Speedmaster advice
Discussion
Hello
I am 40 at the end of the month and my wife is keen to buy me a nice watch with a budget of up to about £1200.
I want a watch to wear every day, which I do not need to worry about; so needs to be robust and reasonably waterproof; so I can at least shower with it without worrying.
I really like the timeless look of the Speedmaster range especially with the webbing strap BUT having done a little research I am a little confused about a few points.
As I understand it there are four Speedmasters types:
The Moonwatch / Professional (Current model no.: 3570.50.00) - which does not have a date function, has a mechanical movement, is waterproof to between 30 to 50 metres. Generally very reliable and tough. The classic Speedmaster.
The Reduced - Specification as above but slightly smaller reversed dials at 3 and 9 O'clock and possible issues with the mechanism (Apparently easier to replace it rather than service / fix it). The poor relation to the Moonwatch.
Out of interest how straightforward is it to wind the mechanism or should I say how easy to over wind / wind it the wrong way / generally damage the mechanism?
Then there is the:
The Date model (Current model no.: 3210.50.00) - which has an automatic mechanism and is quoted to be waterproof to 100 metres. No Professional model offered.
The Day Date model (Current model no.: 3220.50.00) - As above but with day and date display.
Are these full size or reduced size? Where do they fit into the heirarchy? Is there anything to watch out with these models; as most of the information on Speedmaster relates to the Moonwatches, it is difficult (for me) to glean other than the basic information about these models.
Then in general terms there is a choice of glass and back to consider.
Lastly, we will be looking to buy second hand (in person) in the South East ideally in London. Can anyone recommend any specialists? I have been looking / monitoring "watchfinder" and the "watches" websites but are there others I should be looking at?
I am 40 at the end of the month and my wife is keen to buy me a nice watch with a budget of up to about £1200.
I want a watch to wear every day, which I do not need to worry about; so needs to be robust and reasonably waterproof; so I can at least shower with it without worrying.
I really like the timeless look of the Speedmaster range especially with the webbing strap BUT having done a little research I am a little confused about a few points.
As I understand it there are four Speedmasters types:
The Moonwatch / Professional (Current model no.: 3570.50.00) - which does not have a date function, has a mechanical movement, is waterproof to between 30 to 50 metres. Generally very reliable and tough. The classic Speedmaster.
The Reduced - Specification as above but slightly smaller reversed dials at 3 and 9 O'clock and possible issues with the mechanism (Apparently easier to replace it rather than service / fix it). The poor relation to the Moonwatch.
Out of interest how straightforward is it to wind the mechanism or should I say how easy to over wind / wind it the wrong way / generally damage the mechanism?
Then there is the:
The Date model (Current model no.: 3210.50.00) - which has an automatic mechanism and is quoted to be waterproof to 100 metres. No Professional model offered.
The Day Date model (Current model no.: 3220.50.00) - As above but with day and date display.
Are these full size or reduced size? Where do they fit into the heirarchy? Is there anything to watch out with these models; as most of the information on Speedmaster relates to the Moonwatches, it is difficult (for me) to glean other than the basic information about these models.
Then in general terms there is a choice of glass and back to consider.
Lastly, we will be looking to buy second hand (in person) in the South East ideally in London. Can anyone recommend any specialists? I have been looking / monitoring "watchfinder" and the "watches" websites but are there others I should be looking at?
At the risk of ruining things for others, I would say only get the moon/pro watch. The rest are not so... ahem... sought after... (read into that what you will). Of course, in the end, get what you like...
Oh, beware the hesalite glass. It scratches easily. Google the differences between hesalite and other crystal materials.
Oh, beware the hesalite glass. It scratches easily. Google the differences between hesalite and other crystal materials.
Edited by ShadownINja on Saturday 10th October 17:46
I'd also say go for the Professional (Moonwatch)
Scratching the Hesalite is not a big deal in reality. A few minutes with some Polywatch every few months gets rid of all but the deepest scratches.
At your budget finding a really good Professional from a dealer may be a bit of an issue. TZ-UK would be a far better bet.
