Doubts on the Moonwatch

Archer · Apr 18, 2023

Pastorbottle
Bugger going to get my watches pressure tested, I do them at home, I was lucky enough to score a Witschi Proofmaster M pressure test rig for free!
A case of being in the right place at the right time.
Here’s my Flighty going through the routine

Doesn't appear to be doing a test in those photos, so do you have it actually running? What compressor are using for the air supply?

You will need at least 11 bar on the compressor to make this work, and I'll warn you now the air will need to be very clean and dry, or the machine won't last long - they are very sensitive to contamination in the air, so extra filtering ahead of the machine is needed.

Keeping it in good shape is important - this is a pressure vessel...

Pastorbottle · Apr 18, 2023

No that was before I’d actually started the test, I hadn’t run the air hose in from outside yet.
I use my shop air compressor which runs at about 150 psi, I run such high pressures to fed monstrous things like 1” sq dr rattle guns. I regulate it back for most other things.
The compressor is brand new it’s a Chicago Air Hush 150, a 4 motor direct drive 8 cyl configuration with a 150 litre receiver and another 50 litre receiver plumbed into the system. Although I run this unit directly from the integrated receiver.
I have a dedicated hose and regulator/filter for this purpose which is never used for anything else, to be sure it’s always clean..

KirkN · Apr 18, 2023

Alex_TA
The regular 3861 is so accurate that you really don't need to improve it. Of course that even more accurate is better but I didn't set my Speedy for at least half a year and it's approx. +10 sec with almost everyday use. Much more accurate than a quartz watch in my car.

Wish mine was that good. My 3861 is about six months old, and gains about 4 seconds per day. Still within spec, but (for me) disappointing nonetheless. With my diver, I find resting it overnight crown up seems to regulate it nicely. I haven’t yet found the best overnight resting position for my Speedy though. What is the general consensus amongst our fellow 3861 wearers? Is there an optimal overnight position for the 3861 to keep best time?

YY77 · Apr 18, 2023

KirkN
Is there an optimal overnight position for the 3861 to keep best time?

Every movement is different so you just need to test what yours will do.

Archer · Apr 18, 2023

Pastorbottle
I have a dedicated hose and regulator/filter for this purpose which is never used for anything else, to be sure it’s always clean..

The kind of filtration you use for air driven tools like an impact will not be sufficient for this, just so you know. It's not contamination from using it from other tools, but from the compressor that is the issue. These are typically used with specific compressors that run very dry and clean, along with extra (finer) filtration.

KirkN · Apr 18, 2023

YY77
Every movement is different so you just need to test what yours will do.

Thanks!

Albe100 · Apr 18, 2023

My personal opinion is save the 1200 euro. As other members mention, you have warranty if anything fails on the watch. You should be able to take it into the AD/OB for pressure testing if required, but do you really want to go swimming with your Speedy? Also, a polishing every year...I'm sure many here would advise again any type of polishing. Let the watch show the battle scars you put on it over time, part of its story with you.

Devil's advocate, if you plan on purchasing other Omega watches in the future, perhaps building that relationship with the Milan store is worth the 1200 euro if it will bring bigger savings later on. Another thing to consider, Switzerland is a non-EU member, if you get an eager boarder officer, you may have to pay customs on the new watch.

Best of luck with whatever you decide! Either way, a great first watch!

Duckie · Apr 18, 2023

It's a hard one, but I personally would be inclined to take the discount on the spot. 1200 Euro is a lot in this day and age as discounts are virtually non-existant through a boutique.

Where do you travel to more frequently or it is easier to travel to?
Switzerland or Milan?
That's also a consideration in the broad scheme of things.

Don't over think this too much.
The free check up and everything sounds good but the main thing I would be concerned about is simply keeping an eye on the water resistance of a watch that doesn't have much to start with.
To that end, I would be inclined to seek out someone who can pressure test the watch annually for a small sum of money at your convenience👍
Then strictly leave the polishing thing for when it goes into the Omega Service Centre for a full service whenever that may be required.😉

The Spirate adjustment is not worth waiting for if it ever happens within the next ten years or so.
It doesn't add anything to the movement that you will necessarily benefit from.
The Co-axial Speedy hasn't been out long in the grand scheme of things, so it likely won't get the Spirate adjustment any time soon.

Duckie · Apr 18, 2023

Pastorbottle
No that was before I’d actually started the test, I hadn’t run the air hose in from outside yet.
I use my shop air compressor which runs at about 150 psi, I run such high pressures to fed monstrous things like 1” sq dr rattle guns. I regulate it back for most other things.
The compressor is brand new it’s a Chicago Air Hush 150, a 4 motor direct drive 8 cyl configuration with a 150 litre receiver and another 50 litre receiver plumbed into the system. Although I run this unit directly from the integrated receiver.
I have a dedicated hose and regulator/filter for this purpose which is never used for anything else, to be sure it’s always clean..

Sounds good.
So I Imagine it is at least running an auto drain with a refrigerated drier in unison with the appropriate particulate filter afterward?

Duckie · Apr 18, 2023

C Cp3
I've read all the comments carefully and sincerely thanks to everyone for your feedbacks and suggestions.

Overall, the general sentiment seems to consider the money saving more than the OB experience, which is quite understandable. It's a pity because in Milan Boutique, all the people were really kind and prepared, without the veneer of fake kindness which sometime one could expect in such environment (I have personally experienced it in a Roelx boutique). However, to be honest I must say that maybe I will find the same also in the AD (at the end of day, it really depends also on people).

Regarding the second point (caliber 3861 vs future Spirate system), it seems that according to your opinion Omega will not change the Moonwatch movement over the next years, and if we look at the history of the Moonwatch, it is reasonable (maybe they will focus first on everyday watches, such as Seamaster Aqua Terra). Moreover, I have read that between 2025 and 2026, it is planned another trip to the Moon (where people will physically land on Moon's surface). If this will be done with current Moonwatch, my expectation is that the value will increase more, won't it?

Last but not least: how can I understand if the version that the AD will sell me is with the latest clasps or with the old one? I am not an expert of the difference. I thought that the last reference visible on Omega website was already the one with latest clasps, but maybe I'm wrong.

Regarding the clasp.
It may be a matter of old vs newer stock as the new clasp is still filtering through.
Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about it if I were going for the bracelet.
The new clasp can be fitted later on at your convenience if you feel the need.
Besides, the watch with the original non-adjustable clasp on the bracelet may be worth more due to the short production run before the change. Who knows?
Also the amount of adjustment is minimal at only a few mm and in some respects inconsequential.

Doubts on the Moonwatch

Archer

Pastorbottle

KirkN

YY77

Archer

KirkN

Albe100

Duckie

Duckie

Duckie

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