Rolex VS Omega Which is Best?
Rolex and Omega are two of the most iconic and legendary Swiss watch brands.
Both brands have achieved great things – both in terms of technology, innovation, and watchmaking art, but also in making a difference in and pushing boundaries.
Amongst all of the watch brands in the world, Rolex and Omega may be among those that are compared with each other the most. Both brands have similar price ranges for their watches, although Rolex generally tends to have slightly more expensive watches than Omega.
Despite this, in choosing a watch, you may find yourself Omega watches with Rolex watches, and wondering which is the best.
Rolex VS Omega – Which is best?
Now ultimately, the answer to this question will depend on your taste and preference, and there is no fixed answer.
If you look at discussions on forums, you will find that some argue that Omega is best, whilst others argue that Rolex is the best.
But let’s look at some of the most central aspects of a watch and compare Rolex and Omega side-by-side.
Build quality and quality control
To some extent, the build quality and quality control of a watch can be somewhat difficult to compare. But generally speaking, Rolex watches are more expensive than Omega, and therefore, we would also assume that the quality control of Rolex watches should be somewhat higher than that of Omega watches. This is something that we can agree with. From our own observations, Omega watches tend to have more imperfections than Rolex watches, coming from the factory. This includes things like dust on the dial, splattered paint, scratches, or slight damage.
Whilst this is generally uncommon for both brands, they tend to be somewhat rarer on a Rolex watch. But at the same time, factoring in the price difference, the question is if you are still ok with this. Naturally, the more you pay, the higher quality and better quality control you will receive. Watch these videos below:
Warranty
Both Rolex and Omega offer a five-year warranty. With that said, they are both equal in this sense. This is longer than the 2-year industry standard.
Price and availability
In terms of price and availability, something that people complain about when it comes to Rolex is that their professional models are not readily available. On most of the steel Professional watches from Rolex, there is a waiting list, sometimes several years long. This is not the case for Omega watches – except for the exception of limited edition timepieces which have limited production.
If you want to buy an Omega diver’s watch, you can simply walk into an official Omega retailer and buy a Seamaster. If you, on the other hand, want a Submariner, you will not be able to walk into an official retailer and buy one.
The lack of availability is a double-edged sword, which can both prove to be positive, but also negative in the long run. Something we have noticed people say on forums and similar is that because they do not want to wait for years, they went and bought an Omega instead. With that said, there is no question about the fact that lack of availability does increase the sense of exclusivity – which certainly seems to be working for Rolex. But at the same time, eventually, people will get tired of waiting and turn to something else instead. Interestingly enough, that “something else” has proven to be Omega watches in many cases.
Secondhand value
Secondhand value says something about the power of the brand, as well as how attractive a brand is.
The higher the demand for the products on the secondhand market, the better they will hold their value. With that said, Rolex watches tend to hold their value substantially better than Omega watches. There are of course exceptions to this, but generally speaking.
But the question you should ask yourself is if the secondhand value matters to you. Additionally, the secondhand value will primarily be a factor to (potentially) consider, if you buy your watch brand new from an official retailer.
If you buy your watch on the secondhand market, you will buy it at a secondhand market price, and thus it will already have depreciated from its retail price.
Rolex watches hold their value very well on the secondhand market, and for a number of different Rolex watches, they actually cost more on the secondhand market as opposed to the recommended retail price.
Talking about value, some people argue that Rolex watches are overpriced and that you mainly pay for the brand, whereas for Omega, you pay for the watch. This description is subjective, but there is no question that Rolex has a more powerful brand, and hence will be able to profit from it. But then you cannot neglect that the quality is there, too.
Rolex VS Omega: Accuracy
Both Rolex and Omega have exceptional accuracy on their watches.
Many of Omega’s watches today are METAS certified, which goes through stringent tests for durability and accuracy. This means that they are first certified by COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) before being tested by METAS. When having passed both these tests, the watch is awarded the Master Chronometer Certification. The certification means that the watch has been certified twice, and has passed 8 different tests related to quality, durability, and accuracy.
