Omega's Secret?

Was this stealth release/quick discontinuation a strategy or happenstance? Do you think we will see other unheralded novelties or specialties models that come and go in a marketplace blink-of-an-eye? This CK859 is marvelous watch, with slightly odd circumstances surrounding it. What do you think?
Thank you to Brent Miller Jewelers for hosting me on site. Please reach out to Brad for any watch pricing/availability. Highly recommended AD:
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0:00 - 1:31 Very little promotion
1:31 - 2:00 Quick discontinuation
2:00 - 2:54 Cutting their losses?
2:54 - 4:55 Or a shrewd strategy?
4:55 - 6:05 The watch is amazing
6:05 - 7:19 Unknown production numbers
7:19 - 7:43 Pennsylvania outro

[@Uncle2002]

Definitely not a mistake or poorly received watch, Bruce. This is Omega FINALLY playing to their strengths by digging deep into the history books and releasing near perfect watches in limited runs to stir excitement. I bought one and it's my first Omega!

[@merc7paul]

Same first Omega, got it as a gift. Would have not had any interest in getting it myself but appreciating more that I learn about it 😊

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

It's beautiful. I would consider buying one if I could afford it. It's short run will make it ultra collectable. Congratulations to anyone who bought it.

[@bobj8877]

Absolutely love mine, which was purchased from Brent Miller. Yes, I already owned a Speedy and a Seamaster, so this one completed the Omega Trifecta for me.

[@cecilyau4440]

I must watch too many videos, but I saw a review of this just after it was released. It was done by some guy, I think an expat in Hong Kong or the UAE. He was super excited to buy it, and it was more of a purchase and wrist shots with a friend out and about. The dial is made of silver, which is pretty cool, though who knows how that will patina/tarnish. I can’t bring myself to buy luxury watches over the years , but if I were to buy an Omega, this would have been my first choice. The dial is elegant, and the movement is beautiful.

[@ryanelectra225]

I have one and love it. A classic heritage design that doesn’t immediately look like an Omega. I’ve seen numbers close to 4000. Mine is just over 2000

[@yukimiyazaki2173]

the production number is 2939 pieces on the card is written limited edition with your watch number out of 2939

[@drmexicoii]

That's not on my card and it distinctly says numbered edition not limited edition

[@yukimiyazaki2173]

@@drmexicoii ok maybe only in europe.... I´m living in germany

[@drmexicoii]

I'm in the UK. Mind you technically we're not in Europe anymore unfortunately. Only geographically sadly

[@yukimiyazaki2173]

@@drmexicoii ok it´s a mystery now... but yes sad story

[@yukimiyazaki2173]

@@drmexicoii Update: People are saying that the number and Limited Edition on the card is maybe a misprinting... so the real production number will be a mystery...

[@jport74]

I just bought one at my Omega Boutique last week and absolutely love it. Mine is numbered in the low 2400's.

[@Tomkhong]

This is the model which would draw non fans’ attention to Omega. Such a lovely dial and the blue hands are so beautiful

[@clintonshiells3095]

I find this an absolutely stunning watch, the most visually appealing Omega I’ve seen

[@allanreardon]

Absolutely stunning watch in person. I've got a couple of Omegas in my collection, and if I had been in a position to buy one I would've bought one.

[@yaaxarr8977]

You don’t sound crazy Bruce. They’re doing that to create fidelity for some enthusiasts. That’s a nice Omega but no the best.

[@edo7052]

Still available quite easily in the UK, I think it didn’t sell Bruce and they’ve cut their losses. Most people looking to purchase a watch at this price wouldn’t go for this in my opinion. Longines do this style of watch at half the price or less

[@chia-mingyang5804]

Longines can't compare to this at any aspect.

[@edo7052]

@@chia-mingyang5804 Read the comment. Longines absolutely can be compared to this watch in terms of the STYLE of watch. They have numerous pieces that are visually similar in STYLE. Fact. 🤦🏻

[@chia-mingyang5804]

@@edo7052 What I meant is only same style doesn't mean people won't choose this Omega because of double price. Patek, Laurent Ferrier and some other brands also have same style models with higher prices and they can sell. Details matter.

