A year on the wrist with my Speedmaster (311.30.42.30.01.005)

Cenzo

I’ve had my Speedmaster (311.30.42.30.01.005) for a year and wanted to write up why I bought it and what is has been like to wear it for a year. Reading through Omega Forums helped tremendously when I was looking to buy the watch, I hope my post can help someone who is considering buying one.


I am not a watch collector. Previously to the Omega I’ve had a handful of watches and none were over $300. Born in 1965, my earliest childhood memory was the moon landing. My parents had friends over to watch. I don’t remember anything about the actual landing. But I do remember asking my Dad if we could walk outside to look up at the moon and try to see the men up there. I distinctly remember walking out to the front yard and looking up at the moon with him. Not sure if that moment planted a seed, but I have always been fascinated with space travel and read many books about Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo.


What did plant a seed was a visit to the Museum of Science of Industry in Chicago when I was 10. They have the Apollo 8 command module there. Also on display were some personal artifacts of the crew, including Jim Lovell’s Speedmaster. I remember starring through the case and thinking “That’s one cool looking watch!”. Learning this was standard issues for my astronaut heros after reading books gave the watch even cooler status. I never actually saw someone wear one in person until about 25 years later. My brother’s neighbor. It brought back memories of seeing Lovell’s and again the feeling of “that’s one great looking watch”. The symmetry of the dials, the elegant simplicity, and the classic beauty. Seeing the watch again as an adult coupled with all I had read about the space program and knowing the story behind the watch made me have an even deeper appreciation of it. I never obsessed about the watch, but always knew that if I ever splurged on a watch, this would be the one.


I always felt a little guilty about spending that much money on a watch. But then my 25th wedding anniversary was approaching, and my wife asked what I wanted – I knew I wanted the watch. The one I gawked at in a museum display case as a 10 year old. But I didn’t know where to begin or how to buy one or which model to get. So I came to Omega forums to educate myself. I knew I wanted a Speedmaster, but the FOIS had come out, what about that one? Sapphire or Hesalite? Where do you buy one? I lurked on the forum for about a year before buying one. I visited the Boutique, a few AD, and even a jewelry store that had a used one.


Do not buy the watch before seeing one in person. I was a little surprised the dial is not jet black as it appears in many of the Omega website photos. But is more of a dark grey. I’ve always pictured the dial the same color as the tachymetre bezel. But it’s not quite as dark. Also compare the Hesalite to the Sapphire in person side by side. I liked the look of the Hesalite more, but was afraid of it scratching. Reading through the forums I learned that any scratches are easily buffed out with a cotton ball and Polywatch. I wanted a new watch that I could call me own, wear everyday, and scratch up myself - all with the 5 year warranty. I could not seem to get the AD or Boutique to budge much on the price besides eating the tax. This was during the 50th anniversary and not sure if that was driving up demand. In the end I purchased through a trusted seller on Omega Forums (Kringkily). Best advice I received on the forum was “Buy the seller and not the watch”. Kringkily was top notch. Couldn’t say enough good things about him. Buying from Kringkily was the best of both worlds. The 5 year warranty without paying retail. It was a little scary wiring cash to a total stranger. But once again, Omega Forums to the rescue. I contacted a few people I noticed who bought from him and they reassured me along with all his glowing well deserved reviews. Their DMs and feedback set me at ease. Money wired on Monday and watch arrived on Wednesday.



I’ve worn the watch every day since it arrived. I took it to the Boutique the day after I received, and they were very welcoming and sized it for me. I love that fact that it looks great on ANY bracelet or strap. I rarely wear it on the original bracelet. It’s fun to wind it every day. It runs btw +12 and +6 seconds a day depending on which position I leave it at night. I find the slowest position is 6 o’clock up.

After a year I can say I love it more than when I bought it. It took a few weeks to get over “I might scratch it” phobia. I’ve used polywatch a few times on it. Once when I put in a really deep scratch moving furniture into my son’s apartment. Got my wrist pinned up against a tight corner coming up stairs. I thought it would be too deep to come out, but 5 minutes with polywatch and it was gone to the naked eye. Does the Hesalite get marked up? Yes. But I never really notice it unless I hold the watch at a certain angle in direct sunlight. And if you do get a nasty scratch you can see, you can buff it out in a few minutes. If you are hesitant to get Hesalite because of scratching, I would say don’t be. It is not a factor. My advice would be to wear it and enjoy it and know you will get a few bumps and scratches on it that no one will know are there except for you.


