Hello everyone. I've been posting a lot lately, asking many questions about getting started with a watch, and I was wondering if I decided to just take the leap into Omega, what would be the least expensive entry point for a decent robust chronograph? I would like to consider a Speedmaster, but I would be interested in knowing what other kinds of Omega chronos are out there. I have a thing for Arabic numerals, but it seems those are hard to come by on Omega watches, so that is not the main criteria.

And thanks for making me welcome here.

 

A couple of the members own DeVille caliber 861 chronographs. Simple & elegant and can be had for $900 - $1400 depending on condition and whether they come with the box & papers. Here's a link to H's DeVille in the WRUW thread:

http://omegaforums.net/threads/wruw-today.567/page-622#post-138662

 

Several Speedmaster Omega automatic also could be acquired at around $ 1000. (Reduced, triple date etc).
Also try Dynamic chronograph. Nice undervalued watch IMO.

 

I really like the Reduced, but is it true that they are not well liked by collectors?

 

They are not collectible, if that's what you mean not well liked. But perfectly okay for daily wearer.
You should distinguish the two. If you buy reduced Speedmaster say for $1,000. I believe you still could sell it in 2016 for similar money give or take 10%. But it will not appreciate 30-50% like watches that real collector hunting.
In 2012 you can buy top condition Connie Deluxe for $3,500. Just last month similar watch sold for $5,000. That's what many collectors (not all) try to find in a watch.

 

Dosnt the 3510 have the Arabic numerals ?

 

I think I am not the kind of collector who is looking to invest, but rather to own some watches I can proud to have, that are well made, worth the money, and that I could give to my son one day. Is the Speedmaster Reduced considered a well-made piece?

 

Do watches that can appreciate 30-50% over the course of several years also likely to likely depreciate that much?

 

You should be able to get a 1970 speedmaster mark II for around 1100 or less. It's an 861 manual movement, just like the moonwatch. I got mine as a fluke, but have really warmed up to it.

 

Good question. I am not long enough in this game to tell the story. Probably other more experienced members could tell the story of 'bubble' in watch collecting. I know after Omegamania auction in 2007 several Omega types price shoot up, then cool down the next year after US-Europe financial market meltdown.

 

The market is really limited to number of specific models, so it is difficult to generalize. However, there was indeed a build up to Omegamania and prices were high for a short while before coming down. For some of the watches, the prices have still not rebounded to 2007 levels.

 

My example of a cal. 861 De Ville Chronograph...should be doable in that price range.

 

Beautiful!

 

Thanks Kidamazo!

 

This fits the bill of the watch I want in so many ways. So now I have few models to look out for. Thanks for posting the pic.

 

You're welcome. And I have to say I really enjoy wearing that watch...

 

Here's another. It's a DeVille Prestige Chronograph. c861. It is as robust as any speedmaster.

 

There's always the good old not expensive Chronostop.