It embodies the essence of strength and durability, making it a preferred choice for many watchmakers in recent times. This extraordinary metal is about 30% stronger than stainless steel and is 45% lighter. And to quote Georges again 'If it says c.33xx on the box, leave it on the dealer's shelf and move on'.Known for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and lustrous finish, titanium has become a favoured canvas for watchmakers to express their mastery. The overall comment was one of reputation and clearly the c33xx movements are gathering a poor reputation and coaxial escapements need to be carefully considered as being partially implicated in at least some of the problem. Putting 'c33xx problems' into Goggle will soon disavow you of the idea that the problem is fixed! To my knowledge, Omega has not issued any official statement about the problems, certainly no recall. As I noted in my previous post, repairers continue to find new Omega models with cal. While it is true that these problems had been reported some time ago (2003), it is NOT true that they have been fixed. The debate over coaxial escapements continues, but until we get some clarification from Omega, I would steer clear. In the case of cal.3313, the coaxial escapement reportedly seems to compound the problems.

The web link provided above, suggests the problems may be because of the 're-introduction of the column wheel' and one problem might be caused by a 'misuse of the chrono'. See the following link that describes these problems: The major problem with Chronos with c33xx movement have been that they refuse to reset to zero and/or the chronograph function refuses to stop, or alternatively, start. According to Georges, Omega have tried to retrofit revised parts when these Calibres come in for repair but with mixed results. To quote one authority on Omega's (Georges Zaslavsky on Chronocentric, 22/6/06) 'The c.33xx's have an abysmal reputation for durability and reliability'. The 33 appear to be identical movements and the 3313 is virtually the same except it has a co-axial escapement. The coaxial escapement seems to compound the problems with this calibre.Ĭonstellation Double Eagle Chronograph (3313) The problem with these cal 33xx is the basic design of the calibre itself if not the quality control at Omega. In my quick reply I may have simplified the argument about the coaxial escapement as the source of the problem. Thus, instead of going through a long explanation of why the perceived problem is not a problem with your specific watch, it maybe better to avoid the calibre in the first place. I think the point about any calibre that is known to have problems will cause people to be wary just in case - the issue of perception being more powerful sometimes than the reality. I had intended, myself, to purchase a Schumacher legend speedmaster but, having read the material on the web, I contacted a couple of service guys who deal with exclusively with Swiss Chronos and they both confirmed that they had had some Omegas with c33xx movements with the problems described by Chuck in his articles - oh, and Chuck is an Omega fan as his latest article in International Watch would attest. This information sharing incident saw me score a $600 discount on my new purchase! He was very appreciative of the heads up. He promptly went to his computer and put in his search engine c33xx. I told him about the reported problems with c33xx movements. I was just about to complete my purchase on a new Tag Carrera Fangio (CV201C) and he mentioned he had placed an order for this new Seamaster.

A very nice looking watch (See Omega Lifetime Magazine #1, 2007 pp.1.04-1.05). One watch store owner had ordered an Omega Seamaster - the Planet Orange Mecanique with the bezel embedded with orange sapphires. I do not know if the calibre 2500 is similarly afflicted. Here in Australia one store has declined providing their usual extended warranty on the Omega models containing this calibre -c33xx. Chuck Maddox has written on this extensively, see for example:

It is certainly a problem for Omega with their 'new' calibre 33xx. Hey folks, I thought Omega were having huge problems with their coaxial escapement.

Tag heuer calibre 5 cosc certified