The straps and bracelets can get addicting. I’ve tried some $20-$30 Natos that looked and felt good, but the holes seem to wear pretty quick. The Omega ones are not cheap, but they don’t really show any signs of wear after wearing them. They are a higher quality, but if they are worth the prices is a decision you have to make on your own. The watch looks great on anything you put it on. Leather, Nato, bracelet, rubber, Velcro. It wears well on everything. Uncle Seiko has some great ones.

Omega forums really helped me to do my research and educate me about the watch. So thank you to everyone who posts here and shares their knowledge and experience. I don’t think I would have taken the plunge on the watch without learning what I did on these forums. Hoping to help someone who was in a similar position as me last year, and make them feel comfortable buying this great watch. After a full year there is not any buyer’s remorse. Rather its buyer’s rejoice! I am so glad I bought it. If you are thinking of buying one, hanging out on Omega forums will get you any info you need. And if you do decide to pick one up, I hope you enjoy your watch as much as I have.

Cenzo

Always amazed people are still reading this post. Just a testament to how great the forum is and how many people it reaches.
Picked up a new Genteel strap and deployment for it this week. Still wearing everyday!

Cenzo

Always amazed people are still reading this post. Just a testament to how great the forum is and how many people it reaches.
Picked up a new Genteel strap and deployment for it this week. Still wearing everyday!

lyle

I just read this for the first time and I really appreciated what you wrote!

I'm not a collector either but was ready to buy my first special watch in 2019 for my 50th. My plan was to buy a BB58 yet no one had them in stock. I happen to walk past an Omega dealer in town while looking for a gift for my wife. Then there was the Speedmaster and I simply was blown away. Never wanted a chronograph, never thought I could wear a watch this large, always thought I needed a date window. But it was just it. Full stop. Surprised myself since I usually have major decision making problems.

I thought about buying new but simply couldn't afford it at the time. I came to Omegaforums to learn. And like you I contacted Kringkily. He gave me a great price on an hesalite 1861 from 2016 or thereabouts. I had an super easy buying experience and he answered all my daft questions. It keeps remarkable time: two years worn daily, running at about +2 spd.

I have thought about the new 3861, mainly because of the bracelet and I would like that hacking movement. I've looked at other watch options but no watch seems right to me now: "it's not a manual wind like my Speedmaster, it's not easy to read the time like the Speedmaster, it's much thicker than the Speedmaster, it's not black+white like the Speedmaster, it doesn't have that history of my Speedmaster, etc etc." It is just the right watch for me.

STANDY

Had one for nearly 7 years. Just sent for its first service. Never worried about polywatch, did give it a polish with toothpaste and a piece of t-shirt when it was newish. Worn it nearly everyday to work and never had a drama with it. Swimming every now and then and never had a issue with water. (Haven’t gone swimming for about 2 years)
Just a comfortable watch to wear, easy to see the time at a glance. No issue winding every day. Even when I pick it up after a few days not wearing it only takes a few seconds to set the time. ( though I still do occasionally forget and look down to a stopped watch every few months. I blame beer and rum for this mostly )

Can dress it up or down with a strap. Think I have more straps and bracelets for my Speedmaster than the wife has shoes 😎

Two things I will say to a newer buyer.
Only use Omega spring bars.
Don’t buy cheap straps, as I nearly lost it one day with a cheap $22 canvas strap.

STANDY

Had one for nearly 7 years. Just sent for its first service. Never worried about polywatch, did give it a polish with toothpaste and a piece of t-shirt when it was newish. Worn it nearly everyday to work and never had a drama with it. Swimming every now and then and never had a issue with water. (Haven’t gone swimming for about 2 years)
Just a comfortable watch to wear, easy to see the time at a glance. No issue winding every day. Even when I pick it up after a few days not wearing it only takes a few seconds to set the time. ( though I still do occasionally forget and look down to a stopped watch every few months. I blame beer and rum for this mostly )

Can dress it up or down with a strap. Think I have more straps and bracelets for my Speedmaster than the wife has shoes 😎

Two things I will say to a newer buyer.
Only use Omega spring bars.
Don’t buy cheap straps, as I nearly lost it one day with a cheap $22 canvas strap.

Cenzo

I’ve had my Speedmaster (311.30.42.30.01.005) for a year and wanted to write up why I bought it and what is has been like to wear it for a year. Reading through Omega Forums helped tremendously when I was looking to buy the watch, I hope my post can help someone who is considering buying one.


I am not a watch collector. Previously to the Omega I’ve had a handful of watches and none were over $300. Born in 1965, my earliest childhood memory was the moon landing. My parents had friends over to watch. I don’t remember anything about the actual landing. But I do remember asking my Dad if we could walk outside to look up at the moon and try to see the men up there. I distinctly remember walking out to the front yard and looking up at the moon with him. Not sure if that moment planted a seed, but I have always been fascinated with space travel and read many books about Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo.


