Automatic Speedmasters

[DeadMeat_UK]

Hi all

My missus has offered to buy me a good watch for Christmas.

I want something that I can wear every day. At the moment I have 4 watches that get worn for different reasons, and I want one that can do most (although will not expect this to be a diving watch, but would expect to be able to wear it in the water at the beach for instance).

I've been around the main brands and apart from a dalliance with Sinn, I've pretty much settled on the obligatory Speedy Pro. The classic Black on Steel Moon watch is what set me on this path.

Problem is I would much prefer and automatic to a manual. Most of the range seem to be manual and I'd be interested in the view from the assembled wisdom if auto is not a good option for Omegas, and should I be persuaded to go Manual.
From what I can see there is a limited choice of autos - seems to be the "Reduced" (which may suit me anyway, I have thin wrists), or the Co-Axial. Is Co-Axial their name for an automatic wind ? I'm a bit confused and need some help guys !

[tubbystu]

DeadMeat_UK said:

Is Co-Axial their name for an automatic wind ? I'm a bit confused and need some help guys !

Co-axial is the "new" automatic Omega movement designed my master watchmaker George Daniels. Supposedly more reliable over time and requiring less servicing.

See here: http://www.omega.ch/CoAxial_popup/generic/navig_co... and here http://www.omega.ch/index.php?id=100#

IIRC Speedy Pro's are manual as a historical knock on from the moon landings, when it was considered that an automatic movement may not work reliably in zero gravity - like ballpoint pens etc

So you can get auto speedies, just not the definitive variants.

HTH

[LukeBird]

I asked a very similar question a few weeks back. Thread here.

Very, very happy with my Automatic Triple Date.
I'm sure I'll end up with several Speedies over time!

[TonyHetherington]

Just bought myself the speedmaster pro broad arrow which is automatic - exhibition back and wear it everyday. very chuffed with it!

[AllNines]

OP, the 'date' and 'day-date' automatics (both 40mm) are not the same as the 'reduced' (35.5mm), and are very close to the Pros/Broad Arrows at 42mm. There does seem to be a lot of confusion about this.

[HereBeMonsters]

I wouldn't wear a speedy pro in the sea though! I get scared enough taking my £150 Seiko out there, generally put on a G-Shock if I'm surfing.

[toohuge]

Manual speedies are held oin higher regard by the watch enthusiast as the original speedy worn on the moon was a manual wind. As far as the automatic movement from Omega goes, it is excellent and there is nothing wrong with it what so ever. I myself am looking for one of these:
http://chronomaster.co.uk/B169_Omega_Speedmaster_B...

Best start saving

[benny.c]

My Speedy Racing was an auto, with the 3301 movement. I read that a few people had problems with this movement but mine was always fine and kept good time.

Edited by benny.c on Tuesday 1st December 22:13

[TonyHetherington]

I like that, Benny! Looks good on the black strap too!

[jshell]

tubbystu said:

DeadMeat_UK said:

Is Co-Axial their name for an automatic wind ? I'm a bit confused and need some help guys !

Co-axial is the "new" automatic Omega movement

Huh? My co-axial Speedy is a manual wind!

[glazbagun]

jshell said:

tubbystu said:

DeadMeat_UK said:

Is Co-Axial their name for an automatic wind ? I'm a bit confused and need some help guys !

Co-axial is the "new" automatic Omega movement

Huh? My co-axial Speedy is a manual wind!

Co-Axial refers to the new type of escapement, keeping the watch in time, not the method of winding the mainspring. Most watches have used the (also invented by an Englishman) Lever escapement for at least the past hundred years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-axial_escapement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lever_escapement

The Co-Axial has the potential to perform better for longer without deterioration due to oil ageing between services.

[benny.c]

TonyHetherington said:

I like that, Benny! Looks good on the black strap too!

Yeah, it really suited the rally strap. I used to swap between the two a fair bit. The watch looked smarter on the bracelet, but better and more sporty on the strap.

