you should probably go for that one as you might have buyer's remorse otherwise. Maybe you can get one this year, and the other next year or in a couple of years? 
Hi, thanks for your reply! I'm not one for buying something because *insert celeb* bought it. I actually only found out a day or so ago about Naomi wearing it, and only because I was doing some research on the AT. I find it interesting what Omega thinks of DC wearing Rolex in real life too
Yes, I definitely agree here! It looks like it can withstand alot more wear and tear than the BB too.
You'd think so wouldn't you? And I was pretty sure I'd go with the AT too. Then I look at the BB and my heart starts fluttering again... I've been planning to get the BB for months now and can't help thinking that it is prettier than the AT. Also my sister and BF both prefer the BB on me as well
Well since I have an obsession with getting two, not one, but two different Cartier watches, I would choose Cartier between the two watches. I just think it's prettier and more like a piece of jewelry. I wouldn't worry about the scratches. I know someone with a Cartier SS watch and I commented on it, how lucky she was. She warns me not to look at it bec. it's so scratched, but I couldn't see the scratches until I grabbed her arm and stared hard. The scratches just blend in on SS watches, not noticeable. I think you're leaning more towards the Omega though and you should probably go for that one as you might have buyer's remorse otherwise. Maybe you can get one this year, and the other next year or in a couple of years?
Yeah I think that eventually is what will happen
The BB IS like a piece of jewellery which is a big plus for me.You know there is an omega that I contemplate getting too. The deVille in solid gold with diamonds around the face and diamond markers is very tempting. I think it's an older style which I found on ebay, it's a dainty watch that has a jewelry vibe to it. It's a tough call here, between your two watches, the omega is very classic and will always be in style and the Cartier is so on trend and a current 'it' watch. I think the BB is the style everyone wants right now, from what I see on tpf at least. At one time it seemed the Roadster was the one everyone wanted and then that watch got discontinued by Cartier. Then the Pasha was the one I kept reading threads on. I still think the Roadster and Pasha are both gorgeous though, but interest in them has sort of subsided. I can't imagine the BB getting discontinued, it's too in demand and I don't see that desire for it waning, so I see it becoming a new classic as well. When did the BB debut, what year?
I know what you mean about celebs wearing a watch, that sometimes ruins it for me. I hate to say it but Bond wearing the omega ruins it for me a little just bec. I'm a girl and I have a male association with it. I know there are a lot of men who went and bought omegas bec. they are obsessed with Bond, this goes way back, from what I've read on the internet. GL deciding, def. tell us which you pick? Are you going shopping soon for it?
I know what you mean about celebs wearing a watch, that sometimes ruins it for me. I hate to say it but Bond wearing the omega ruins it for me a little just bec. I'm a girl and I have a male association with it. I know there are a lot of men who went and bought omegas bec. they are obsessed with Bond, this goes way back, from what I've read on the internet. GL deciding, def. tell us which you pick? Are you going shopping soon for it?
I had the same issue a few year ago, I ended going with the Omega. The exact one your considering. Never regretted my choice. Its a beautiful watch and I wear every day.i could not justify a Rolex for the price at that point in my life. I liked the Cartier but i wanted a watch not a piece of jewelry.
Thanks everyone for their replies! I haven't stopped thinking about this all day! Here's a list of what I want in a watch and how the two stack up so far:
Aesthetics: I want something that is classy, sleek and can transition from corporate wear to weekends out. I like something with a bit of a subtle edge, that is eye catching but doesn't scream "LOOK AT MY DESIGNER WATCH"
- BB: Ticks all the boxes, I love the roman numerals and the clean, simple face. Timeless elegance. Love the blue cabochon. I know this is a "jewellery watch" but I love the look. I can use my phone to tell the time!
- AT: Also a classic, clean and streamlined. I'm concerned the face "blends" into the strap too much and doesn't stand out as much as the BB. Also may be a bit too sporty? Just found out that Naomie Harris wears it in Skyfall. It looks lovely on her! http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/product/omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-automatic-23110302006001
Movement: I'm a bit of a nerd here and want as good a movement as possible.
- BB: Calibre 076 is a standard ETA movement. Decent quality from what I have read
- AT: Omega 8520 is a highly rated co-axial movement. My understanding is that it has or will soon become an wholly Omega in house movement. As faintlymacabre mentioned earlier, AT wins this race easily.
Strap: Obviously a strap that wraps comfortably is important. Would prefer something that doesn't show too much wear over time
- BB: Strap seemed stiff when I tried it on, maybe its because its a new watch? Does this become more fluid over time? Polished steel worries me a bit, does it scratch easily?
- AT: Fits like a glove, love the fact it is brushed steel
Staying power: I think both have the ability to become classic pieces.
In summary - BB is more eye catching and looks like a piece of jewellery; Omega has the better movement, looks sportier and is harder wearing.
