1861 Speedmaster early next year?

7enderbender

I’m looking to finally buy a 1861 early next year. What are the chances you think of still finding a new one at that point? Otherwise what are good places to find one in like new condition?
I compared to the new model side by side in person and I don’t like the 3861 at all. Still kicking myself not buying the last one in store a few months back, but didn’t want to put it on a credit card.
I understand I may now end up paying a premium.

7enderbender

I’m looking to finally buy a 1861 early next year. What are the chances you think of still finding a new one at that point? Otherwise what are good places to find one in like new condition?
I compared to the new model side by side in person and I don’t like the 3861 at all. Still kicking myself not buying the last one in store a few months back, but didn’t want to put it on a credit card.
I understand I may now end up paying a premium.

perks713

I’ve been on the look out for a nice vintage (but not too nice) Speedy but I keep getting emails about the FOIS being in stock and I keep struggling not to buy it. It’s a little out of budget right now but in 4 or 5 months it would be, but who knows if it’ll be readily available at that time.

Anyways, I think that I’d you’re trying to find a 1861 and you don’t want to put it on a card, maybe worth looking for a new card with a sign up bonus and 0% interest for some period of time. That way you can pull the trigger early if you find one. That’s my current thinking. I’d just opened a new chase card last year and got $800 in points just signing up.

Edit: I want to add that I’m the kind of person that never buys anything or puts anything on a card unless I can afford to buy it outright (cars and houses don’t count lol) so my approach is more about saving a little money and being able to pay it off in full around bonus time and less about needing to spread out the payments.

Evitzee

Prices for pre-owned 1861's have firmed up over the last six months. Used prices now are what you could get a new one for a year or two ago.

7enderbender

I saw that. And that’s ok. I’m actually surprised they aren’t more expensive already. I personally think the 3861 is a total dud.

F fulcanelli

Out of interest, why?

7enderbender

I very much dislike the flimsy wristband, the stepped dial and dial color and don’t get why they had to change the movement when they had one that was actually NASA certified and a long history of being used in space.
The band is the worst part though. It’s kind of the same idea as the one on my 30 year old Speedy Reduced - only worse.

7enderbender

I.... don’t get why they had to change the movement when they had one that was actually NASA certified ......

7enderbender

I’m looking to finally buy a 1861 early next year. ....

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DoctorEvil

3861 movement has also had problems. Some owners have had their watch seize up when the chronograph is engaged.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/3861-movement-broken-update-read-first-post.120071/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/new-omega-speedmaster-professional-cal-3861-issues.133861/

ckhaing

suspiciously a less costly manufacturing process for 3861, more robotic and less human intervention or QC, just opinion though

same with the bracelet

dial / bezel changes are sweeteners with no significant extra cost of production i guess

i don't personally care about chronometer certification and antimagnetic movement though but some people think it is a game changer for 3861

P pete26

....

............. I can attest that my 3861 is much more accurate than my previous 1861's.