[DeadMeat_UK]

glazbagun said:

jshell said:

tubbystu said:

DeadMeat_UK said:

Is Co-Axial their name for an automatic wind ? I'm a bit confused and need some help guys !

Co-axial is the "new" automatic Omega movement

Huh? My co-axial Speedy is a manual wind!

Co-Axial refers to the new type of escapement, keeping the watch in time, not the method of winding the mainspring. Most watches have used the (also invented by an Englishman) Lever escapement for at least the past hundred years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-axial_escapement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lever_escapement

The Co-Axial has the potential to perform better for longer without deterioration due to oil ageing between services.

Aha ! I'm glad I was confused for good reason !

[DeadMeat_UK]

Thanks for all the replies (and v.nice watch porn pics). 2 things I've found out since. The Co-axial seems to be a bigger watch, so might be going for the reduced. And that has another different type of movement no ?

Considering I've got a 993 in the garage, perhaps I should really go for the old traditional manual

I'll be trundling along to a dealer to try some on.

[markmullen]

I had the reduced, now have the professional.

The pro is not that big unless you have tiny wrists but does feel a lot better made in my experience, the bracelet certainly feels higher quality.

The manual winding isn't a problem although mine could do with a service as its losing a little bit of time.

[AllNines]

DeadMeat_UK said:

Thanks for all the replies (and v.nice watch porn pics). 2 things I've found out since. The Co-axial seems to be a bigger watch, so might be going for the reduced. And that has another different type of movement no ?

Considering I've got a 993 in the garage, perhaps I should really go for the old traditional manual

I'll be trundling along to a dealer to try some on.

From what I understand, sizes are thus:

44.25mm = Co-Axial + Legend
42mm = Pro + Broad Arrow
40mm = Date + Day-Date
35.5mm = Reduced

For me, how they look is more important than which movement they have. Good luck - tough choice!

[hungry_hog]

I have the reduced. Great watch, but to be honest it's on the small side for anyone with average or above average wrist size.

I would go for the date / day date if you want an auto. Broad arrow is lovely but lot more expensive

[Tam]

AllNines said:

DeadMeat_UK said:

Thanks for all the replies (and v.nice watch porn pics). 2 things I've found out since. The Co-axial seems to be a bigger watch, so might be going for the reduced. And that has another different type of movement no ?

Considering I've got a 993 in the garage, perhaps I should really go for the old traditional manual

I'll be trundling along to a dealer to try some on.

From what I understand, sizes are thus:

44.25mm = Co-Axial + Legend
42mm = Pro + Broad Arrow
40mm = Date + Day-Date
35.5mm = Reduced

For me, how they look is more important than which movement they have. Good luck - tough choice!

I went through this confusion last year when I bought a Reduced - its not 35.5 as quoted by Omega, its actually 39mm. I believe this is because Omega measure the dimension of the case back only for the Reduced. No idea why, but mine is definetely 39mm.

[DeadMeat_UK]

I think I've got a plan.
Go in try a few on see if one leaps out.

If not, give list to girlfriend along with a pointer to a thread or two where good places to source them are listed and see what santa brings

Thanks for the patience with the noob ! I'm a very adept googler, but have found so much conflicting info out there it's been difficult to pin it down.

Also disappointingly despite 2 attempts on the web site Omega haven't send me a brochure.

[DeadMeat_UK]

Went to shop (Goldsmiths on Fleet Street) and tried on lots and got lots of info from the enthusiast behind the counter.

Decided it had to be a classic speedy pro moon watch. It just instantly looked and felt right.

Was all excited about it and happened to be drinking with an old mate over the weekend who was wearing one suddenly after regularly wearing a TAG for years. Turns out he just inherited his dads 1966 one ! Made the history all that more real as it still looked pretty much identical apart from slightly faded hands, and no certified moonwatch bit on the back.

Now awaiting quote for a new one from Mr Dominic H before purchasing either there or back to Goldsmiths. Very excited times indeed !