OK, I understand the need to "run with a pack" but come on people. When Pentium processors came out, we all swapped in our 486's because better (faster) technology was available. The same should apply to every other tool we own including our Omegas (or any other watch brand).
There are articles here on this site that attest to the superior performance of even the cheapest quartz movement over automatic movements. So where is the basis for such a comittment to automatic movements? That certificate and hang tag aren't magic talismans. And the movements surely are not magic. They are low tech. There clearly is no comparison between quartz and automatic movements. It is like comparing "counting on your fingers" to using a calculator. Why would anyone consider a watch movement that is adversely effected by which side of the watch you lay it on when you take it off to sleep at night, quality? Granted, it WAS ONCE the highest tech available. But now it is as low tech as "buggy whips".
I had to consider this before I purchased my Omega SMP. It comes in both automatic (chronometer) and quartz models. 2 of my friends have the automatics. The only reason I could come up with to purchase the automatic was because everyone else has it. And they only bought it because it has the word "chronometer" written on the dial. On the other hand, the quartz model is clearly more accurate. I went with the quartz model. And after owning it for a month now it is clear that my quartz keeps far more accurate time than the automatic versions owned by my friends. During the month - my quartz model lost a total of 1.5 seconds. That is phenominal. My 2 friends are lucky if their automatic models do not gain or lose 1 second a day. All of this leads me to the LOGICAL conclusion that Swiss Chronometer Certification is nothing more than good marketing. Is is clearly no mark of superiority. And purchasing a chronometer can only be the result of marketing mesmerism. And, yes, the Omega SMP (quartz) WAS INDEED WORN BY BROSNAN IN A BOND FLICK (GoldenEye). So that isn't even a reason to purchase the automatic version. By the way, since Omega didn't need to send the quartz movement out for certification - the watch costs less. You will save anywhere from $200 to $500 (US) depending on the dealer.
