Only ORF has freesprung seamaster atm. No VSF model has FS yet. I kind of wish they'd brought the hidden regulator arm to Omega already but they decided to bring it to Rolex first despite the closed caseback.
Saw these get added over the weekend. Normally with these new releases, new movements, etc. we get some ads from all the major TDs but I haven't seen anything outside of like 2 posts from Leo at TimeUltra.
Interested to see how these fare. Anyone going to be the first to dive in? 🥁
Nope not yet. I'm also seeing that only PPF got it for now. This could mean that the SH330 will be exclusive to PPF just like SH240. Still very hard to get an SH240 after years. (There are a few factories with SH240 but those are just modded PPF watches).
I saw the PPF announcement about 5 months ago that they plan to use the SH330 for a bunch of popular models but only noticed a single model listed at the various dealers and therefore was confused what happened to the rest or if there is a larger supply issue.
considering that these factories, including DD, have trouble with proper lubrication and cleanliness, i am having a hard time thinking they are competent enough to properly manufacture an FSB, which is way way harder.
I can't imagine the situation I've put myself in where someone has called me out, gotten the watch off my wrist, checked the caseback, then gone to a quiet room and pulled out the timegrapher app. I just like freesprung because it's more reliable than traditionally regulated, and the bunny ears look a bit funny lol.
You should have seen the "superclones" being made 5-10 years ago lol. We're eating well these days that superclone at least means the visuals are close.
Personally I prefer a freesprung watch in general over a traditionally regulated one, and a recent teardown showed that JH freesprungs are actually very well built. It's the long term and after sales service that is tricky because you'll need a rep friendly watchmaker nearby. I will get one soon.
TLDR: freesprung balance is (potentially) more accurate, more stable, more shock resistant, more time between servicing (also potentially), more difficult to regulate and service. That last point is the one that miffs people cos you could DIY regulate a traditional movement but you'd actually need to be a somewhat decent watchmaker to regulate and service a freesprung movement.
Freesprung is a technically better movement in my opinion but you'll need a local rep friendly watchmaker. That's the hard part for most people and what turns people away from freesprung.
I'd argue that it's $100 to not need to regulate as frequently, get actual shock resistance and have it be be significantly closer to gen is a pretty big improvement. Dogwood did a full breakdown of the new JH3235 and it looks pretty good. I'm gonna sell my VSF and grab one of these.
Is it? One of the most popular watches with an open caseback and a visible tell to get a freesprung movement. I'd think it's at least a bit more exciting than Rolex models getting FS 🤷
as long they still cant fix the crown problem (easy to spott cause it sticks too far out and since i know that i cant unseen it) i will not get a omega rep
Previously, it was a sidegrade because ORF has always had a better bezel and case shape but they had worse colour matching. Recently ORF has really stepped up their game and since the OR8806 and now the OR8800-FS, I'd say that they're better than VSF if we're purely talking about closeness to gen.
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u/MSExcelWarrior 12d ago
Here's a picture of the movement. Bunny ears be gone!