Hello friends-- so I have been posting, emailing and otherwise searching for my first Speedmaster Professional. But I realize I forgot to ask an important question. As a newbie, and as this would be my first watch, should I try to stay within certain year or model? I had originally wanted something from the 70s but realized that might be too risky. I am now really hoping to find something from 1988, a very important year for me personally. Would something around then or thereabouts be a better way to go? Or as a first time buyer, should I try with something as recent as possible? Or am I just over-thinking the whole bloody thing? Thanks to you. Peter
I suppose any used Speedy has a remaining serviceable life directly related to the amount of wear it has seen in its lifetime. Let's assume you plan on being wise enough to have your new-to-you Speedmaster serviced by a competent watchmaker before you begin to wear it. Then I think the best example has less to do with its year of manufacture and more to do with its use over its prior lifetime. In other words, a freshly serviced Speedy made in 1988 and worn every day will not be as "good" as a freshly serviced Speedy made in 1973 and forgotten in a drawer for 40 years. I do not think there were any changes to the movement itself since the change to a Delrin brake? A watchmaker will have better advice in that regard. Good luck with your search! Through all my interests in this and other brands of watches, the Speedmaster is the one I feel should always be in my collection. It's that awesome!