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detroitMD
·Box:
If you’re used to seeing a nice red box, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The X-33 comes packaged with a well made presentation box that contains a hidden spring loaded drawer specifically designed to hold the manual and cards.
Presentation: See pics.
The Dial:
Keeping the heritage of the Speedmaster line, it’s easy to see the pedigree when glancing into the dial. One very nice compliment to the watch is the digital display, which unlike most analog/digital dials, does not intrude or impede the quick reference capability provided by the analog hands. I was a bit concerned when I ordered this watch without seeing it on-site because I’m not a fan of the rectangular boxes reserved for the digital display which is common on other watches. The concern here was the carved out circle with notches, (some here referred to as a “hello kitty” outline) taking over the dial and creating a gaudy mess of it. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. In most instances, the outline is unnoticeable because you’re focus is on the analog display. Even when using the digital outlay, I found an appreciation of the outline and how it compliment’s the utility of the digital display. Beyond this, the ability to sync the hands and second marker, ensures that everything lines up properly and on mark.
Bezel:
Pure joy…..Not shiny, not obtrusive and very pleasant to turn in BOTH directions. More can be read up on Omega’s website as to the material behind this masterpiece. I only wish we could see more of this on serious tool watches.
The lume:
Enduring. Nothing else lacking needed here. A nice touch was added to the bezel at the 12 o'clock position as well. The digital display also possesses an independent ability to glow at the push of the button.
Case:
I can’t speak for Omega choosing to go with a larger case, but what I can say is that they didn’t waste a single component in the design. It’s comfortable to wear and slides easily under the cuff when not used. The case blends nicely into the bracelet, which further tapers around the wrist. The pushers blend nicely into the case as well, giving it a very serious “no distractions” look. The choice to use grade 2 Titanium over the typical grade 5 used in most high-end jewelry was justified by the overall presence that the X-33 delivers. It’s a purpose driven tool that isn’t meant to shine or call attention to itself. The essence behind it is mission oriented and that means being able to integrate within various environments where “what are you wearing” is irrelevant.
Crystal:
Sapphire layered with anti-reflective coatings on the top and bottom. Result? Invisible most of the time.
Bracelet:
Lacking nothing and very comfortable. Size it once and forget about it. The balance of the Case and curved lugs allow the X-33 to sit perfectly on the wrist without riding up or down. The tapered bracelet lends itself to this by offering slight “play” upon the lateral axis, in other words; it isn’t rigid like most modern solid bracelets. Instead, the play allows the bracelet to adapt to the rigorous motion of the wearer without flopping around like a politician during an election campaign.
Clasp:
Not much to be said here. I found it to be very sturdy, and appreciate the push button design seen on most Omega’s these days.
Functions:
Behind the most basic function of this piece, you have a well equipped pilots watch. An interactive manual can be downloaded on the iTunes App Store, which guides the user through the array of settings and uses for each function. I wont elaborate too much on this subject, but what I can say from years past as a professional pilot; this was a movement designed within the capability offered in a multifunction quartz to compliment itself by performing within a set schedule. In essence, it behaves as a task master and doesn’t try to be something it’s not (Breitling, I’m looking at you!)
And at last, The Alarm:
The amplified alarm exceeds the 80dB required by the ESA and is more than enough for anyone looking for a proper do-it-all alarm to get out of bed and stay on task.
Overall Impression:
Like the previous generation X-33’s, this one will soon be hard to acquire used, as I suspect most owners will find it irreplaceable. For those bound on terrestrial quests, there’s nothing that comes close to matching up aesthetics and function all in one package as there always seems to be a trade-off between the two, but this is my personal opinion having thoroughly considered Breitling and others.
If you’re used to seeing a nice red box, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The X-33 comes packaged with a well made presentation box that contains a hidden spring loaded drawer specifically designed to hold the manual and cards.
Presentation: See pics.
The Dial:
Keeping the heritage of the Speedmaster line, it’s easy to see the pedigree when glancing into the dial. One very nice compliment to the watch is the digital display, which unlike most analog/digital dials, does not intrude or impede the quick reference capability provided by the analog hands. I was a bit concerned when I ordered this watch without seeing it on-site because I’m not a fan of the rectangular boxes reserved for the digital display which is common on other watches. The concern here was the carved out circle with notches, (some here referred to as a “hello kitty” outline) taking over the dial and creating a gaudy mess of it. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. In most instances, the outline is unnoticeable because you’re focus is on the analog display. Even when using the digital outlay, I found an appreciation of the outline and how it compliment’s the utility of the digital display. Beyond this, the ability to sync the hands and second marker, ensures that everything lines up properly and on mark.
Bezel:
Pure joy…..Not shiny, not obtrusive and very pleasant to turn in BOTH directions. More can be read up on Omega’s website as to the material behind this masterpiece. I only wish we could see more of this on serious tool watches.
The lume:
Enduring. Nothing else lacking needed here. A nice touch was added to the bezel at the 12 o'clock position as well. The digital display also possesses an independent ability to glow at the push of the button.
Case:
I can’t speak for Omega choosing to go with a larger case, but what I can say is that they didn’t waste a single component in the design. It’s comfortable to wear and slides easily under the cuff when not used. The case blends nicely into the bracelet, which further tapers around the wrist. The pushers blend nicely into the case as well, giving it a very serious “no distractions” look. The choice to use grade 2 Titanium over the typical grade 5 used in most high-end jewelry was justified by the overall presence that the X-33 delivers. It’s a purpose driven tool that isn’t meant to shine or call attention to itself. The essence behind it is mission oriented and that means being able to integrate within various environments where “what are you wearing” is irrelevant.
Crystal:
Sapphire layered with anti-reflective coatings on the top and bottom. Result? Invisible most of the time.
Bracelet:
Lacking nothing and very comfortable. Size it once and forget about it. The balance of the Case and curved lugs allow the X-33 to sit perfectly on the wrist without riding up or down. The tapered bracelet lends itself to this by offering slight “play” upon the lateral axis, in other words; it isn’t rigid like most modern solid bracelets. Instead, the play allows the bracelet to adapt to the rigorous motion of the wearer without flopping around like a politician during an election campaign.
Clasp:
Not much to be said here. I found it to be very sturdy, and appreciate the push button design seen on most Omega’s these days.
Functions:
Behind the most basic function of this piece, you have a well equipped pilots watch. An interactive manual can be downloaded on the iTunes App Store, which guides the user through the array of settings and uses for each function. I wont elaborate too much on this subject, but what I can say from years past as a professional pilot; this was a movement designed within the capability offered in a multifunction quartz to compliment itself by performing within a set schedule. In essence, it behaves as a task master and doesn’t try to be something it’s not (Breitling, I’m looking at you!)
And at last, The Alarm:
The amplified alarm exceeds the 80dB required by the ESA and is more than enough for anyone looking for a proper do-it-all alarm to get out of bed and stay on task.
Overall Impression:
Like the previous generation X-33’s, this one will soon be hard to acquire used, as I suspect most owners will find it irreplaceable. For those bound on terrestrial quests, there’s nothing that comes close to matching up aesthetics and function all in one package as there always seems to be a trade-off between the two, but this is my personal opinion having thoroughly considered Breitling and others.
