Q: I am looking to buy a new watch. So far i've narrowed it down to the choice of a Tag Heuer WL111D. BA0700 or an Omega Seamaster Automatic 2551.80.00. Which would you recommend and why? I'm interested on your opinion of quality, reliability, looks and brand.

Any other watches you would recommend i look at? Please bear in mind i have small wrists so really the maximum case size i can look at is around 38mm in width and 11mm in depth.

Thanks for your answers.

A: Hi Grizzy

As far as quality of the brand thay are fairly even. Omega have been around a lot longer, but TAG Heuer have only ever made sports watches and are very good at it.

Same with reliability. Omega have the full backing of the Swatch group whereas TAG come under the umbrella of LVMH, one of the top luxury brand conglomerates in the world.

Looks becomes a personal thing and for this I would say the Omega. It's an iconic watch (made famous by the James Bond connection) the overal detail in the face and bracelet make it stand out in a crowd. The Kirium is a nice smooth lined watch that looks good for both casual and formal wear and is a bit more descreet.

Brand? I would probably go more into technical detail here.

The Omega you've quoted is an automatic watch. This is full mechanical gearing and how watches were originally made. Although it can be wound, movement of the wrist will continue to wind the watch and keep it wound. If taken off the wrist it will run for approximately 2 days before stopping. The Seamaster range of divers watches are 300 metres water resistant which is probably more than you will ever need. It basically means that you can swin, dive, deep sea dive and do water sports.

The Tag is a quartz version, ie: battery operated, so will continue to run regardless of whether you are wearing it or not. At 200 metres WR it can also be used for the above activities.

Long term you will have ot consider the maintenance of the watch. Batteries last approximately 2-3 years and servicing I would advice on alternate battery changes. Automatics would require an overhaul around every 4-5 years. Obviously costs will vary for both but check the individual costs when you go to buy.

OK, finally for my personal choice. Between the two I would say the Omega. I prefer traditional watchmaking and the overall look. The watch is a bit more eyecatching aswell. When you do go to the shop, try the full size model on anyway. Although you have a small wrist, most guys usually decide on the larger version anyway. If you do think you might consider the larger option, look out for the Limited Edition Bond watch. It's styled lightly different on the face and some engraving. Limited to only 10,007 pieces you might feel it worth the extra (assuming you like Bond that is)

Anyway, I hope you have enough information there to help you.

Good Luck

Q: I want to buy a nice watch and have eliminated the choices to two an Omega Seamaster GMT

http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id =288&details=1&ref=22345000& no_cache=1

or a TAG Heuer Aquaracer in blue

http://www.tagheuer.com/the-collection/a quaracer/man/automatic-watch/index.lbl?w =WAF2112.BA0806

i was wondering what your expert opinions would suggest...........

thanks

A: Omega watches hold their value...