Rolex watches are superlative chronometers. This essentially means that they are tested in a similar way as Omega. This means that the watches are certified by COSC, but after that, they have undergone a number of specific final controls by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria which exceeds watchmaking norms and standards. With that said, Rolex goes above and beyond the requirements of COSC.
Which of these tests is the best can be discussed. But it is evident that both manufacturers take testing very seriously, and thus have their watches tested both externally and internally.
Models
Both brands have a wide range of products. Furthermore, both brands also have legendary and important models that have existed for decades, and which the brands have refined and improved over the years. With that said, both brands make some legendary and iconic watches. The most iconic watches include the Speedmaster and Seamaster from Omega, and the Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master from Rolex. When you wear these watches, regardless of brand, you wear a piece of history on the wrist.
With the wide range of models available from each brand, you can be sure to find a watch you like from either.
History and prestige
It’s safe to say that both Rolex and Omega have great prestige and history.
Omega is perhaps most known for being the official watch on NASA and the first watch worn on the moon. Rolex can brag about making the first automatic waterproof wristwatch, being worn by some of the most legendary individuals in the world, and being worn on the first climb of Mount Everest, to mention a few achievements.
It’s impossible to say which of these brands has the richest and most prestigious. But both of them can brag about history, but also inventions, and innovation.
Both Rolex and Omega have come up with numerous watchmaking inventions and innovations.
Now, in terms of prestige, Omega will not be able to measure itself with Rolex. Rolex is the single most recognized brand in the world and thus offers the wearer a sense of prestige that Omega cannot copper with. The vast majority of people know what a Rolex is, and instantly associate it with success. Omega is of course also well-known and recognized, but it doesn’t reach the levels of Rolex for prestige and recognition. So in this category, Rolex is a clear winner.
Rolex VS Omega: Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether you choose Rolex or Omega is up to you. Both brands have their benefits and downsides but are both two prestigious, reputable, and respected Swiss watchmakers. Overall, Omega is slightly cheaper than Rolex, and the availability of them is better. But at the same time, there is nothing that can compare with the power of the crown.
I read your comparison and enjoyed it immensely. Used Rolex certainly sell for more than Omegas used.
Supply is the issue I wanted a submariner and ended up with an omega planet ocean 600 chronograph gold and stainless.
It’s a beautiful watch and I believe to look at it wins out over Rolex.
I have received many compliments and I saved $5G’s.
Money was not the factor it was poor supply from Rolex.
I have a James Cameron and a explorer II my omega matches them on looks and quality.
In my eyes
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Phil! There are certainly a lot of people who agree with you!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Throughly enjoyed reading this. I agree both Rolex and Omega are prestigious Swiss luxury watch makers that produce exceptional timepieces with lots of history. Without a doubt Rolex is recognized as the No.1 watch brand that is synonymous with success. Omega is not far behind it.
I’ve had a passion for watches since 8yrs old, which was donkeys years ago, seeing a gold Rolex Datejust on my fathers wrist on a two toned steel and gold jubilee bracelet. Or with him sporting the old Omega Seamaster 300m. Started the watch journey for me.
Now as I look to find my first truly luxury timepiece I found myself in this fork in the road, I want a Rolex but yet cannot seem to acquire one without being waitlisted. Even the less expensive OP41s (5900 USD) are tough to get. Then theres Omega, yes its mass produced but theres a certain high quality, durability, and history that can’t go unnoticed. Omega being mass produced has its pros and cons. Pro- Availability Con-Less exclusivity, knicking the prestige a little. Long story short Omega prevailed in the argument. Ended up getting myself a Speedmaster Co-axial 3861 Moonwatch. A very classy watch if I don’t say so myself, especially on a calf skin strap.
I think whether an individual gets the Rolex or Omega, both are highly desirable luxury brands. Both brands can be dressed up or down, no matter ones lifestyle. If you don’t mind the wait of months and a couple years for some models then go for the renowned Crown. If you have to scratch the itch, the Omega is a very good second choice.