[@drmexicoii]

Yeah the UK availability is definitely there. Doesn't seem to be in all territories though. Wonder if this was be design as well? Did they think it would sell better in the UK? Or did it sell terribly in the UK maybe?!

[@markotoole7937]

Yes Longines has a sector dial, but it's a very different in aesthetics still. I don't really like the Longines, but this Omega I love, plus the movement, case back dial etc. it's a far superior watch. However, I agree that most people looking to spend £5800 probably won't go for this, it's more for the enthusiast.

[@samd.5203]

when I first saw these I was definitely interested. I went to 3 different ADs to get a look at one of these and the 3rd one finally had one but it was already sold and I could only look at it and not touch it. Never got a real chance to buy one before they were discontinued. You're right very weird release.

[@watchchimp3102]

I think the answer is right there on the case back "Numbered Edition" they aren't really discontinued; they were only ever going to produce 1,200, 1,500, or whatever. They did that so now it's done! This watch was never really anything I was gonna buy anywayz, but I would bet there will be another slightly different model coming very soon! Copper or salmon dial maybe?🤔

[@ryantannehill2830]

Watch chimp....I agree. Even if it's a gold or platinum case with salmon dial. It will come back in some iteration in the future.

[@Milofchg]

It might be a strategic move. Sector dials is a classic design for niche enthusiasts. Patek JLC have come out with their sector dials and discontinued their references within a few years of production. Longines and Baltic have their sector dial variants which are available but not readily available. This was Omega’s turn to release their classic reference. I saw a few of them on display a few months ago. Very nice watches but it doesn’t do it for me personally.

[@Tuneitupful]

I don’t see the debate - you see, you love it, you buy it. Or you see it,don’t like it, don’t buy it. I saw, loved and bought it - simples.

[@JamieReviewsStuff]

I purchased the CK 859 two weeks ago, adore it! I didn't know it existed, nor if it was discontinued...but saw it and was instantly in love. I must have looked at 10 watches that day, but kept going back to this one.

[@bryanchen5545]

Where did you buy it?

[@JamieReviewsStuff]

@@bryanchen5545 found it in a store in midland Texas, randomly. Sam L Majors, they were fantastic! Great store.

[@MisterKnightly]

Sounds like a very reasonable analysis, sir. I liked this watch when I first saw it, but the price was eye wateringly high.

[@diavalus]

It’s a limited production, of course the price will be higher than normal

[@MisterKnightly]

@@diavalus Of course.

[@bighands69]

@@diavalus But could they produce that watch in high quantities at that price.

[@stuartniven2401]

I love this time piece!

[@dominiclucas1272]

I bought one today - my grail watch. Just incredible. A classy throwback to a bygone era of heroes.

[@JimIBobIJones]

Its testing the market. This is the sort of thing Longines usually do, but Swatch wants to see how well the same concept (releasing "heritage" inspired watches) will do a price segment up. That trial goes less well if PR and advertising is affected by it - as that would distort the market response.

[@MrGeirSteinar]

What a beautiful watch - would really love to own it 👍

[@thomascolletti4715]

I was hot for this watch when I first learned about. Three reasons: I loved the vintage calatrava sector dial aesthetic, I also collect silver so the ag .925 dial appealed to me and Omega quality and heritage. I called my AD to see if they had one to look at but they did not. Two weeks later the AD called me to let me know they just got one in so I could come in for a look. Unfortunately sometime along way I became disenchanted with the lack of availability and price. I also thought there were other sector dials that were also appealing for a fraction of the price (Longines). Too bad for me...I could I have bought something beautiful and scarce.

[@roybatty6368]

Good move. It's not worth it at retail.