What did plant a seed was a visit to the Museum of Science of Industry in Chicago when I was 10. They have the Apollo 8 command module there. Also on display were some personal artifacts of the crew, including Jim Lovell’s Speedmaster. I remember starring through the case and thinking “That’s one cool looking watch!”. Learning this was standard issues for my astronaut heros after reading books gave the watch even cooler status. I never actually saw someone wear one in person until about 25 years later. My brother’s neighbor. It brought back memories of seeing Lovell’s and again the feeling of “that’s one great looking watch”. The symmetry of the dials, the elegant simplicity, and the classic beauty. Seeing the watch again as an adult coupled with all I had read about the space program and knowing the story behind the watch made me have an even deeper appreciation of it. I never obsessed about the watch, but always knew that if I ever splurged on a watch, this would be the one.


I always felt a little guilty about spending that much money on a watch. But then my 25th wedding anniversary was approaching, and my wife asked what I wanted – I knew I wanted the watch. The one I gawked at in a museum display case as a 10 year old. But I didn’t know where to begin or how to buy one or which model to get. So I came to Omega forums to educate myself. I knew I wanted a Speedmaster, but the FOIS had come out, what about that one? Sapphire or Hesalite? Where do you buy one? I lurked on the forum for about a year before buying one. I visited the Boutique, a few AD, and even a jewelry store that had a used one.


Do not buy the watch before seeing one in person. I was a little surprised the dial is not jet black as it appears in many of the Omega website photos. But is more of a dark grey. I’ve always pictured the dial the same color as the tachymetre bezel. But it’s not quite as dark. Also compare the Hesalite to the Sapphire in person side by side. I liked the look of the Hesalite more, but was afraid of it scratching. Reading through the forums I learned that any scratches are easily buffed out with a cotton ball and Polywatch. I wanted a new watch that I could call me own, wear everyday, and scratch up myself - all with the 5 year warranty. I could not seem to get the AD or Boutique to budge much on the price besides eating the tax. This was during the 50th anniversary and not sure if that was driving up demand. In the end I purchased through a trusted seller on Omega Forums (Kringkily). Best advice I received on the forum was “Buy the seller and not the watch”. Kringkily was top notch. Couldn’t say enough good things about him. Buying from Kringkily was the best of both worlds. The 5 year warranty without paying retail. It was a little scary wiring cash to a total stranger. But once again, Omega Forums to the rescue. I contacted a few people I noticed who bought from him and they reassured me along with all his glowing well deserved reviews. Their DMs and feedback set me at ease. Money wired on Monday and watch arrived on Wednesday.



I’ve worn the watch every day since it arrived. I took it to the Boutique the day after I received, and they were very welcoming and sized it for me. I love that fact that it looks great on ANY bracelet or strap. I rarely wear it on the original bracelet. It’s fun to wind it every day. It runs btw +12 and +6 seconds a day depending on which position I leave it at night. I find the slowest position is 6 o’clock up.

After a year I can say I love it more than when I bought it. It took a few weeks to get over “I might scratch it” phobia. I’ve used polywatch a few times on it. Once when I put in a really deep scratch moving furniture into my son’s apartment. Got my wrist pinned up against a tight corner coming up stairs. I thought it would be too deep to come out, but 5 minutes with polywatch and it was gone to the naked eye. Does the Hesalite get marked up? Yes. But I never really notice it unless I hold the watch at a certain angle in direct sunlight. And if you do get a nasty scratch you can see, you can buff it out in a few minutes. If you are hesitant to get Hesalite because of scratching, I would say don’t be. It is not a factor. My advice would be to wear it and enjoy it and know you will get a few bumps and scratches on it that no one will know are there except for you.


The straps and bracelets can get addicting. I’ve tried some $20-$30 Natos that looked and felt good, but the holes seem to wear pretty quick. The Omega ones are not cheap, but they don’t really show any signs of wear after wearing them. They are a higher quality, but if they are worth the prices is a decision you have to make on your own. The watch looks great on anything you put it on. Leather, Nato, bracelet, rubber, Velcro. It wears well on everything. Uncle Seiko has some great ones.

Omega forums really helped me to do my research and educate me about the watch. So thank you to everyone who posts here and shares their knowledge and experience. I don’t think I would have taken the plunge on the watch without learning what I did on these forums. Hoping to help someone who was in a similar position as me last year, and make them feel comfortable buying this great watch. After a full year there is not any buyer’s remorse. Rather its buyer’s rejoice! I am so glad I bought it. If you are thinking of buying one, hanging out on Omega forums will get you any info you need. And if you do decide to pick one up, I hope you enjoy your watch as much as I have.