<p>We promise to invest our time and experience into understanding your needs and desires. We won’t &#8230;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Expect you to have lots of knowledge</li>
<li>Drown you in more detail than you need</li>
<li>Try to push a sale on you</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our aim is to make you feel relaxed and welcome, and to enjoy the Oakleigh Watches experience from start to finish.</p>
<div></div>


insidemechanismclockworkwithworkinggears-close-updetailed-3drendering

The oakleigh promise

Omega bracelets have long been considered some of the best in the world and they make cases that blend ceramics, silicon, and new alloys with metals for outstanding longevity.

Are Omega cases and bracelets good?

Omega watches are made in Bienne, Switzerland.

Are Omega watches made in Switzerland?

Omega and Rolex watches are quite different in their styling and so can be difficult to compare. However, when it comes to the accuracy and quality of manufacture of a modern Omega watch, yes, they are as good as Rolex.

Is Omega the same quality as Rolex?

Omega mechanical movements are made to the highest standards. Omega watches are one of only two brands to qualify as Master Chronometers, in fact they established the concept jointly with METAS (The Federal Institute of Metrology).

Are Omega movements good quality?

Omega are one of the most desirable watch brands in the world and have been since they began to use the Omega name in 1903.Omega watches are made with traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-industry materials.

Are pre owned Omega watches desirable?

View All Insights

160314184621-watch-testing-deep-sea-rolex-3

Best Dive Watches - 12 of our Favourites

1x1-7523

Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?

“Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?”

This is a question that I am often asked by our clients. Of course what they are referring to is whether their watch is water resistant – will it leak and ruin the movement, dial and hands?

There are usually three areas that need to be considered when the water resistance of a watch is under examination;
<ul>
 	<li>the caseback</li>
 	<li>the glass</li>
 	<li>the crown</li>
</ul>
During testing, these three components are checked for condition and damage or corrosion. Next the seals fitted between the component and the case are inspected and often replaced. The watch is then pressure tested using a purpose built piece of equipment. When it passes – voila! Your watch is waterproof.

So yes, if it passes the test, you CAN go swimming in a luxury watch. But hang on, there’s another question that needs to be asked ……

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8735" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Swim2.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

<strong>“SHOULD I go swimming in a luxury watch?”
</strong>
All the watches that we sell here at Oakleigh Watches are superb examples of their type and are all of course very valuable.

I can’t imagine a more hostile environment for a luxury watch than a beach with its salt and sand, or a swimming pool full of chlorine, steel and ceramic tiles. And that’s before you even mention the water! So our advice would be – “yes you can swim in a luxury watch but NO, you probably shouldn’t.”

If you’re at the pool or the beach – relax, forget about the time! Or, if you’re like me and feel a bit lost without something stylish on your wrist, switch your luxury time piece for a much more practical G-Shock!

Oakleigh Watches works alongside local Rolex and Omega service agents <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/?_ga=2.204148883.2033394945.1721402847-623201293.1721402847">Michlmayr &amp; Co.</a> All of our luxury pre-owned watches are tested to ensure they are water resistant and comply to COSC spec. Some of our more vintage stock will not be water resistant and this will be made clear in the description.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

the-tudor-big-block-listing

The-Tudor-Big-Block-listing

In 1970 Tudor entered the chronograph market with a watch that was very different from its Rolex Daytona brethren – The two incarnations of the ’Monte-Carlo’ were bold, bright and colourful and occupied their own place in the Rolex family lineup, as a slightly inferior model to the Daytona.

Then in 1976 there was a shift and the ‘Big Blocks’ were born. Far from establishing a point of difference from the Rolex Daytona by continuing with the ‘fun’ slightly ‘junior’ theme, Tudor made a watch that was similar to the Daytona and in one key way, actually superior….

As well as toning down the colour palette and producing monochrome chronographs (although exotic-dialed 9000-series ‘Big Block Monte Carlos’ were made), Tudor adopted the Valjoux 7750 movement, not only adding an extra chrono sub dial but also a quick set date and an automatic movement. This automatic movement made the Big Block the first self-winding chronographs from the Rolex group – it would take Rolex themselves well over ten years to make an automatic Daytona and 25 years to make one with an in house movement.

As well as an advanced set of features, the Valjoux movement brought with it the necessity for a deeper case than its predecessors to house the self-winding mechanism and rotor, hence the nickname “Big Block”.

The first Big Blocks were the 9400’s consisting of three references that gave the option of three different bezels:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">9420 with an acrylic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9421 with a 12-hour calibrated rotating bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9430 with a steel tachymeter bezel</li>
</ul>
In the late 1980’s, the 9400 series was replaced by the 79100 series of Big Blocks and again, there were three references with three bezel types:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">79160 with a black plastic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">79170 with a black graduated 12-hour rotating bezel;</li>
 	<li class="li1">79180 with a steel tachymeter bezel.</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">By the mid 1990’s Montres TUDOR S.A. was 50 years old and they started to made decisive moves to differentiate themselves from their Rolex brothers. As a consequence the direct references to Rolex were steadily disappearing from the cases, winding crowns and bracelets of Tudor watches to be replaced with own brand alternatives and the day of the Big Block was over.</p>
<p class="p1">An important watch and often overlooked, the Big Blocks are one to watch that’s for sure</p>

The Tudor ‘Big Block’

Understanding Watch Model & Serial Numbers

serial-numbers-large

Pre owned Omega Watches tend to hold or indeed increase in value, as opposed to new, which tend to depreciate as soon as you leave the store. So, buying pre owned is a shrewd financial decision, plus you will probably get what you want much sooner.

