Convince me to get a speedy

Hey OF,

Here's my quick story. I purchased a speedy sapphire sandwich 1863 Dec 2019. Loved it, loved that it was such a strap monster but eventually got bit by the vintage bug, and started to enjoy smaller watches. I have small wrists, approx 6.5, so felt that the speedy was too big. Let it go at a good price, after they discontinued the 1863.

Fast forward a year later, feeling quite a bit of regret - and mainly just missing the speedy. Have basically caught up on every thread about the new 3861 on OF and watched a bunch of reviews. Recently went into the OB and AD to take a look at the new 3861. The moment I put it on, I knew I had to have it. It just checked all the boxes. I'm really feeling that after so many watches in and out, the speedy is one to keep (but then again, that's what I thought when I last purchased it new from AD). Though, I think this time, it really is here to stay (haha) especially because of the size.

Here's what I'm having trouble deciding and hoping to hear some thoughts and opposing opinions:

Question 1: Age old question of hesalite vs sapphire sandwich.
- Previous watch was sapphire sandwich, loved that, and tbh, quite liked the milky ring (please don't kick me out of OF for saying that 👎)
- I had the Speedy Trilogy but ended up letting it go because I freaked out every time I got a little scratch on it, and I was shocked at how quickly the scratches accumulated, even wearing it in a decent sized rotation and carefully, back in the day
- so I'm thinking sapphire sandwich again... but I do like the fully brushed hesalite bracelet and the logo on the hesalite.

Question 2: Next question is where to buy it from.
Option 1: Grey Dealer
- Back when I first started this hobby, I just bought watches from the AD, and nothing from Grey Sellers. Recently, I have been buying more pieces from grey sellers, but mostly older watches (ones that I can't get from an AD right now). Do I save the money and get it from a grey seller? A part of me is worried about some of these reported issues with the speedy though

Option 2: AD I have relationship with
- I have a good relationship with one of my ADs and they've offered me no tax on the watch (tax is 12% here). Do I go back to this AD? I appreciate their customer service, and want to give them the business, but I equally want to start building up credibility/ relationship with an AD to hopefully get on some list for a rolex maybe in the next 5 years, but I have to start somewhere. sadly my AD doesn't carry rolex.

Option 3: new AD
- This brings me to my third option. I had purchased a Tudor BB58 from another AD back in the day, whom also carries Rolex. I'm considering getting my new speedy with them and start to build that relationship. I know there's all the stuff about rolex but I would like one, one day... so maybe I need to build the relationship now. This AD won't give me any discount on the speedy though. They did offer a free strap plus Deployant. (how much are those nowadays, I would eventually like to get an omega Deployant)

What would you do?

If you have the cash to spend, buy what you like, from where you like.

Personally I’d be inclined to get the best price I could - but then I don’t buy lots of watches, so a relationship with a dealer doesn’t matter to me… and even if I bought lots of watches I’d rather shit in my hands and clap than play silly dealer games. They either want your cash or they don’t, begging then to take it is a mugs game.

Buy the watch you want. IMO I'm not going to the moon and am perfectly happy with my sapphire sandwich because I love looking at that movement!

Believe me, you want the Omega 5 Warranty. Sent my new 3861 in the first week I wore it, Power Reserve issues. Took 6 weeks but it back on my wrist every day and last I checked, a 60 hour +/- Power Reserve plus a flawless timekeeper. Returned bad parts and no charge either way. The DoN bezel and the stepped dial are irresistible👍

What if the silly dealer games involve them shitting in your hands and making you clap, whilst you say “yes daddy I like it, please sell me a watch”? I’ve heard that’s going to be a requirement for 2023 Rolex’s.

Tritium 90s 861, hesalite, fostner flat link. Stick it in the rotation and don't worry about the nicks and scratches. Or go for a FOIS if size is a concern. It really does wear smaller, but I don't love the hands if I'm honest. I've been staring at 861 dials for so long the 3861 just looks slightly unfamiliar to me.

Left field suggestion is the broad arrow replica, really don't think that watch gets the love it deserves, the very slight grey to the dial is so warm.

My 2c

Bet that comes with a crapload of markup.

Please say it’s neither.

It’s a crapshoot either way.

I'd buy a vintage birth year speedy.

To the OP’s original q:

1. Hesalite, hands down. Just has warmth, imo, but feel free to disagree.

2. Buy from whomever you feel will make you happy to have spent the money. Buy the seller/dealer first. An a-hole offering a discount (let’s say) doesn’t personally interest me, since they’re a-holes first and probably forever.

Both these thoughts are so helpful. Good reminder that this is a hobby first and foremost, and really, whatever makes me happy is what matters more than anything else.