One of the most distinguishable features of Omega 8800 and 8900 caliber is the quick date setting mechanism. In the 8800 calibers, one can change the date simply the unscrewing the crown and rotating it until getting the correct date.
On the other hand, 8900 caliber requires changing the date with the hour hand movement. After unscrewing the crown and taking it to the second position, you have to rotate it. At the same time, the hour hand will move on the watch dial.
With every axial movement, the date will change. Meanwhile, the 8400 caliber doesn’t even come with a date function.
Comparison between Omega 8400 vs. 8800 vs. 8900 calibers
Confusion arises when you have one feature in 8400 calibers, but that feature is missing in 8800 calibers. Now, should you move on to 8900 caliber that seems to appear like a good choice?
Well, without comparing these three Omega calibers side by side, it’s hard to decide, which one is good and which one isn’t.
| 8400 caliber | 8800 caliber | 8900 caliber |
| Used in Seamaster 300 | Used in Seamaster Aqua Terra (38mm) | Used in Seamaster Aqua Terra (41mm) |
| Double barrels | Single barrel | Double barrels |
| 60 hours of power reserve | 55 hours of power reserve | 60 hours of power reserve |
| No date window | Date window in the 6 o’clock position | Date window in the 3 o’clock position |
| 1,000 ft of water resistance | 500 ft of water resistance | 500 feet of water resistance |
| 39 jewels | 35 jewels | 39 jewels |
| $7,000 (Approximately) | $6,000 (Approximately) | $6,000 (Approximately) |
About Omega 8400 caliber
As the omega Seamaster 300 Watch comes with a sapphire crystal back, it shows us the nice, automatic movement of caliber 8400. It’s a highly magnetic resistant timepiece, which can resist up to 15,000 gauss magnetism.
Key factors of 8400 calibers:
| Watch model | Omega Seamaster 300 |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Frequency | 29,200 BPH |
| Power reserve | 60 hours |
| Number of jewels | 39 |
| Number of barrels | 2 |
| Anti magnetism | 15,000 gauss resistant |
| Escapement | Co-axial |
| Finish | Geneva waves in arabesque |
| Complications | Hour, minute, and second hands |
| Winding | Self-winding |
| Shock resistance | Nivachoc anti-shock system |
| Balance spring | Silicon |
| Water resistance | 1,000 ft or 300 meters |
More info about the caliber:
Basically, it’s a shorter version of 8500 calibers and what makes it different from that is the missing date function. And in comparison to 8800 and 8900 calibers, this particular one lags behind in the date function.
However, the automatic and self-winding movement allows it automatically change the time with the changing of area. It means one can have accurate timekeeping from the Watch even while traveling without stopping.
It is used in the Seamaster 300 watch, which was made thinking of the divers. And after the upgrade, the manufacturer didn’t compromise this feature and made it well workable even underneath 1,000 feet of water.
The adventurous people will love to have the durability and extra power reserve time on the caliber. As the manufacturer has included two barrels, the watch provides up to 60 hours of power reserve.
Moreover, the inclusion of co-axial escapement allows one to have precise timekeeping with better accuracy.
Are there any alternatives?
Yes, there is an alternative. In fact, it’s a better alternative as it’s the upgraded version of 8400 calibers. You are right as we’re talking about 8500 calibers.
The most distinguishing factor about 8500 calibers is having a date function keeping most of the features similar. Moreover, most wristwatch enthusiasts agree with the fact that it’s one of the most sophisticated calibers in the modern era.
With the robust construction, high anti-magnetism, and water resistance, it’s always ready to serve one in the meanest situation.
Why it’s better than its competitors?
Even though the 8400 caliber has a few flaws, users seem to love it, and there’re some valid reasons for sure. Here’re the reasons that actually make it better than its competitors.
- Better power reserve time of 60 hours
- Easy to go dive deep into the water
- Less winding time due to automatic winding
- Precise and accurate timekeeping
- Shock resistance.
Cons:
It’s hard to identify the lacking of this particular caliber when it’s performing well in Seamaster 300. However, it still has one flaw which is not having a date function.
About Omega 8800 caliber
The Seamaster Aqua Terra stands tall in one field than Seamaster 300 Watch because of having a date window. The date window is situated at the 6 o’clock position and provides flawless timekeeping using 8800 calibers.
