50th Birthday Omega

WatchTimes · Feb 23, 2023

OK well I am turning 50 in March and decided to buy a new (not just new to me but brand new watch).
I had a Seamaster about 15 years ago I got as part of a big trade and didn't realize it was a 321 pre moon before I got it. After a couple months a friend who was big into vintage convinced me to sell it to him (he paid fair value)
So I have an Aqua Terra and a X-33 (Solar Impulse) and its one of my favorite watches.
Anyway I have several other watches (multiple Rolex, Hublot, H Moser, MIH etc etc) but decided it's time to get a modern SpeedMaster. I have gone back and forth on the sapphire/hesalite debate but have decided Im going to go Sapphire so its the 310.30.42.50.01.002 for me!
We have/had a boutique here in Troy Michigan but its been closed for several months for "remodeling" so Im just gonna search online for one with the new clasp.
Anyway just thought Id share my story with you. Hope I didn't bore you too much (if so look at my old posts to see some of the unique pieces I have posted in the past).
I promise to post pics when I finally find one and get it. I really think it will be worn mostly on a NATO but we will see...

MDubs · Feb 24, 2023

Good Morning @WatchTimes, and thanks for sharing! I’m in a similar situation, turning 50 later this Spring, and I’ll be celebrating with a new/new to me watch as well. It’s super fun to explore possibilities and the pros and cons of particular watches. My daily wearer is the sapphire Speedy you posted, and that you’re considering. I, like many others on this Forum, would give a resounding endorsement of this watch, and the experience of wearing it regularly. I hope you’re able to find the watch you want, and happy almost birthday!!

Poppyboy · Feb 24, 2023

Happy birthday and thanks for sharing your story. I turned the big 5-0 last year and my wife treated me to several days in Tahoe. Anyway, as much as I like the original moonwatch, I really, really like the practicality of sapphire and automatic (which I have in my 3513.53). Ultimately, it’s up to your preference and how you will use the watch. Good luck!

Jones in LA · Feb 24, 2023

That'd be an excellent choice for your 50th! I know how difficult the hesalite vs sapphire decision is, having mulled it over for months myself. But I already have multiple Speedmaster versions of each, so I knew I was making an informed decision for my eventual 3861 purchase. When I bought mine the adjustable bracelet clasp was not an option, so my local Boutique "built" me a custom version using a spare clasp from the new Chronoscope.

Here are some photos I hope you'll find inspirational. Sorry the lighting on the NATO-strapped photos doesn't show the stepped details on the dial, but the first photo does to some degree. What I like most about this watch (as an example of the classic Moonwatch), in descending order of appreciation, are: the thoroughly modern, master chronometer grade manual wind movement (which you get to see), the stepped dial, and the applied logo.

p.s. I learned something new as I prepped the watch for the NATO strap photos (I had never removed the bracelet since purchasing the watch): the bracelet has separate end-links...a slight inconvenience but bringing the watch a little closer to the Speedmaster of the mid-20th Century.

MTROIS · Feb 24, 2023

WatchTimes
OK well I am turning 50 in March and decided to buy a new (not just new to me but brand new watch).
I had a Seamaster about 15 years ago I got as part of a big trade and didn't realize it was a 321 pre moon before I got it. After a couple months a friend who was big into vintage convinced me to sell it to him (he paid fair value)
So I have an Aqua Terra and a X-33 (Solar Impulse) and its one of my favorite watches.
Anyway I have several other watches (multiple Rolex, Hublot, H Moser, MIH etc etc) but decided it's time to get a modern SpeedMaster. I have gone back and forth on the sapphire/hesalite debate but have decided Im going to go Sapphire so its the 310.30.42.50.01.002 for me!
We have/had a boutique here in Troy Michigan but its been closed for several months for "remodeling" so Im just gonna search online for one with the new clasp.
Anyway just thought Id share my story with you. Hope I didn't bore you too much (if so look at my old posts to see some of the unique pieces I have posted in the past).
I promise to post pics when I finally find one and get it. I really think it will be worn mostly on a NATO but we will see...

Congrats on your birthday to come… and to your upcoming incoming post!!
I am personally not convinced that the “new clasp” is such a “must have item” so if it would be me, I would grab one of the reasonably priced NIB 3861 located in our For Sale section… but that’s just me.
Good luck to you and can’t wait for the pics of your new Speedmaster and birthday cake!!

Evitzee · Feb 25, 2023

MTROIS
Congrats on your birthday to come… and to your upcoming incoming post!!
I am personally not convinced that the “new clasp” is such a “must have item” so if it would be me, I would grab one of the reasonably priced NIB 3861 located in our For Sale section… but that’s just me.
Good luck to you and can’t wait for the pics of your new Speedmaster and birthday cake!!

I agree, I think the current belief that having a half link adjustment in the clasp is a 'must have, do or die' feature is overblown. Many have convinced themselves that they must have it, even to the point of converting the old one, whether or not they actually need it in practice.

lucian23 · Feb 25, 2023

Are you sure you want to buy a new watch from the Omega dealer? I allways prefer to buy preowned watches in like new condition or mint because are not very rare. There are many peoples out there who take good care of their watches and at some point will sell a very good watch.
Looking forward to see pictures with your new watch 😀

Poppyboy · Feb 25, 2023

Since prices seem to be all over, regardless of AD or used, these days I would almost prefer to just buy from an AD, at least for the higher ticket items.

7enderbender · Feb 25, 2023

For my 50th I did something that was long overdue with the-other-brand. Overdue certainly when considering where prices have gone.
I already had a Speedy automatic and always wanted a proper Speedy pro. Jumped on it right after the new models came out and did a direct comparison of the previous 1861 and the new 3861. Turns out I much prefer the 1861. Don’t like the new bracelets and the changes to shape and dial. I know you said no used but I wouldn’t rule that out without comparing them first. I know they’re selling well but I think Omega made a mistake with the new models. Another option is to see if you can buy back your vintage 321…
For me it’s always hesalite on any of those. Hard pass on saphire. I wish more watch brands, including Rolex still had that option.

Capt Cave Man · Feb 25, 2023

Mine coming up too this year... hoping I get the call for the Snoopy 50th for my half century innings but that's looking unlikely so debating on an Explorer as I don't have a crown in the collection.

50th Birthday Omega

WatchTimes

MDubs

Poppyboy

Jones in LA

MTROIS

Evitzee

lucian23

Poppyboy

7enderbender

Capt Cave Man

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