&nbsp;

When you buy a perfect, fully tested and warrantied pre-owned Omega watch from Oakleigh Watches, you will normally be saving a considerable amount and still getting a watch that you can rely on 100%.

&nbsp;

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Omega watches.

&nbsp;

<strong>1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?</strong>

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

&nbsp;

• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.

&nbsp;

• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.

&nbsp;

• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.

&nbsp;

If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

&nbsp;

<strong>2. Style</strong>

If you are wanting to wear your Omega watch, pick something that has style longevity, suits your style and your wrist.

&nbsp;

There are literally hundreds of watches to choose from, varying in size, colour, purpose and so on.

&nbsp;

The most popular pre owned Omega watches tend to be sports watches and are split into two main groups – the Omega Speedmaster and the Omega Seamaster.

&nbsp;

There are several models of Speedmaster, but the two key ones are:

• The Moonwatch is the classic manual winding chronograph with a steel caseback and a Hesalite plexiglass. One of the most iconic watches ever made, it’s a beautifully designed statement for your wrist.

&nbsp;

• The Speedmaster Sapphire is a more modern automatic watch. The display back gives it a special unique edge and the Sapphire Crystal makes it more robust.

&nbsp;

You will find many variations on the classic Omega Speedmaster theme including limited editions, different case sizing and added complications.

&nbsp;

Speedmasters tend to have a case size that is between 42-43mm plus the chronograph pushers. While they’re relatively slim, they are quite wide on the wrist.

&nbsp;

There are 4 models of Seamaster:

• The Omega Seamaster 300 is a classic 1960’s style Diver. Ideal for those looking for something with a vintage feel – a slightly smaller watch.

• The Omega Seamaster Diver is a modern take on the dive watch, worn for years by Bond, James Bond. The case is bigger (up to 42mm) but not bulky, so ideal sports watch for a daily wearer.

• The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is a bigger dive watch than the others with a helium release valve and deeper depth rating. Perfect for ‘actual’ divers or for those that like something substantial on their wrist.

• The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a slighter dressier take on the Seamaster and while still sporty, is more suited to a three piece suit than a wetsuit.

&nbsp;

<strong>3. Size</strong>

Does matter when it comes to watches. However, it is all down to confidence and perspective.

&nbsp;

Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

&nbsp;

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 43mm + proudly, then it will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Seamaster 300 or the Aqua Terra.

&nbsp;

Most modern watches tend to have larger cases, simply because as a nation we are bigger. If you want something small, you might want to look at vintage models (pre 1980).

&nbsp;

<strong>4. Vintage or Modern</strong>

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness.

&nbsp;

We mentioned above about the fact that vintage tend to be smaller in fact, the Omega Speedmaster was 4mm smaller in the 1960’s than it is now. So, if you like a slightly smaller vintage look, then this might be for you.

&nbsp;

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Speedmaster every day, then you should go for a newer one as the 321 movement from the 1960’s can be fragile and expensive to repair.

&nbsp;

Modern watches are more robust due to developments in technology and therefore are more hard wearing and suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

&nbsp;

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Omega watches.

&nbsp;

<strong>5. Fashion or Function </strong>

<img class="" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1x1-6517-1.jpg" width="523" height="617" />

What do you want your Omega for?

&nbsp;

Omega watches are among the most precise in the world and they’ve set more precision records than anyone else. Because of this they have long been associated with timing at major sporting events including both Summer and Winter Olympics.

&nbsp;

If you do want a sports watch for actual sport, the Omega Seamaster models are the best place to start.

&nbsp;

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Omega Watches

1x1-8936

Omega Speedmaster 125

Availability

Brand

Model

What's Included

Condition

Reference

Years

Papers

Movement Type

Movement

Diameter

Dial Colour

Case material

Bracelet/Strap

Gender

Matching Model

<div class="wpb_text_column ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<p>This Vintage Omega Speedmaster 125 was made in 1973 and is 100% original in every way - dial, hands, bracelet, the lot.</p>
<p>This reference was made to mark the passing of 125 years since Louis Brandt set up his workshop in June 1848.</p>
<p>The condition is truly excellent with no scratches, marks or scuffs anywhere and the bracelet has enough wear to make it comfortable while still being strong and safe.</p>
<p>It comes with its original box, also in excellent original condition.</p>
<p>Just serviced by Omega authorised watchmakers <a href="http://www.michlmayr.com/">S Michlmayr &amp; Co</a> this Omega Speedmaster 125 is running smooth and strong and is supplied with a 12 month warranty.</p>
<p>For more Omega Watches visit our <strong><a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/brand/pre-owned-omega-watches">Omega </a></strong>Brand page.</p>
<div class="wpb_text_column ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="wpb_text_column ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<div class="wpb_text_column ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>


This Vintage Omega Speedmaster 125 was made in 1973 and is 100% original - dial, hands, bracelet, the lot. Just serviced with a 12 month warranty.

Vintage Omega Speedmaster 125 | 1973 | With Box

https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1-15.jpg

Home

Oakleigh Watches

Learn More

Would You Like To Part Exchange An Existing Watch?

There are risks involved in taking out a loan and you should ensure you can make all payments on time and in full; failure to do so can lead to financial difficulties and have a negative impact on your credit score.

Omega Speedmaster 125

£3,750