[@diavalus]

@@roybatty6368 no watch is making sense if it costs more than a Time. Yet, we do pay a lot more, result that price isn’t always the only factor

[@roybatty6368]

@@diavalus nah because ROLEX. Buy a Rolex and don't lose money. Buy Omega? lose your shirt cause nobody wants that ish

[@DirkWerning]

Hmm my AD said it was always slated to be a limited number run. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@diavalus]

Exactly, people forget this and they go into conspiracies

[@DirkWerning]

@@diavalus yep 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sebastien6483]

This was a cool thing to see. I hope they keep up this kind of low hype, secret-menu-esque approach moving forward. What manufacturer on this scale offers niche, exclusive products at this price point?

[@craigwoolbert2443]

I am not sure, but I think it's amazing. Would love to see it in person.

[@Scout-nj7xj]

Conspiracy Realist, Bruce! The watch is beautiful.

[@loganoftherockies9453]

Yeah, I had the same questions, seems strange to put so much effort into a new release and then not really market it and discontinue right away. Maybe there was a production issue? Maybe just testing the waters? Someone's pet project? Using up parts they somehow how laying around? I have absolutely no idea.

[@douglasbronzie1324]

Informative thank you

[@johnbuckmaster569]

Well… It’s a beautiful watch… I love the fact that it’s different than the other two Omega’s that I own in every way… you may be onto something with a conspiracy theory… Just enough out there that true collectors can get a hold of them… Not so many as two fuel mass produced like my speedmaster and Seamaster… Thanks for the fun video Bruce. p.s. your coming up on 100K! Nice!

[@MegaSale89]

This one definitely has the potential to become a collectors item in the future. It is a beautiful watch after all. The first time I saw this piece, I thought they put the wrong hands on it. They are beautifully made, but the shape and size of them just seems odd looking on this watch.

[@shipmate3577]

Where did the watch come from?!? Looks awesome

[@brysoga]

I have other watches but no other Omega's. As soon as I saw this I put an order in for it though. I thinks a belter of a watch

[@frankmirandosr875]

I have recently Purchased This Beautiful watch I Have #260, I have seen 2700’s at my AD so maybe they went up to 3000. I fell in love with sector Dials, I am Waiting to get the Longines Heritage Sector Dial . They Are very Unique and nostalgic. Definitely one of my Favorite Watch’s in my collection.

[@Vox-Populi]

It says "Numbered Edition" on the back. It's a limited run niche model. Looks classy to me.

[@StephenMorganCanada]

Gorgeous. Didn’t know it existed.

[@GT-fx9ou]

This watch will double from its MSRP within two years. Already trading a bit above retail. Beautiful timepiece

[@ilvdp4ever]

Really? I saw the price has fallen to USD6000 recently.

[@jeremydahm2124]

Blued hands are beautiful. Movement looks amazing. Weird but strategy? Hum....

[@zachkramer1770]

I thought that they had extra 925 silver dials from the Snoopy and wanted to do something with it, and once they ran out they stopped

[@drmexicoii]

That's a great theory!

[@sethbranam9068]

I love this watch. I would love to have one. However, I picked up a Rolex instead. As for omegas strategy, no clue. It’s strange for sure.

[@frankowot4]

Lovely watch, very strange business strategy

[@gagazzo82]

It even says numbered edition in the case!

[@gregs.8895]

It's a beautiful watch.

[@lucaslucas9505]

Lovely looking watch

[@markotoole7937]

My understanding is that this piece was a limited run from the get-go, so they'd always planned to discontinue it...

[@diavalus]

Exactly, people are loosing their minds over this

[@Thepp999]

Hi, may I know the name of this model ? tks

[@davemcc7713]

This wasn't a secret release. It was launched within days of the Moonswatch and nobody could possibly have a successful launch in the post Moonswatch craze. The media ignored this release because it was preoccupied by lineups at Swatch stores. Customers never even heard of this watch until months after it's actual release. This botched release killed any hype or excess demand that Omega might have expected from what is arguably their best new release in years. I haven't heard about any waiting lists for this watch. Dealers aren't begging to get stock. It's really just a failure on Omega's part to properly launch this model. It's not a failure of the watch. It's a failure of marketing and it's Omega's first casualty from their collaboration with Swatch.