Key factors of 8400 calibers:
| Watch model | Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (38mm) |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Accuracy | 0 / +5 seconds per day |
| Frequency | 25,200 VPH |
| Power reserve | 55 hours |
| Number of jewels | 35 |
| Number of barrels | 1 |
| Anti magnetism | 15,000 gauss resistant |
| Escapement | Co-axial |
| Finish | Geneva waves in arabesque |
| Shock resistance | Nivachoc anti-shock system |
| Complications | Hour, minute, second hands, and date |
| Winding | Self-winding bi-directional rotor |
| Balance spring | Free-sprung silicon |
| Water resistance | 500 ft or 150 meters |
More info about the caliber:
Although the Watch coming with 8800 calibers isn’t meant for divers or professional swimmers, it still comes with a strong locking screw crown. Unscrewing the crown and taking it to the second position allows one to change the date.
However, it supports a quick date set without moving the hour hand. The manufacturer has used silicone technology in the balance spring that ensured extra stability and resilience to the watch.
Moreover, it comes with automatic winding in both directions to provide uninterrupted timekeeping regardless of the situation. What makes it a much better option are the certifications from METAS and COSC.
Are there any alternatives?
The closest alternative to 8800 calibers is 8801 caliber, which is much more precious than its previous version. If you compare these two calibers side by side, there will be no difference except for one.
The 8801 caliber uses Omega’s own precious metal, 18K Sedan gold in the Geneva waves in arabesque. On the other hand, no precious metal is ever used in the finish of 8800 calibers.
Why it’s better than its competitors?
Only using precious metal in the construction won’t prove that 8801 caliber is better than 8800. Undoubtedly, there have to be some valid reasons that keep 8800 calibers on top.
- Highly shock resistance with Nivachoc anti-shock system
- Has a date showing the window
- Certifications from METAS and COSC
- Accurate and precise timekeeping.
Cons:
Even though it looks perfect, it’s not. There are some noticeable flaws in the caliber that will ultimately take us to the next caliber.
- Less number of barrels
- 5 hours of less power reserve time.
About Omega 8900 caliber
8900 caliber is also used in the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra model. However, the question is how could one watch have two different calibers? Actually, the 41mm version of the watch comes with this upgraded caliber.
Key factors of 8400 calibers:
| Watch model | Omega Seamaster Aqua terra (41mm) |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Frequency | 25,200 AH |
| Power reserve | 60 hours |
| Number of jewels | 39 |
| Number of barrels | 2 |
| Anti magnetism | 15,000 gauss resistant |
| Escapement | Co-axial |
| Complications | Hour, minute, second hands, and date |
| Shock resistance | Nivachoc anti-shock system |
| Winding | Self-winding |
| Balance spring | Free-sprung silicon |
| Water resistance | 500 ft or 150 meters |
More info about the caliber:
Likewise, the 8800 caliber and 8900 calibers also have the METAS certification. However, the eye-catching feature of the watch is having a date window.
But there lies a difference as well between 8800 and 8900 calibers. In the first one, the date window is situated at the 6 o’clock position, and in the second one, the date window is situated at the 3 o’clock position.
Moreover, it offers an improved power reserve time as it has double barrels instead of a single barrel.
Are there any alternatives?
Well, you don’t have to go much far in search of an alternative for 8900 calibers, because 8800 is a worthy replacement. However, one has to consider a lot of things on that particular caliber.
Why it’s better than its competitors?
- Well, before claiming that 8900 caliber is better than its competitors, we must why it is.
- 60 hours of power reserve
- One extra barrel than 8800 caliber
- Self-winding for flawless performance.
Cons:
So far, compared to the other two calibers, it appears to be the most perfect one. Therefore, we can assume that the 8900 caliber is so good so far.
Which Omega caliber is expensive: 8400 or 8800 or 8900?
You are going to gather the information about these three calibers to choose the right wristwatch with one of these calibers. Now, when it comes to buying, knowing the price becomes mandatory.
And the straightest answer when someone asks which one of these three calibers is expensive is 8400 caliber. The Watch with 8400 calibers can cost you nearly $7,000.
On the other hand, both 8800 and 8900 caliber watches are available for $6,000.
Omega 8400 vs. 8800 vs. 8900: Which one’s better?
To be honest, it’s a tough decision to make which one is better among these three calibers. However, if you know about your needs and already have compared the calibers side by side, things become a lot easier.
That is to say, if you are a diver and worry more about the performance underwater, then 8400 caliber is the right option. It offers 1,000 feet of water-resistant which is double what is offered from 8800 and 8900 calibers.
On the other hand, if diving or water resistance matters less, but a combined package is what you are searching for, 8900 calibers would go on to serve well for you.
8900 has one extra barrel than 8800 and 5 extra power reserve time as well. Moreover, it comes with a date section that makes it better than 8400 calibers.
However, the only thing that may help you choose 8800 calibers instead of the remaining two is the date-changing mechanism. Compared to 8900 calibers, it offers a convenient date-changing experience as you don’t have to rotate the hour hand here.