If you're really worried about hesalite, there is a "saphire sandwich" version with a clear caseback, but £1,200 won't be enough.
Scratching the Hesalite is not a big deal in reality. A few minutes with some Polywatch every few months gets rid of all but the deepest scratches.
At your budget finding a really good Professional from a dealer may be a bit of an issue. TZ-UK would be a far better bet.
If you're really worried about hesalite, there is a "saphire sandwich" version with a clear caseback, but £1,200 won't be enough.
Another vote for the Speedy Pro moonwatch with Hesalite from me.
I got mine earlier this year and absolutely love it! The lume is nicely ageing on mine which really adds to the appeal for me. Looks great on both the bracelet and a leather strap, I also bought the NASA style black webbing strap for mine and this gives it a great tool watch look.
These watches are definitely out there for the money you are talking about.
I was lucky to find mine in a local jeweller earlier this year a 1996 model, box and all papers present, in excellent condition and managed to barter the jeweller down to £950.00 with a years guarantee included. A Very lucky find me thinks.
Of all the watches I own, I wear my speedy the most as it goes great with both a smart and casual look.
A design classic of a watch in my opinion that just gets better with age and the size of the case means it still looks as large as many of the modern watches, it not only has the space connection but also a retro motor sport look which must appeal to a pistonheader.
Given this will be a 40th birthday present for you and its 40 years since the moon landing, it seems to me that the Hesalite moonwatch can and should be your only Speedy choice at the budget you have...differences in movements to the NASA original aside.
I got mine earlier this year and absolutely love it! The lume is nicely ageing on mine which really adds to the appeal for me. Looks great on both the bracelet and a leather strap, I also bought the NASA style black webbing strap for mine and this gives it a great tool watch look.
These watches are definitely out there for the money you are talking about.
I was lucky to find mine in a local jeweller earlier this year a 1996 model, box and all papers present, in excellent condition and managed to barter the jeweller down to £950.00 with a years guarantee included. A Very lucky find me thinks.
Of all the watches I own, I wear my speedy the most as it goes great with both a smart and casual look. A design classic of a watch in my opinion that just gets better with age and the size of the case means it still looks as large as many of the modern watches, it not only has the space connection but also a retro motor sport look which must appeal to a pistonheader.
Given this will be a 40th birthday present for you and its 40 years since the moon landing, it seems to me that the Hesalite moonwatch can and should be your only Speedy choice at the budget you have...differences in movements to the NASA original aside.
Thanks everyone for your comments. I love the fact that the moon landing was 40 years ago; just need to sell the idea of second hand to my wife as she wants to buy something brand new.
I do like the idea of a professional although there is a date model on the "watches" website which is only 6 months old on at just under £1200 which is very nice. Hmmm.... but why is it for sale so soon...
I also had a look at the Ian Blowers "Professional" on their website and that looks really very good and that isn't far off the money at just under £1300 with a years warranty.
Although there appears be be a build up of "dirt"around the crown which is visible in the first photo which does make me wonder about the condition and care that has been lavised on it or not as the case may be.
Lastly, if I may canvas the opinion from those of you with the professional model about whether you shower and or swim with this watch on, it would be appreciated. I just know that I will at some time forget to take it off....
I do like the idea of a professional although there is a date model on the "watches" website which is only 6 months old on at just under £1200 which is very nice. Hmmm.... but why is it for sale so soon...
I also had a look at the Ian Blowers "Professional" on their website and that looks really very good and that isn't far off the money at just under £1300 with a years warranty.
Although there appears be be a build up of "dirt"around the crown which is visible in the first photo which does make me wonder about the condition and care that has been lavised on it or not as the case may be.
Lastly, if I may canvas the opinion from those of you with the professional model about whether you shower and or swim with this watch on, it would be appreciated. I just know that I will at some time forget to take it off....
Edited by Green George on Saturday 10th October 18:52
I think the general concensus from owners is that the Speedy is not really built for using in water, that is the Seamaster’s function. I think I read somewhere that it is possibly water resistant, but I have also read that many owners wouldn’t risk it.