[@bambammartin1556]

What an incredible and beautiful watch.

[@Kridz87]

Its in the 2800s i think 2854 if im not mistaken. I can confirm this 👍

[@affegorilla1299]

Just ordered the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist Rock Face 🤪

[@thewatchloungechris]

I like it I stupidly canceled the sector dial order I had from jlc a few yaers ago then got the superocean heritage instead love the breitling as you know but regret not getting the jlc sector dial

[@GuyVanderAa]

I think it’s a gorgeous watch. Your analysis might be correct.

[@chrispurzer9461]

I did see it coming, but not the sudden discontinuation. Pricepoint seemed ridiculous for a three hander to compete with Longines Heritage line. Did not think their was anything special about this arguably otherwise beautiful sector dial. Even aquaterra got the small seconds treatment. I think they just decided to wisely consolidate.

[@diavalus]

It’s a limited production, of course the price will be higher than normal

[@danielanderson8503]

The CK-859 is based on a very old Omega design; I don’t think Omega based it on a Longines piece.

[@Thijs25]

Nicee watch

[@Mahatma618]

It says numbered edition.Maybe it's their way of mark it as a limmited edition?Beutiful watch

[@speenlmar9575]

The ag925, does it mean it's made of silver?

[@Wvk5zc]

It's not the best looking sector dial for me eventhough it's truly homage to the past. But it's worth every penny considering the movement and dial material being used

[@jaybarthelotte9520]

Beautiful watch…

[@27madnoor]

shortage of goods was always a successful selling method. Perfumery world has embraced this method by inventing reformulations and different batches with different qualities ,I guess watch industry is following with "limited editions ".

[@patrickcannady2066]

It’s beautiful and unusual. Of course it won’t sell to the dive watch crowd.

[@kokhui32liau88]

It's a bonus to Omega die hard, if u look at the martial use n design, other brand r pricing such watch at less 15k-SGD range. So they just make a small production for real Omega fan n move on... Not for the flipper n not for random buyer.

[@Z-S-H]

Its a beautiful watch and I like it very much but Omega watches are just out of my price range but that is the type of watch I like and would buy if I just had money to blow. I will also admit that I am not an average consumer when it comes to taste lol since I dont like a lot of "popular" watches so I guess that makes me the outlier collector

[@brianesposito5912]

Someone posted a video of a watch numbered around 2500 so I think they probably made 3000 of these and they have not appreciated at all at this time. I think I'd rather have a Globemaster but this is still an excellent watch.

[@DeanoTXR53]

You could be right on the strategy, but I think they failed to execute it properly. They needed to hype the shit out of it if they wanted that to work. When I see this watch, I see a watch that appeals to a whole lot of people getting into watches now who are maybe in their early 30s or 20s and who are not into the big sport-watch thing that has been so dominant. I think if this had a conventional dial and was priced essentially as an entry-level Omega, it would have sold quite well. The silver dial adds expense, but it doesn’t really yield a whole lot over a conventional one. If they wanted this to be a premium/expensive release, they should’ve gone for a solid gold case. Instead it was sort priced in no mans land for a 3 hander. Super odd. And a big missed opportunity to draw more people in at a more entry-level price

[@petarvanj4343]

I like time and time related stuff 🕰️

[@martinkaplan1805]

It's a very cool watch (I saw it, tried it on, and it felt good on my wrist), but for the money, I didn't find it extraordinary enough to purchase...and I happen to really like vintage style watches. I imagine others of us felt similarly.

[@TheChadWork2001]

Omega has a problem with releasing watches with seconds hands without seconds indices. There is not point in a seconds hand without seconds indices.

[@drmexicoii]

Other than the fact it's a reissue of an Omega watch from the 30s?! And that it's faithful to the sector design??

[@brysoga]

..and that it being a manual wind a running seconds, indices or not, tells you at a glance whether the watch is still running or not

[@WatchJapan]

Love the watch. Hate the childish games Omega / Swatch play.

