Would you have reservations in buying one of these Speedmaters? It would be for zero future value, only to wear the heck out of and enjoy. It seems that the price difference is enough where I would give it a try.

 

Modern speedmasters won't be "collectables " in the same sense as pre-moon models.

You have to trust the guy putting it together otherwise buy the real deal from someone like George and rest easy.

 

I bought one of their Seamaster 300 models and I specifically bought it because of new lume to wear daily. I care little about collector interest.

If you're going to wear it every day and you can afford it, why not?

Tom

 

I can definitely see the appeal of the WatchCo Seamaster 300's as they haven't been available for some time, but why would you buy a Soeedmaster that way?!

There is a huge range of Speedmasters available at all times, brand new, nearly new, 45 years old and everything in between. You can get 90's models at great prices so I can't see any gain with buying a WatchCo.

 

WatchCo Seamaster 300 - vintage look, but modern waterproofness. Speedmasters don't have good water resistance to begin with, and you can get a like-new model from the 80's or 90's for near the same price as a WatchCo franken.

 

Compared to vintage watches, a Watchco Omega will have better lume, better water tightness, and--------you're the original owner.

 

Where is this WatchCo? Do they have a site or something?

 

Franken ???

 

Yes, all WatchCo watches are technically frankens. They're nice ones, built with correct parts, but they're still put togethers.

 

Well, technically, you aren't - the parts were bought by WatchCo, right?

 

Was looking at their watches, and for the same price, can almost buy a modern watch. If i want vintage, will get one with a story.

 

I'll go with that, but they are what they are, all original and nothing hidden. Perhaps another description rather than "franken" sure we can come up with something

 

Ah, but they're not all original. For instance, the 300 cases have a different reference number than the original 1960's cases. So while they are "authentic" Omega parts, they aren't "original". Granted, they don't conceal the fact they are assembled from parts, which is the very definition of a franken. They just so happen to be cool frankens.

 

I'll cling to "Cool"

 

"hommage" perhaps?

 

Works for me. I've often considered buying a WatchCo SM300. In the end, there was always another watch or two that I wanted to spend the money on more.

Definitely not. An homage is not a replica, reissue, or remake - it takes style cues from the original, but isn't a duplicate.

 

My Watchco SM300 has a 165.024 case number, not 165.0324.

I think they're great.

 

I just offered an alternative to the pejorative "franken" As far as I'm aware, WatchCo are completely open about the provenance of their product, so buyers can make an informed choice.

Who is to say that in say 20+ years, a WatchCo "insert favoured description here" might not have some collector status?

 

I would say a big drawback even if you don't "care" about value is that when the SwatchOmega parts crisis hits, you'll be sending your watch to Omega to get serviced and they won't service a franken.
Thus rendering your watch a parts watch.
Assembled from parts and disassembled for parts once again.
These are the WatchCos of our lives.

 

Assumes facts not in evidence, Your Honor.

My Speedmaster '57 Replica with replacement dial and hands has been serviced by Omega twice. Since they were all Omega parts I guess they won't complain... but I do not believe it's as tight as you imply.

Tom