Buying my first Moonwatch

Basisbauer · Oct 24, 2021

Hello everyone!

I would finally like to buy my first Moonwatch. However, with regard to the current high market prices, I wonder if it is worth buying the new model (310.30.42.50.01.001) right away, or if one of the "old" models (e.g. 311.30.42.30.01.005).

The Co-Axial model can already be obtained for around 5,300 euros. The model 311.30.42.30.01.005 (2015-2020) is available as a full box with NATO bracelet for around 4,600 to 5,000, which I think is too high.

What do you think?

Duckie · Oct 24, 2021

Basisbauer
Hello everyone!

I would finally like to buy my first Moonwatch. However, with regard to the current high market prices, I wonder if it is worth buying the new model (310.30.42.50.01.001) right away, or if one of the "old" models (e.g. 311.30.42.30.01.005).

The Co-Axial model can already be obtained for around 5,300 euros. The model 311.30.42.30.01.005 (2015-2020) is available as a full box with NATO bracelet for around 4,600 to 5,000, which I think is too high.

What do you think?

I think you may have answered your own question.
I see a bright future for you with the new reference😉

Donn Chambers · Oct 24, 2021

I would buy the new one. I think the new bracelet looks better and the 3861 is a chronometer-grade movement, so it will keep better time.

the only real drawback is future service. Lots of watchmakers will service the 1861 movement, but fewer will service co-axial movement (I know mine won’t, and none local as far as I can tell). So you will have to send it back to Omega or one of the trained independents.

Basisbauer · Oct 25, 2021

Thanks. I will keep my eyes open for a good opportunity and tend to buy a 3861 if I doesn’t get a super offer for a 1861 full set of 2020

Len · Oct 25, 2021

Depends what you really want, a moonwatch or the moonwatch, pre 1969 861s start around £6000 and will only ever go up in value. The 3861 is a wonderful watch (except the clasp) and if I was in my twenties I'd buy one and wear it for life, it would be your companion through thick and thin, if that makes sense! Any Speedmaster is a good buy.

Foo2rama · Oct 25, 2021

Len
Depends what you really want, a moonwatch or the moonwatch, pre 1969 861s start around £6000 and will only ever go up in value. The 3861 is a wonderful watch (except the clasp) and if I was in my twenties I'd buy one and wear it for life, it would be your companion through thick and thin, if that makes sense! Any Speedmaster is a good buy.

Hey an 861 went around the moon! And remember a 145.012 was not on the moon. So technically the 861 145.022 series has more claim then a 68 145.012 with a 321.

Pazzo · Oct 25, 2021

I don't know where you're based but the price you quoted for the 3861 is a very good price.
Where I'm from, it's marked for almost €1,000 more, and that's for the Hesalite one. Add around a €1,000 more for the Sapphire one.

If you're going for the new model, make sure that it has been already upgraded with the new bushings to avoid complications.
Whatever you decide on getting, I'm sure you'll love it.

pdxleaf · Oct 25, 2021

Foo2rama
Hey an 861 went around the moon! And remember a 145.012 was not on the moon. So technically the 861 145.022 series has more claim then a 68 145.012 with a 321.

But if it was good enough for Michael Collins, it is good enough for me. 😉

Basisbauer · Oct 25, 2021

Pazzo
I don't know where you're based but the price you quoted for the 3861 is a very good price.
Where I'm from, it's marked for almost €1,000 more, and that's for the Hesalite one. Add around a €1,000 more for the Sapphire one.

If you're going for the new model, make sure that it has been already upgraded with the new bushings to avoid complications.
Whatever you decide on getting, I'm sure you'll love it.

I am located in Germany and except ebay, there a few known dealers were you can find good deals. 10% off is always possible. Standard tags are between 5.8 and 7.1k for saphire.

pdxleaf · Oct 25, 2021

Basisbauer
Hello everyone!

I would finally like to buy my first Moonwatch. However, with regard to the current high market prices, I wonder if it is worth buying the new model (310.30.42.50.01.001) right away, or if one of the "old" models (e.g. 311.30.42.30.01.005).

The Co-Axial model can already be obtained for around 5,300 euros. The model 311.30.42.30.01.005 (2015-2020) is available as a full box with NATO bracelet for around 4,600 to 5,000, which I think is too high.

What do you think?