[@heliconpoetry3936]

This is a nice heritage watch but I agree that is too expensive.

[@diavalus]

It’s a limited production unit, which means the production cost is higher

[@ryantannehill2830]

But do we really believe that the swatch group made these dies and other special tools to not bring it back in some form coming in the future. Maybe in gold or platinum. Orrrrr....tantalum?

[@jisezer]

Definitely not a secret release, this hit headlines with everyone from Teddy Baldassar to Hodinkee reviewing it.

[@biggles54321]

Where is the time zone feature?

[@bobj8877]

Jumping hour hand

[@drmexicoii]

It has a quick set hour hand like a GMT. I find this the strangest thing about the watch. For me everything about the watch - the design, the movement, manual wind - make sense. But the quick set hour hand I don't get. I mean it's useful but it seems a bit of an anachronism with this design.

[@bobj8877]

@@drmexicoii classic design, modern movement. I think that's kind of the point, otherwise no need for an open caseback either. It's an easy feature to ignore really. I do use it, to quickly set the time after winding.

[@drmexicoii]

@bob j - yeah I guess on reflection it might more sense with it being a manual wind and, if part of a collection, more likely to have to have the time set before putting on the wrist. I always forget it's there and just set it the long way!

[@bobj8877]

@@drmexicoii I've gotten in the habit of.just quickly setting the minute hand when I wind it up, and then jumping the hour to where it needs to be. Or vice versa.

[@saneasmydog7120]

This is my first omega… conspiracy continues😂

[@reedarvin7823]

I missed this watch by 1 hour. My AD had 2 and sold the last an hour before I walked in. Gutted.

[@drexlorian]

Around 3,000 were made - I literally bought it the 1st day it was available. I can tell you with relative certainty on the 3,000, because I have a close relationship with a AD, who has a close relationship with an Omega contact. This is what was disclosed to him. The secret release makes sense. It's not marketed on purpose because they knew they will only make a small number of these. My AD sold his batch in a few days quick. The numbered edition that is not "1 of X" is a big clue. This is a great reward for the true Omega enthusiasts, as people who truly appreciate this watch have a chance to own it without the scalpers snatching it up if they knew this is meant to be a limited release. As it turns out, this might be the shortest Omega production run in history.

[@drmexicoii]

I agree. I have one (my number is in the high 1900s) and I've seen another one in an AD in the low 2000s so my guess would be 3000 as well. Wish I knew more about the watch though. The mystique is part of the attraction I guess but I'd also love to know more about it! Either way, it's a beautiful watch and I love mine to bits. If it becomes collectable that's a bonus but it's not going to stop me wearing mine a few times a week.

[@drexlorian]

This is not a flashy Seamaster or Speedmaster and it's not an automatic. When is the last time Omega printed the old logo, did a full silver dial and gave actual numbers? ​ @drmexicoII , your reply shows exactly a true enthusiast like you deserve this watch.

[@kevinr206]

I think it’s all of the above

[@bngr_bngr]

As an older guy, I can’t read that dial. Would never purchase a watch with a dial that I could not immediately tell the time. Omega makes some other dogs like the Seamaster diver 600m. The manual helium valve is an ugly component of the watch. I’m surprised how long they have had this model. I love the look of the Heritage model and the Planet Ocean 6000. I hope that look takes over the Diver 300 model.

[@dperreno]

Hmmm. As an older guy with astigmatism, I think it is an exceptionally legible hands/dial combination. It's the silver hands against any color dial that I find hard to read (I say as I admire my silver on silver El Primero). But I get that it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

[@drmexicoii]

I'm in my late 40s with an astigmatism too and have no trouble reading mine either!

[@frankmirandosr875]

I have AMD in both eyes and I don’t have any trouble seeing this Beautiful Sector Watch, this watch is one of my favorites in my collection.

[@DavidRon]

Maybe Omega released it and pissed Swatch Group off because it is hitting too close to Longenes' turf.