OK, I am still torn between the two!
Seems like you have all the facts but can't decide on which one you would go for. Well, I have an Omega Constellation, Rolex Lady Datejust and Omega Aqua Terra. Looking at these 3 watches, the Constellation is something I would wear when I'm 60. It's light, sits close to the wrist and due to it's bracelet, it feels like not wearing a watch. Whereas the AT is bulkier, I tend to hit my watch against things, doors etc. Hmm, the Rolex is nice, something that I would pass down to my grandaughter....if any.
I have no regrets over the watches as they are good for various needs. Reason why I said to consider the Rolex as the shape and look doesn't change in ages, very minor. Constellation has gone through more changes than the Rolex whereas I doubt the AT will be the same in the next 20 years.
More importantly, buy something you love after a good consideration and not what others think.
I have spent some time researching watches quite recently and have pretty much decided on the Omega Aqua Terra. I tried on the 30mm SS with Mother of Pearl face and diamond markers and really liked it. However, if and when I do take the plunge, I think I will go for the 34mm version of the watch. If the 34mm version was available with a dark face and diamond markers then that it the style that I would probably choose. I think that the 34mm only comes with a Mother of Pearl face though ... which is also nice.
I love Cartier too but think that the Aqua Terra is more 'me' somehow.
I love Cartier too but think that the Aqua Terra is more 'me' somehow.
Seems like you have all the facts but can't decide on which one you would go for. Well, I have an Omega Constellation, Rolex Lady Datejust and Omega Aqua Terra. Looking at these 3 watches, the Constellation is something I would wear when I'm 60. It's light, sits close to the wrist and due to it's bracelet, it feels like not wearing a watch. Whereas the AT is bulkier, I tend to hit my watch against things, doors etc. Hmm, the Rolex is nice, something that I would pass down to my grandaughter....if any.
I was wondering why you say the Constellation is something you would wear when you are 60? My husband bought me my Constellation (mother of pearl face) for my 50th birthday six years ago.
The DeVille is totally out of my price range, but fortunately I wasn't a fan when I tried it on. I'm not a yellow gold person.
The BB came out in 2006 I think. Not sure when the AT came out though.
I know what you mean about celebs and accessories. I hate people saying "oh that's *celeb*'s watch! Did you get it because of them?" No, I got it because I like it! And the sportiness of the AT is what is making me hesitate.
I'll definitely update when I make my decision! I will be going shopping for it this weekend so will try and snap some modelling photos which might help make up my mind!
There IS a Rolex I like but as its twice the price of both the AT and BB, I can't justify it either! The "entry level" Rolexes aren't my style either. I also like the fact I can wear the AT every day.
Seems like you have all the facts but can't decide on which one you would go for. Well, I have an Omega Constellation, Rolex Lady Datejust and Omega Aqua Terra. Looking at these 3 watches, the Constellation is something I would wear when I'm 60. It's light, sits close to the wrist and due to it's bracelet, it feels like not wearing a watch. Whereas the AT is bulkier, I tend to hit my watch against things, doors etc. Hmm, the Rolex is nice, something that I would pass down to my grandaughter....if any.
I have no regrets over the watches as they are good for various needs. Reason why I said to consider the Rolex as the shape and look doesn't change in ages, very minor. Constellation has gone through more changes than the Rolex whereas I doubt the AT will be the same in the next 20 years.
More importantly, buy something you love after a good consideration and not what others think.
That's exactly my issue! I can't decide. Re Rolex, it's something I MAY consider in a few years, but as you say they don't change their styles too often so I'm not worried about discontinued styles. Can't really say that about the BB/AT.
It's great that so many people have shared their thoughts on both watches, it's really helpful in helping me make a decision - thanks everyone
I prefer the darker face on the AT too... the white face is nice but I like the contrast of the markers against the darker face. Diamond markers would look spectacular against the brown/black face!
Seems like you have all the facts but can't decide on which one you would go for. Well, I have an Omega Constellation, Rolex Lady Datejust and Omega Aqua Terra. Looking at these 3 watches, the Constellation is something I would wear when I'm 60. It's light, sits close to the wrist and due to it's bracelet, it feels like not wearing a watch. Whereas the AT is bulkier, I tend to hit my watch against things, doors etc. Hmm, the Rolex is nice, something that I would pass down to my grandaughter....if any.
I was wondering why you say the Constellation is something you would wear when you are 60? My husband bought me my Constellation (mother of pearl face) for my 50th birthday six years ago.
The way I interpreted that is that she herself has the Constellation (as well as the other two watches she mentioned) and would continue wearing her Constellation even when she's 60, over the other watches she owns. I'm assuming she is much younger than that and just picked that random age as a time far into the future when she will still love and adore her Constellation. It's a beautiful style that is a classic.