Omega Speedmaster buying advice
Discussion
I was in town earlier today and ended up trying on watches by mistake. Kind of fell for an Omega Speedmaster from 1980.
It just looked correct on my wrist and should be tough enough for a bit of abuse. The one in the shop however was silly money.
Now bearing in mind that I am quite happy with second hand and the running the gauntlet of eBay, what should I be looking out for?
I know how not to fall for a scam or fake watch but what are the real differences between watches of different dates?
Is it much better to buy a more modern watch with a newer movement?
I am really quite taken by the glass back, black face, three dial with no date. Undecided about strap yet. Something like this -
It just looked correct on my wrist and should be tough enough for a bit of abuse. The one in the shop however was silly money.
Now bearing in mind that I am quite happy with second hand and the running the gauntlet of eBay, what should I be looking out for?
I know how not to fall for a scam or fake watch but what are the real differences between watches of different dates?
Is it much better to buy a more modern watch with a newer movement?
I am really quite taken by the glass back, black face, three dial with no date. Undecided about strap yet. Something like this -
Lots of places to buy used apart for ebay including the used watch specialists like watches.co.uk (good quality, but priced accordingly) or Dominic of www.hackettwatches.com who hangs out here may be able to source something for you & take the risk out of the purchase if you're nervous.
I'd look on TZ-UK which is where I got my Pro
but you'll need to be patient & wait for the right watch to come up for sale & if you're not already a member you'll have trouble joining at present (see separate thread for details) or there are many other watch forums with "sales corners".
I'm no expert in these watches but the hand wound Professional has changed little over the years & is considered very robust especially compared to the auto movement.
More detailed reading here http://www.speedmaster-mission.net/
HTH
I'd look on TZ-UK which is where I got my Pro
but you'll need to be patient & wait for the right watch to come up for sale & if you're not already a member you'll have trouble joining at present (see separate thread for details) or there are many other watch forums with "sales corners".
I'm no expert in these watches but the hand wound Professional has changed little over the years & is considered very robust especially compared to the auto movement.
More detailed reading here http://www.speedmaster-mission.net/
HTH
What Andy said ^
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
tertius said:
What Andy said ^
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
as ever Tertius speaks wisdom!The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
However, for me, I much preferred the manual display back as I get a bit too absorbed just watching the movement sometimes! Of course, the purists will always argue as Tertius has said.
I wouldn't get too hung up on the 321/861 NASA flight testing movement issue.
It's not generally known if the 861 was even tested by NASA and very unlikely one was worn on the moon.
The display case back 863 only differs in having some of the plastic parts replaced for aesthetic reasons, many of the older display back watches (like one from the '80s) have a hessalite face also. The newer display back watches have sapphire on the face and case back and some even have the incorrect 'first and only watch worn on the moon' on the back.
Just to point out that the watch you picture is an automatic and not the hand wound speedmaster professional 'moon watch', there are quite a few different Omega Speedmaster models.
If you have the 8 digit serial number of the watch you are looking at (seen on the underside of the lug in tertius's excellent photo), we can tell you all about it.
It's not generally known if the 861 was even tested by NASA and very unlikely one was worn on the moon.
The display case back 863 only differs in having some of the plastic parts replaced for aesthetic reasons, many of the older display back watches (like one from the '80s) have a hessalite face also. The newer display back watches have sapphire on the face and case back and some even have the incorrect 'first and only watch worn on the moon' on the back.
Just to point out that the watch you picture is an automatic and not the hand wound speedmaster professional 'moon watch', there are quite a few different Omega Speedmaster models.
If you have the 8 digit serial number of the watch you are looking at (seen on the underside of the lug in tertius's excellent photo), we can tell you all about it.
andy tims said:
Lots of places to buy used ... Dominic of www.hackettwatches.com who hangs out here.
Will try and track him down and see if he has any coming in.andy tims said:
I'd look on TZ-UK which is where I got my Pro
Just had a look, nothing today but will keep looking back. tertius said:
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
Ok, sold on the solid back and bracelet.I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
el stovey said:
Isn't the OP looking at an auto speedy?
Manual would also be be fine. Olivero said:
I was in town earlier today and ended up trying on watches by mistake. Kind of fell for an Omega Speedmaster from 1980.
It just looked correct on my wrist and should be tough enough for a bit of abuse. The one in the shop however was silly money.
Now bearing in mind that I am quite happy with second hand and the running the gauntlet of eBay, what should I be looking out for?
I know how not to fall for a scam or fake watch but what are the real differences between watches of different dates?
Is it much better to buy a more modern watch with a newer movement?
I am really quite taken by the glass back, black face, three dial with no date. Undecided about strap yet. Something like this -
I have one as you describe and I have bought and sold a lot of prestige watches on ebay and elsewhere over the years.It just looked correct on my wrist and should be tough enough for a bit of abuse. The one in the shop however was silly money.
Now bearing in mind that I am quite happy with second hand and the running the gauntlet of eBay, what should I be looking out for?