[@inglebybhoy3293]

What’s most remarkable is that Omega would invest so much time and money to produce this beautiful watch - then pull it 😢 Great video, thanks!

[@bighands69]

They would probably lose money if they tried to do large scale production on it. What they probably should be doing is taking the design style of the watch and producing more watches like it.

[@loganholmberg2295]

its beautifull.

[@merc7paul]

I think it will go better with a blue alligator

[@jackiechan8840]

Its a limited edition basically

[@smittysmitty481]

Gorgeous peice

[@tsma24]

Should be 36-38mm

[@dr-gb3tq]

Always a strategy.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

I love it. Too Bad, it's going away now.

[@an_kan]

If you look at the dial it is exactly the same of the 1939's.I believe the idea was to have an Omega watch that in 2-3 years (few will know that this is a new watch) will look like a 90 year Omega watch in a mint condition.I also believe that is the reason that they put a real silver dial to this watch, the patina will come very soon,which will make the watch look older. Thats something that will give great value to Omega as a brand. I feel very lucky and happy to own this watch.

[@roybatty6368]

It's not a watch that most people want, so it was a mistake. don't even know why they made it.

[@diavalus]

Most people don’t want this kind of watch, hence Omega announced from the very beginning that it will be a limited production. The story is that simple

[@roybatty6368]

@@diavalus and that's why Omega isn't ROLEX and nobody cares about them other than the moon watch and seamaster.

[@danielanderson8503]

I own this piece, and I couldn’t disagree more. Of all my watches the CK859 gets the most compliments, even from non-watch folks. It’s a masterpiece on the wrist- photographs don’t begin to capture its beauty.

[@ssslovak47]

Nice watch but it reminds me too much of longines

[@Gumby56]

It needs a bracelet.

[@pinkbono]

This watch is nice, but overpriced when compared to what we can have for less in the Omega's catalog.

[@diavalus]

It’s a limited production, of course the price will be higher than normal

[@dtroutmann]

They are on Omega website, and a limited edition. OMEGA OMEGA SPECIALITIES CK 859 STEEL

[@ALL-il1sw]

OMG why do you all claim it was discontinued. IT HAS NUMBERED EDITION STAMPED ON THE BACK. IT WAS A LIMITED RELEASE

[@cybergunstore5905]

It is not strategy as this could work or not

[@mrtswift]

That strap looks shite.

[@kairen3849]

It’s truly a great watch but the silver dial looks kinda dark in person. If it’s enamel, it will be a no brainer for me.

[@TonySutherland]

They wanted to keep it on the DL to see how it would do. It didn’t do well, so they took it off the market. IMO

[@Kridz87]

It was a numbered edition. That theory fails. The idea was to produce sma numbers

[@JayandSarah]

They have LOTS of watches that don't sell well that they have been making for decades. This was always a reduced quantity project.

[@mariusardeleanu3884]

In my opinion, the design is awesome. I just wish it was a "champagne" dial instead of white.

[@saneasmydog7120]

It’s actually sterling silver

[@drmexicoii]

Yup, it's very much not white in the flesh.

[@-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-...]

I don’t like it cuz it’s manual wind 😭

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Therein lies rhe the appeal. Hobbyists love the purity of the manual wind

[@-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-...]

@@Mega-zi7ys I can see the appeal. I don’t see how it’s practical though for me. Imagine having to always remember to wind it when an automatic will solve that issue haha

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-... 🤣👌 understand... get your girlfriends to do it for you perhaps?🤣

[@grammarboy1318]

I thought I didn’t like manual wind either, until I got a Reverso. It’s very easy to remember to wind it, it’s a nice daily routine, and if you forget - no problem at all, especially if there’s no date. Now I definitely want a Tank Louis.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@grammarboy1318 you will actually look forward to winding it. It's actually quite relaxing.

[@rip.tear.]

I don't like it too much, nothing that says it's special to me. Like a Speedmaster or Seamaster.

[@kjakan79]

Pretty boring watch to be discontinued. Only reason ppl are talking about it is that is discontinued.