zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Hi, I've read a lot of health warnings on these
: boards concerning the 33xx movement - I take
: it these apply to the PO chronograph
: (c3313)? I had been interested in the 300M
: Chrono Diver (2225.80) but I discovered an
: AD in Hong Kong that will sell the PO chrono
: for only a fraction more. Also a little bit
: interested in the "normal" PO
: (2201.50.00 42mm)

: Any advice greatly appreciated as I know very
: little about all this!

: Thanks,
: Charlie.

Hi Charlie,

The PO chrono does indeed use the co-axial version of the Piguet-based column wheel chrono movements that have a somewhat spotty track record for reliability. By contrast, the Bond SMP chrono uses caliber 1164, which is a modified ETA/Valjoux 7750 movement. Caliber 1164 has a reputation for being a very rugged, reliable movement. It costs less because it is not co-axial and because it is not as intricate as the 33xx series (thus it costs a lot less to manufacture).

The base PO is powered by caliber 2500C, a modified ETA 2892-A2 that has been extensively upgraded with a co-axial escapement, a larger, free-sprung balance, and a lot of other modifications.

Of the three watches you are considering, only the PO chrono has a movement with a questionable track record for reliability. I'd suggest you look at the link below to Chuck Maddox's weblog on the 33xx series failures so that you can make an informed decision.

The one thing that confuses me, however, is why your AD would sell the PO chrono at a comparable price to the Bond SMP chrono. The PO chrono retails for $5580, the regular PO is $3400, and the Bond chrono is $3250. That's a $2000+ price difference between the PO chrono and the other two watches you are considering.

Good luck with your decision,
John