If you are able to try them on that might be easier to choose. The cases are slightly different and the new sapphire is a bit thinner. The most comfortable may help you decide.

Also, pictures are almost never the same as real life. You may like one more than the other.

Don't let cost be the deciding factor

Basisbauer · Oct 25, 2021

Len
Depends what you really want, a moonwatch or the moonwatch, pre 1969 861s start around £6000 and will only ever go up in value. The 3861 is a wonderful watch (except the clasp) and if I was in my twenties I'd buy one and wear it for life, it would be your companion through thick and thin, if that makes sense! Any Speedmaster is a good buy.

Haha Unfortunately I am not twenty anymore ;-)

I just wanted to have a watch looking as new as possible, but to a fair price to be honest. My father collected vintage watches but I never got a heart for them. So from a collectors perspective the 861 is great, but primarily I love to wear my watches and only secondly looking for a good price development.

Basisbauer · Oct 25, 2021

pdxleaf
If you are able to try them on that might be easier to choose. The cases are slightly different and the new sapphire is a bit thinner. The most comfortable may help you decide.

Also, pictures are almost never the same as real life. You may like one more than the other.

Don't let cost be the deciding factor

good point! I know two jewelries that have the 3861 in stock and I will visit one to test-wear the watch. In fact I would negotiate every price but 100 bugs more or less doesn’t really matter. In general, I would buy a 2-3 years old as-new-model, but looking at the span between such a model and a brand new 3861, I would stick with the new one.

Pazzo · Oct 25, 2021

Basisbauer
...

... My father collected vintage watches but I never got a heart for them. ...
.... .

I would have disinherited you. ... 😀

Cenzo · Oct 25, 2021

I bought a 1861 a few years ago, but if both were available when I bought I would have gone for the 3861. It's just a better watch. This one has too much sentimental value as I received it from my wife for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I'm not tempted to trade up at this point - but if I didn't have one and could get either I would spend more for the 3861. Good luck to you and I am sure you will enjoy either one you buy.

paddymoran · Oct 25, 2021

Hi, it mightn’t be for you but would you consider an older vintage Speedmaster. You might need to do a bit more research but that’s all part of the fun 😀

Basisbauer · Oct 25, 2021

Pazzo
I would have disinherited you. ... 😀

He didn’t and left me a lot of bracelets and watches like EternaMatic

Basisbauer · Oct 25, 2021

Cenzo
I bought a 1861 a few years ago, but if both were available when I bought I would have gone for the 3861. It's just a better watch. This one has too much sentimental value as I received it from my wife for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I'm not tempted to trade up at this point - but if I didn't have one and could get either I would spend more for the 3861. Good luck to you and I am sure you will enjoy either one you buy.

Thanks, Cenzo! I won’t wait 17 more years to the point to get a Speedy, but good to read these words from an owner 😀

DNX · Oct 25, 2021

I had a similar choice earlier this year and chose the 1863 Sapphire Sandwich - didnt like the new bracelet, I know I am in the minority but for my large wrist it felt too slim and flimsy and I prefer the wider presence of the older bracelet - also I use it as a beater so the 1861/3 was fine for me, and im sure the new one is better in many regards - I just feel the the older one has been on sale and a success for such a long time, but the new one had a lot of people complaining about its sharp edges etc...so I went for the established older one, and dont regret my choice because its a fantastic watch.

Tuna Cowboy · Oct 25, 2021

I'd definitely try them on first but if vintage is not on the table I'd go for the 1861. Put it on a strap and make some memories! Good luck!

pete26 · Oct 25, 2021

Len
Depends what you really want, a moonwatch or the moonwatch, pre 1969 861s start around £6000 and will only ever go up in value. The 3861 is a wonderful watch (except the clasp) and if I was in my twenties I'd buy one and wear it for life, it would be your companion through thick and thin, if that makes sense! Any Speedmaster is a good buy.

Well, I'm 60 and I went with the new reference, very impressed and at my stage of life I don't need a date so this is a great GADA for me.

Buying my first Moonwatch

Basisbauer

Duckie

Donn Chambers

Basisbauer

Len

Foo2rama

Pazzo

pdxleaf

Basisbauer

pdxleaf

Basisbauer

Basisbauer

Pazzo

Cenzo

paddymoran

Basisbauer

Basisbauer

DNX

Tuna Cowboy

pete26

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