Personally I wouldn’t wear mine in the shower let alone swim with it. I'm really not convinced Speedy's are a water tight watch nor designed to be one.
I looked at all the different styles of Speedmaster before buying mine and I would say if you can Green George, go for the standard Speedy Moon Pro, non date model with Hesalite as opposed to a date model or some other version, this version is as near to the original NASA moon watch you will get for your money, with the thin hands and positioning of the three sub dials ensuring a perfectly balanced and classic watch face in my opinion. I also love the Hesalite!
My watch was a purchase for a special reason and is a watch I will never part with. I know for a fact that had I bought any other Speedy version I would be selling it to buy the standard Speedy Moon Hesalite Pro.
They are all nice but if I can own just one, then this could be the only one for me.
Personally I wouldn’t wear mine in the shower let alone swim with it. I'm really not convinced Speedy's are a water tight watch nor designed to be one.
I looked at all the different styles of Speedmaster before buying mine and I would say if you can Green George, go for the standard Speedy Moon Pro, non date model with Hesalite as opposed to a date model or some other version, this version is as near to the original NASA moon watch you will get for your money, with the thin hands and positioning of the three sub dials ensuring a perfectly balanced and classic watch face in my opinion. I also love the Hesalite!
My watch was a purchase for a special reason and is a watch I will never part with. I know for a fact that had I bought any other Speedy version I would be selling it to buy the standard Speedy Moon Hesalite Pro.
They are all nice but if I can own just one, then this could be the only one for me.
The Blowers watch just looks like it needs a good clean - give then a call. Not the best way to sell a watch though.
dustybottoms said:
Personally I wouldn’t wear mine in the shower let alone swim with it. I'm really not convinced Speedy's are a water tight watch nor designed to be one.
If you want a watch with decent w/r properties, think again.dustybottoms said:
I think the general concensus from owners is that the Speedy is not really built for using in water, that is the Seamaster’s function. I think I read somewhere that it is possibly water resistant, but I have also read that many owners wouldn’t risk it.
Personally I wouldn’t wear mine in the shower let alone swim with it. I'm really not convinced Speedy's are a water tight watch nor designed to be one.
^^^ This.Personally I wouldn’t wear mine in the shower let alone swim with it. I'm really not convinced Speedy's are a water tight watch nor designed to be one.
The Speedy Pro is not claimed to be "water resistant 30m to 50m", or indeed at all, in any literature that I have read. It may well be water resistant enough for the splashes that it is likely to get when washing up or washing the car but I certainly wouldn't wear mine in the shower and definitely not for swimming.
George, my advice would be to buy the watch that you like; don't pay too much attention to the bunkum spoken about one version being more sought-after, they will all retain their values better than most and it's you that has to live with the thing on your wrist so just choose your favourite. I find that there is a big difference in look between the various versions; the 'cheaper' ones are not necessarily poorer, it's all a matter of taste and preference.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Surely the conflict between the OP's Day to day wearing of a watch versus - 'I wouldn't Shower / Swim' means that a Speedy Pro maybe is not the best answer ?
That is for the OP to decide. Personally, I am happy to wear my watch everyday but just not to swim or shower in it. I can think of no reason why I would want to or need to. I do not find it a hardship to remove my watch when I shower or swim.If the OP wants a Speedy Pro for daily wear then, yes, he will need to rethink his "requirement" to wear it whilst showering or swimming.
The w/r was the thing that put me off the speedie, a classic chronograph but I am in the habit of just keeping a watch on the wrist and not bothering about it, taking it off everyday was just a hassle I didn't need as I'm sure in my senile state to forget it one day after twenty odd years of just 'wash n go'.
Yep, the w/r doesn't bother me either. If anything I just tend to automatically take my watches off now if I'm going to get my hands wet. Even the Sinn, which is bulletproof.
Not a bad way to be really - I'm sure that I've picked up fewer dings and scratches from being more careful with stuff.
Not a bad way to be really - I'm sure that I've picked up fewer dings and scratches from being more careful with stuff.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff