Hi All
I sold unworn bracelet of my brand new speedmaster watch when I bought it ( for $700, so I dont repent that ). However, I have become bored of the straps ( nato, leather etc) now and want to wear it on its bracelet.

I checked ebay and am not able to decide which ones to buy or what to look for in a bracelet that is a good fit for a speedmaster. Can you please help me with few pointers of what to look for and how much to spend ? I am not looking for new or unworn but something thats original and will go well with a speedmaster.

Thank you.

 

Depends on your viewpoint of original, but the modern 1171/1 with 633 endlinks is a great bracelet. It’s a modern production of the vintage 1171 bracelet with only minor difference. It’s not the same feel as heavy modern feel, but you’re asking for my opinion, and I prefer it. You can get them pretty readily for $700.

 

I totally agree with the choice; but you can often find them for less than half of that price.

 

The 1499/842 or 1498/840 (they're the same thing) are my choice and can be had for about $400 used. They're from the mid to late 90's and have the solid construction and feel of a modern bracelet but a vintage 20mm to 16mm taper.

 

The 1499 and 1498 were discontinued by Omega many years ago.

 

If you have an OMEGA boutique near you they can order the bracelet for you directly from the factory.

 

Can you clarify please, do you want to buy another bracelet identical to the one that was ‘original’ to your watch? Or simply one that was at some point ‘original’ to any Speedmaster?

It’s important to know exactly what reference of Speedmaster you have and get a bracelet that fits. Note: if you have the common moonwatch, an 1171/1 with 633 end links looks great (to me), but if you buy previously unworn, you may need to file slightly to get the end links to fit your watch. (Nothing to be afraid of, but is important to be aware of).

 

If you want a sold link Speedy bracelet which replaced the 1499 / 1498 / 1479 etc then you can go for the 1998-849, this was fitted for many years by Omega up until the latest screw and pin design bracelets.

If you want a more traditional lightweight hollow link bracelet then the only specified bracelet they make which replaces the other vintage models is the 1171-633.

 

I'd go 1171 if you like hollow and 1479 if you prefer solid.

 

You can't buy a new 1479 though so have to get used.

 

+1 For the 1498....my favorite 20mm bracelet, until I was infected by the 19mm straight lug speedmaster plague and sold it.

 

True; but I think most people also prefer the vintage 1171s (screws) to the modern version (pins) that you can still find new. The 1479 is very sturdy and not highly polished and won't show any aging without a loop, if that's your concern; and after a good cleaning, will be as good as new, at least IMO, and, based on his first post, that of the OP, as well.

 

If anyone has a 1498, or 1499, or 1171/633 for sale,

Actively looking for a 1498/840 if anyone has one...