Omega Speedmaster date vs Tudor Black Bay
Discussion
Hi All,
About a year ago I bought myself a used Tag Twin Time off ebay. I'm happy with the watch and as it's a cream dial on brown leather strap it looks quite smart with a shirt and tie at work, so I've had good use out of it. However, things have since escalated and I found myself almost straight away looking at the next purchase (nearly as bad as I am with cars...); an Omega Speedmaster. This was about a year ago when the the Professional was out of budget (still is), so whilst browsing ebay I noticed the Japanese market used reduced Speedmaster. I have a smaller wrist (7"), so this seemed a good option. A year later I have the money saved and I'm ready to buy one, but upon trying one on I thought it was a bit small, so I changed my mind to a used Speedmaster Date or Triple Date as these appear to wear a bit bigger due to the bezel and glass lens design - moreover, the date and triple date movement is meant to be cheaper to service. So, I've been searching for one of these. Additionally, over the past year I'd had a look at a few used Tudor Black Bays as these seem good value in comparison to the rather pricey Rolex Submariner (can't justify the cost as I'd rather spend the cash on cars). As I've saved in dollars and the pound is weak, this makes a Black Bay look good value in comparison to a Japanese sourced (Yen) Speedmaster Date.
Excuse the long back story, but I thought I'd give context to the slightly odd comparson request!
Should I go for a Speedmaster Date/triple date or hold on for a Tudor Black Bay?
Thanks,
Matt
About a year ago I bought myself a used Tag Twin Time off ebay. I'm happy with the watch and as it's a cream dial on brown leather strap it looks quite smart with a shirt and tie at work, so I've had good use out of it. However, things have since escalated and I found myself almost straight away looking at the next purchase (nearly as bad as I am with cars...); an Omega Speedmaster. This was about a year ago when the the Professional was out of budget (still is), so whilst browsing ebay I noticed the Japanese market used reduced Speedmaster. I have a smaller wrist (7"), so this seemed a good option. A year later I have the money saved and I'm ready to buy one, but upon trying one on I thought it was a bit small, so I changed my mind to a used Speedmaster Date or Triple Date as these appear to wear a bit bigger due to the bezel and glass lens design - moreover, the date and triple date movement is meant to be cheaper to service. So, I've been searching for one of these. Additionally, over the past year I'd had a look at a few used Tudor Black Bays as these seem good value in comparison to the rather pricey Rolex Submariner (can't justify the cost as I'd rather spend the cash on cars). As I've saved in dollars and the pound is weak, this makes a Black Bay look good value in comparison to a Japanese sourced (Yen) Speedmaster Date.
Excuse the long back story, but I thought I'd give context to the slightly odd comparson request!
Should I go for a Speedmaster Date/triple date or hold on for a Tudor Black Bay?
Thanks,
Matt
I like mine! £1700, no box or papers. I only bought to give my Rolexes a day off! Ignore the terrible red chrono hand - I’ve just had it restored back to white (I must get over to the watch guy to collect it) My wrist is 6.5” for reference.
A Tudor Black Bay red was the other watch I considered and still I look at these......
Very different watches but the 39mm Speedmaster is absolutely perfect on my wrist.
I have a small wrist (don't know the size)., but love the feel of the Black Bay and also the Speedmaster 57 on my wrist (I have both). I used to prefer the smaller watches, but have totally changed my tune. They aren't too large and look amazing
Edited by seadragon on Monday 12th August 13:58
Thanks, all. All of the watch pics above look great, so you’re not helping me make up my mind! I tho k I could easily wear either of the two.
In terms of quality and from a horology viewpoint, is either watch better?
As said, my mind was made up on the Speedmaster but a used BB from the UK is so tempting because of a weak pound.
In terms of quality and from a horology viewpoint, is either watch better?
As said, my mind was made up on the Speedmaster but a used BB from the UK is so tempting because of a weak pound.
Given that you may well want to upgrade this watch in the future, I’d suggest going for the used Black Bay over the used Speedmaster. I think both will hold their value but the Black Bay may well go up because the Rolex effect will probably trickle down to the ‘Junior Submariner’. Having said that, these Black Bays are being made in huge numbers so any increase in value is likely to be modest.
Maybe if you can't choose between them, then neither is the right one.
Wait until you see something that makes you go "OMG I must have it!" It will probably happen when you're not expecting it.
The last watch that made me go all wibbly wobbly was the Junghans Meister Chronoscope. Cream dial on the bracelet.
Wait until you see something that makes you go "OMG I must have it!" It will probably happen when you're not expecting it.
The last watch that made me go all wibbly wobbly was the Junghans Meister Chronoscope. Cream dial on the bracelet.
Both quite different watches. For me I wanted something that i wouldn’t ever have to take off when I’m on holiday, so things like jet skiing, sailing, jumping off rocks etc. For this reason a higher water proof rating was more important than being able to time a 14 second rocket engine burn so I chose a diver watch. I’d still love a speedy (or a black bay chrono....). So think what other hobbies you have and the use your watch might get.
alfaman said:
What size is the speedy 57?
I was put off a bit by blackbays due to their size and weight. I have small wrists
The Speedy is 41.5mm. It doesn't look as big on my wrist as it does in the pic.I was put off a bit by blackbays due to their size and weight. I have small wrists
I adore it, as I do my BB. If I had to choose between it and my BB, it would be tough, but the Speedy might just win.
Not just any Speedy though. Some of them are just too busy on the dial and if I wanted something like that I'd save a few £££ and buy a G-shock.
yellowtang said:
Given that you may well want to upgrade this watch in the future, I’d suggest going for the used Black Bay over the used Speedmaster. I think both will hold their value but the Black Bay may well go up because the Rolex effect will probably trickle down to the ‘Junior Submariner’. Having said that, these Black Bays are being made in huge numbers so any increase in value is likely to be modest.
The BB 79220 watches were made in small numbers, especially the 79220N, so would go down that route. I have a few Tudors (early sub, pelagos and an advisor). The newer ones are great every day watches. I bought my son a speedmaster reduced for his 18th (a 1999 birth year). It was great value and he wears it everyday.
Think the speedy was £1300.
A black bay is going to be around £2k second hand. It’s a bigger watch (although they do a smaller one).
The speedy is a bargain in comparison and is great for those wanting a ‘normal’ size watch.
My younger son is 18 next month and has bigger wrists and so am struggling with a birth year watch for him. So am looking out for a tudor grantour. But it’s taking a while to find one at the right price.
Think the speedy was £1300.
A black bay is going to be around £2k second hand. It’s a bigger watch (although they do a smaller one).
The speedy is a bargain in comparison and is great for those wanting a ‘normal’ size watch.
My younger son is 18 next month and has bigger wrists and so am struggling with a birth year watch for him. So am looking out for a tudor grantour. But it’s taking a while to find one at the right price.
yellowtang said:
I agree, an older ETA movement model will be a good bet. Mind you, the 79220N is Speedmaster Pro money, so well above the budget I think OP is looking at?
Yes definitely depends on his budget. I guess he could look at the 79220R or B. Private sellers on chrono24 seem to mostly have their watches about 10% cheaper than the dealers and if they use the secure escrow payment option, then it takes the risk out of the transaction.
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