Throughly enjoyed reading this. I agree both Rolex and Omega are prestigious Swiss luxury watch makers that produce exceptional timepieces with lots of history. Without a doubt Rolex is recognized as the No.1 watch brand that is synonymous with success. Omega is not far behind it.
Now as I look to find my first truly luxury timepiece I found myself in this fork in the road, I want a Rolex but yet cannot seem to acquire one without being waitlisted. Even the less expensive OP41s (5900 USD) are tough to get. Then theres Omega, yes its mass produced but theres a certain high quality, durability, and history that can’t go unnoticed. Omega being mass produced has its pros and cons. Pro- Availability Con-Less exclusivity, knicking the prestige a little. Long story short Omega prevailed in the argument. Ended up getting myself a Speedmaster Co-axial 3861 Moonwatch. A very classy watch if I don’t say so myself, especially on a calf skin strap.
I think whether an individual gets the Rolex or Omega, both are highly desirable luxury brands. Both brands can be dressed up or down, no matter ones lifestyle. If you don’t mind the wait of months and a couple years for some models then go for the renowned Crown. If you have to scratch the itch, the Omega is a very good second choice.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Elliott. And great summary. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Sorry, Rolex and Omega are excellent watches but Rolex is not number 1.
1- Patek Philippe.
2- Vacheron Constantin
3- Audemar Piguet.
THOSE 3 are called : THE TRINITY.
4-Blanc Pain
5- Ulysse Nardin
6-Jaeger- Le Coultre
7- Omega
8-Glassehutte Original
9-Rolex.
etc..
one watch, better than any of the TRINITY, stands in a league of their own and are the most respected watch brand ever to exist : LANGE and Sohne.
I have a Rolex and it never leaves my wrist.
Thank you for this – I agree.
Rolex is No longer High End – and haven’t been for years.
– Omega was first on the Moon.
– Omega is James Bond.
– Omega goes back to 1947/48 with the Seamaster.
As a Scandinavian aestetic Watch-Collector from Denmark I really must say that I find Rolex very tacky and dowdy .
To me Rolex does no longer represent a High End culture – there are way more sophisticated and far more expensive brands today.
Rolex is outdated and equals no class and style in 2022.
But Thank you for Reading 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I feel that both Rolex and Omega are good watches brands, both are mass produced, not only Omega like one of the respondents wrote. Arguably Rolex produces more watches than Omega each year.
Rolex watches are highly visible, recognisable and readily attracts thieves whilst Omega watches are less and therefore more discreet which I much prefer.
With regards to the QA/QC I feel that Omega still has to improve as the QA/QC person view from 30 cm is not enough in my view as many imperfections pass through which detract the brand image. I feel that Omega should set up a computer aided QA/QC « loupe type » inspection system so that visible defects on dials, hands, markers, etc…are detected and rectified. Watches should be refinished once defects are found. It’s funny, I would be happier for watches companies to offer zero defects or refinished watches for a premium.
While James Bond wears Omegas in the films in the original Ian Fleming novels James Bond always wore a Rolex as, no doubt, did his creator.
Yes indeed!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
My Rolex collection includes a Yatchmaster II in steel and rose gold, a Submariner blue bezel in steel and rose gold, a Datejust 41 steel with blue dial and Roman numerals and a Seamaster Deepsea, all acquired while being waitlisted for the Daytona (Panda) by my AD. My frustrations led me to first get a Raymond Weil’s Don Giovanni chronograph and today, after reading these messages, just bought an Omega Speedmaster Moonwalker Professional. Rolex can keep playing it’s artificial ‘waiting’ games while we discover other equally good, available and cheaper versions. All this nonsense about ‘success’ – I retired as a CEO of an independent multi-million oil & gas company – that’s success for me, not wearing a watch that Rolex tries to make elitist!!
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experience.
Yes, the long waiting lists have certainly led to more and more people looking for other alternatives.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches