I kinda of collect newer Speedmasters (3 LEs so far and a modern run-off-the-mill pro), and I have no problems electing to skip the 50th. I found it an easy decision to say 'no thanks' when the OB contacted me to see if i wanted to order one. I think instead I may pick up a '68 or '69 to go with my '67. I really like the character of the older Speedmasters. And chances are they will go up in value over the mid-term.
Eh, no, so far those that are not fans of the piece continue to complain and carp about its deficiencies as they see it, mostly centered around the use of gold, the dial, no 321 movement, edition size and the price.
Yes, there has been plenty of criticism. The debate has been good fun on threads like this, with views from both sides expressed clearly and argued well. I don't agree that 'others who are not in love will mostly say nothing'.
The Speedy is most importantly a tool watch. So things like gold, and subdials that are less than legible, and not being qualified for space flight just don't belong. I kinda like the back, but altogether it's my chance to save $9K or so.
Yep - in many ways it’s shows what a polarising piece it is and quite different from other speedies. The price I can stomach as it is just about ok based on improvements, the looks I am on the fence about, but I like the use of gold and a bit of flash. It hasn’t done Rolex any harm and is the way expensive watches appear to be going. The sub used to be a pure tool watch and now it’s a piece of flashy jewellery albeit fit for its intended purpose still, the gmt more so. I see this as similar and it’s no bad thing in my eyes - just omega trying to keep up with preferences these days. I’ll wait and see if I like it when mine comes in and decide.
Talking to my local UK OB around 4 weeks ago and their info was that around 10% of both watches would be allocated to the UK but that was still subject to official confirmation. The store also confirmed that they weren’t taking deposits until they knew their final allocation but would contact customers based on the order the ‘waiting list’ e-mails were received. I am attending a function at the store on Tuesday so maybe the watches will be on show.
They will be, these OB functions are to showcase the watches and for the OB to sell out it's allocation if places remain.
If it's anything like our, then yes. Ply her with the free champagne until she'll agree to anything. Along with the booze was plenty of food. I didn't take my wife but when I showed her the pictures, she wished she'd gone.
I can't believe the you could rock up at an Omega launch event and not think it appropriate to wear an Omega watch! Thanks for sharing the pictures though.
Unfortunately, rightly or wrongly, I only own Omega Limited editions which I choose to keep unworn. The other guys were not wearers of the brand but did place deposits for the 50th on the night. I am sure Omega were more than happy to start converting these guys!
Wow... Omega not doing a great job of following the Rolex play book. How can you create an illusion of scarcity if somehow everyone still gets one? Oh well, looks like the marketing is working anyhow. I work in automotive, and globally there are strong indications that our decade of strong growth is coming to and end (if not already passed). "... make hay while the sun shines... "
I ordered one, it's pretty amazing. I've had Speedies before, kept them for a few years, then sold them. I think this new model might be a keeper. My Mark 4.5 I had from the seventies until 2011, when I gave it to a friend who had been very good to me and my wife. He's had it completely overhauled and it now looks as good as new.