I know how not to fall for a scam or fake watch but what are the real differences between watches of different dates?
Is it much better to buy a more modern watch with a newer movement?
I am really quite taken by the glass back, black face, three dial with no date. Undecided about strap yet. Something like this -
Just buy from someone who is clearly a watch dealer (many of then use ebay and have ebay shops) and check their feedback.
I doubt very much if you will have any trouble at all. I never have (apart from one deal which was with an individual).
Excellent choice by the way.
tertius said:
What Andy said ^
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
I have been looking to loose the bracelet on my SMP for a while, what sort of strap is that? and where did you get it?The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/recent_arrivals.htm
Second one down on there!
Not sure if it's the exact model your looking for? Just noticed it when browsing the site and then saw this thread.
Second one down on there!
Not sure if it's the exact model your looking for? Just noticed it when browsing the site and then saw this thread.
Chairman LMAO said:
tertius said:
What Andy said ^
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
I have been looking to loose the bracelet on my SMP for a while, what sort of strap is that? and where did you get it?The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
I probably got it from here: http://www.watch-band-center.com/shop-watchstrap.h...
PS its "lose"
If you do end up going for an auto, there are two main types:
one with the cheaper clasp (with the large Omega logo on it)
hesalite crystal - this is around £1000 RRP
one with the deployant clasp (press two buttons)
sapphire glass - this is around £1350 RRP
I got the latter, it's a great watch but still wish I bought the Professional!
one with the cheaper clasp (with the large Omega logo on it)
hesalite crystal - this is around £1000 RRP
one with the deployant clasp (press two buttons)
sapphire glass - this is around £1350 RRP
I got the latter, it's a great watch but still wish I bought the Professional!
jnm23 said:
If you do end up going for an auto, there are two main types:
one with the cheaper clasp (with the large Omega logo on it)
hesalite crystal - this is around £1000 RRP
one with the deployant clasp (press two buttons)
sapphire glass - this is around £1350 RRP
I got the latter, it's a great watch but still wish I bought the Professional!
Mmm, choices...one with the cheaper clasp (with the large Omega logo on it)
hesalite crystal - this is around £1000 RRP
one with the deployant clasp (press two buttons)
sapphire glass - this is around £1350 RRP
I got the latter, it's a great watch but still wish I bought the Professional!
Slagathore said:
http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/recent_arrivals.htm
Second one down on there!
Not sure if it's the exact model your looking for? Just noticed it when browsing the site and then saw this thread.
Well it seems like quite a good price, just wondering if I should go for a Pro manual wind?Second one down on there!
Not sure if it's the exact model your looking for? Just noticed it when browsing the site and then saw this thread.
Just wondering.
Is there a way of finding out what you are buying is a fake for instance, missing a inscribed code or number? The reason I ask is that there are a couple I have seen for sale and just making sure they are genuine.
Edited by Olivero on Saturday 28th February 23:37
Olivero said:
jnm23 said:
If you do end up going for an auto, there are two main types:
one with the cheaper clasp (with the large Omega logo on it)
hesalite crystal - this is around £1000 RRP
one with the deployant clasp (press two buttons)
sapphire glass - this is around £1350 RRP
I got the latter, it's a great watch but still wish I bought the Professional!
Mmm, choices...one with the cheaper clasp (with the large Omega logo on it)
hesalite crystal - this is around £1000 RRP
one with the deployant clasp (press two buttons)
sapphire glass - this is around £1350 RRP
I got the latter, it's a great watch but still wish I bought the Professional!
Slagathore said:
http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/recent_arrivals.htm
Second one down on there!
Not sure if it's the exact model your looking for? Just noticed it when browsing the site and then saw this thread.
Well it seems like quite a good price, just wondering if I should go for a Pro manual wind?Second one down on there!
Not sure if it's the exact model your looking for? Just noticed it when browsing the site and then saw this thread.
Just wondering.
Is there a way of finding out what you are buying is a fake for instance, missing a inscribed code or number? The reason I ask is that there are a couple I have seen for sale and just making sure they are genuine.
Edited by Olivero on Saturday 28th February 23:37
The watch forums seem to be genuine aswell!
It should have a card and stamp from an Authorised Dealer, I think that has a serial number on it that should match one on the back of the watch?
tertius said:
Chairman LMAO said:
tertius said:
What Andy said ^
The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
I have been looking to loose the bracelet on my SMP for a while, what sort of strap is that? and where did you get it?The only thing I might add is that the classic design has a solid case back, and hesalite crystal, as this is the one that is flight qualified by NASA.
I would also suggest that you get one with the bracelet, as they are definitely more desirable. Its easy enough to change it for a strap, as I have done.
And not to miss the opportunity to post another picture of a Speedy ...
Caseback:
Mine also came from a private sale on tz-uk.
I probably got it from here: http://www.watch-band-center.com/shop-watchstrap.h...
PS its "lose"
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