New member here, but long time Speedmaster admirer. Looking to buy my first one.

I want: display caseback, tritium (slightly cream-yellow) hour markers, and Hesalite crystal. Slight preference for the gold 863 movement over the rhodium 1863. So that pretty much means the 3592.50 or maybe early 3572.50. I intend to wear this a lot and keep it a long time. Boxes and papers are not important to me.

So I found the following from a Japan reseller for $4K (plus shipping and probably duties). No box or papers. Serial number begins 4830. Seems to be a good deal. Please tell me if I'm missing something. Thanks.

Pictures from webstore: (please don't snag it out from under me! )

 

A good choice. A modern watch with some lovely patina. I think the watch looks good. Pricing seems reasonable aswell. However you might be able to find one locally? (Without knowing where you live) it sounds like Japan is overseas for you...

Here’s mine

 

The hands look like Superluminova and don’t match the dial very well. The case looks a little bit polished too. I don‘t know where you live, but perhaps you can find one locally for a better or similar price. You would also get the chance to inspect it in person.

 

Thanks for your replies DON and OWa. Yes I'm in Northern California and no plans to go to Japan any time soon. So there is the risk of not holding it first.

 

Looking at mine now... Agreed @OWa . My hands are better matched against index lume... But why would hands be changed already on a watch as "new" as this?

@kgb there's 3592.50's for sale quite often also here on the sales section. Keep your eyes open and good luck!

 

If you let your Speedy get serviced from an offical omega service center, they will change your Tritium hands for Superluminova hands. Omega stopped using Tritium in 1998. So that watch is at least 21 years old. I think that a service within 20 years is pretty reasonable.

 

@OWa didn't even think about that. Never used "official omega service" centers. My watches are taken care of independent watchmakers. =) ain't nobody stealing my precious tritium!

 

My personal opinion. You can find a better priced one. No box or papers for 4K. Way too much. My opinion.

 

does that gold color 863 movement shimmer in the light? i know it's not real gold, so curious if it reflects light nicer than the rhodium plated.

 

An 863 catches light on the Côtes de Genevè stripes. The color contrast seems to catch the light better than the rhodium finish on a 1863 IMO.
Insert crappy cellphone pics...

 

I think the case is too polished. See angles.

 

Thanks very much for the advice. Now that you mention it, yes the hands look too bright white. Now I cannot unsee that! So I guess I will hold out for a better one.

 

Do the serial numbers on the case and movement have to match? I love the reference and am looking for one as a daily.

appreciate the help.

 

@ATWG I think most collectors would prefer the serial numbers match. If they don't, it's an indication that the watch has been cobbled together from spare parts and has lost authenticity and perhaps reliability. (but if you get a great deal and can have it checked by an expert and you don't mind, then maybe?)

Note this is a 2 year old thread. I'm the OP and I did ultimately buy a 3572.50 with 863 movement, tritium dial, hesalite. I love it.

 

Appreciate it, that’s what I suspected.

 

Where did you end up finding it? Online?

Thanks

 

I bought it from an ad here on OmegaForum. Seller was local so I could check it in person. Worked out great.

 

Thanks! and so my search begins. Hopefully it doesn't take me 2 years!

 

If your importing make sure you put most of the value on the movement as it’s tax rate is much lower than the case and band. I didn’t know that my first time. Imported a 18k Rolex for about $5k and paid about $300 in tariffs. Ended up returning it and paid $150 in shipping and tariffs are not refundable. Also, if it’s more than $2500 and you want to return it, it’s a PITA. Need to get ASE #, etc. Any other watch I bought overseas was much cheaper ~$1k and never had issues or tariffs.

 

Never mind, just realized this thread was 2 years old.