I'm wondering if there are Omega collectors that have zero interest in what is considered by many WIS to be their flagship model.
I am sure there are... I've met several people who do not fall in love with that design and, unfortunately, it tends to happen too much BS around the Speedmaster nowadays, on top of the prices which went through the roof...
There are plenty that like it and plenty that don't, its a very specialised model being not very water resistant and somewhat inconvenient in that its manual wind, if you don't mind that it can be a cool piece to own, if not then you're better off looking at other models.
I hate them so much I'm trying to take them all off the market so no one has to suffer. But seriously, there are plenty of members here who don't care for the reference. Plenty of dress watch or simple 3 hander collectors here. If you hang around enough, you will know who they are.
Anyone who doesn’t admire and respect the Speedmaster has terrible taste and probably doesn’t like animals or kids either.
I acquired my Apollo II commemorative (not the numbered one) 28 years ago, when I worked part time for an Omega dealer. They were (are?) the second highest volume Omega dealer in Canada. I was in the habit of wearing my Rolex GMT Master II to work, and the “brass” objected. So they asked me to choose an Omega model I liked, and they would sell it to me at dealer cost, less 20%. It took me a while to decide on the Speedmaster. In retrospect, I could have chosen anything then available from Omega. But I felt they were trying to “force-feed” a Rolex guy. As a consequence, my Speedmaster may have been worn for 10 % of the time i’ve owned it. I like it, but love? No! Now, my Speedmaster reduced? That one I love! Heresy in these parts, I know.
I know a couple of people that love Seamasters, but aren't too bothered about the Speedmaster. And yes I've tried having words with them
In the beginning I had absolutely zero desire to own a speedmaster but over time they grew on me, not because of the history or anything to do with space, if I am going to be honest I had not really bothered looking at them in shops but after looking at one for a while in the airport I began to see what a well balanced design it is and after that it was only a matter of time before I wanted one. I didn t want to drop a shed load of money on a vintage one and the stark white of the new ones did not tickle my fancy so I went for the 20th anniversary Apollo 11 which I was lucky enough to get from a member here. When the speedytuesday came out I wanted one of those too. I am still to see it in the flesh but I am sure I will love it when I get home in August. My sister sent me the only picture of my speedytuesday.
Can't say that I don't care for Speedmasters, because I own 3. But I can say that if I had to liquidate my little watch aggregation, the Speedmasters would be the first to go. There are alternatives...
Now this is an fascinating thread! I've owned several over the years and I do love everything about the Speedmaster, but black dials aren't my favorite and because they're so easy to flip I end up selling them. But I know there will be another in future because...well because
I just find it dull looking. Which is why the only two I own are the Speediorite and the CK2998LE, which look nothing like the base model.
Omega is my favorite brand, there are not many pieces that I flat out dislike, but being into toolwatches & historically relevant models, the Speedmaster is my favorite watch. The toolwatch market has been so hot for the past few years, that I'd really love to be more into dressier watches...
I grew up with a lot of water sports. Waterproof & a rotating bezel makes my tool watch. Everything else is redundant. I can't find any use in my life for a tachymeter, what do you guys use them for? Also, another thread just reminded me, I don't like the sweep second being still at 12 when not in use.
Has there been any other watch model with as long of a run as the current hestalite Speedmaster? Even the subs have changed. I don't understand the fever to collect (and pay a high price) for every minor minor (should I add another minor?) variance in the models. DON? DC (don't care).............unless I come across a barn find, of course Don't get me wrong. It is a nice looking watch. Great history and following. Over-priced IMO. There are a bunch out in the wild still waiting to be found and not at the stupid price.
Some people have very specific reasons why they don't like something; other have a dislike for something popularly enjoyed because they feel if they also like it, they are just one of the many who latch on to something, and can't think on their own. Thus, they choose to like something unpopular just to make themselves feel different or special. As far as watches are concerned, I feel objectively that there is very little to dislike about the Speedmaster, all things considered. Great history, design, quite legible, can't complain about either the 321 or 861. And fun to wind.