First Omega?

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

Hello Hivemind,

I am just about to graduate from my PhD and have just got a dream job! Wanted to buy a speedy for graduation and to celebrate.

I’m thinking of a 3510.50? Is there any reason this would be a bad idea? Is there a preferable speedy in that price range?

Does anybody have a decent one for sale? I’m UK based.

Cheers

padders · Apr 13, 2026

That ref is for the original Speedy Reduced, right? There are a lot of reasons you should think carefully about going down that road. Read up here on the forum but a brief primer consider: a) the youngest is at least 15 years old now, the oldest nearly 40, servicing can be complicated with these and will look expensive compared to the purchase price, b) many have a patchy servicing record for this reason and the fact they were comparatively cheap when new c) they are quirky in that there can be lag in setting the seconds and the pushers are not in line.

None of the above may matter to you, but if cost is a consideration then take care.

They have their fans but go into such a purchase with your eyes open. There is a reason the other models cost more from the off. Personally I'd have one of the similar looking but quite different Date or Day-date options or pony up for the full Pro but that is just me.

hen · Apr 13, 2026

Welcome to OF.

No, thats not a good idea. The Speedy is not approved for normal life, just space missions. If you do things like mowe the lawn, do the dishes or wash your hands you should go for a Seamaster.

If you like the black and white estetics of the Speedy, you might like the Seamaster 2254 too.

padders · Apr 13, 2026

hen
Welcome to OF.

No, thats not a good idea. The Speedy is not approved for normal life, just space missions. If you do things like mowe the lawn, do the dishes or wash your hands you should go for a Seamaster.

If you like the black and white estetics of the Speedy, you might like the Seamaster 2254 too.

I know you were being jocular, but the Speedy Reduced most certainly is not approved for space missions 😉

The 2254 is a great choice though, have one on right now...

hen · Apr 13, 2026

padders
I know you were being jocular, but the Speedy Reduced most certainly is not approved for space missions 😉

The 2254 is a great choice though, have one on right now...

Oh my! Not appowed for terrestial use and not for galactical use, were should it be used?

@SpeedyNooob The chronographs are more expencive to service, the Seamasters have 300m water resistance, much more than you will ever need. They are also automatic so you wont forget to wind them. They also have a divers bezel that can be used for timing Pizzas and such. If you think that a date is convenient the Seamaster has you covered.

Good luck with the choice and remember to use the for sale section: https://omegaforums.net/forums/watches-for-sale/

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

Thank you all 😀 !

Annapolis · Apr 13, 2026

SpeedyNooob
Thank you all 😀 !

Based on your post and your username, though, it sounds like you want a Speedmaster, not a Seamaster. (Ok, ok, history nerds, spare me the diatribe about how the Speedmaster was originally part of the Seamaster family. 😀

Can you tell us a bit more about why you prefer the reduced to the iconic Speedmaster pro (Moonwatch)?

If it’s about price, that’s good for us to know. We might be able to help you avoid some classic first-Omega mistakes.

Jakeys · Apr 13, 2026

Welcome to the forum!

In my opinion, if you love the Speedy, get the Speedy - as in the actual Professional model. I'm a believer in saving longer for the thing you really want rather than cost cutting for something similar that you may wind up regretting.

If you genuinely prefer the Reduced then that's valid of course, but I suspect you might be looking to save a bit of coin. If that's the plan, I'd look at maybe a used Speedmaster Professional, maybe a late 1990's or newer if you would prefer it to look somewhat modern without yellowed tritium lume markers.

Annapolis · Apr 13, 2026

Jakeys
Welcome to the forum!

In my opinion, if you love the Speedy, get the Speedy - as in the actual Professional model. I'm a believer in saving longer for the thing you really want rather than cost cutting for something similar that you may wind up regretting.

If you genuinely prefer the Reduced then that's valid of course, but I suspect you might be looking to save a bit of coin. If that's the plan, I'd look at maybe a used Speedmaster Professional, maybe a late 1990's or newer if you would prefer it to look somewhat modern without yellowed tritium lume markers.

Precisely.

Take the advice of many many many people here—myself among them: if what you really want is a “real” speedy, just find a way to get one instead of getting that reduced. In the long run, you will save thousands of dollars. No joke.

pdxleaf · Apr 13, 2026

I have owned both of the following and like both.

Reference 3570 is an inexpensive manual wind speedmaster. It's a robust classic watch.

I liked this day date automatic speedmaster, reference 3520. It doesn't have a modular movement and is very comfortable. It's not a typical moonwatch but it's a good option. Since you're a PhD grad, you probably like reading. Read up on the differences in the so- called reduced speedmasters. There is a big variety. They aren't as collectible but the following are more appreciated and will likely maintain value.

Screenshot_20260413_043401_Samsung Internet.webp

Screenshot_20260413_043411_Samsung Internet.webp

I forgot! Congrats on the Phd!

Donn Chambers · Apr 13, 2026

As others have said, while the Speedmaster reduced is cheap, there is a reason for this. It was - at the time - an Omega that could be offered at a cheaper price than the standard Speedmaster pro due to the modular chronograph movement. If you do intend to buy one, budget another $1k to have it serviced by Omega. I doubt many of these being sold have ever had a proper service.

Also, it will always be better to get the watch you want rather than the watch that is “close enough.” The reason why is that you won’t be satisfied, and will eventually get the watch you want and not be able to sell the “close enough” watch for what you paid for it (unless you are really lucky).

Frankly, in a case like this, I’m not against buying the slightly more expensive watch you want on credit, so you can enjoy it now. But only do this if you have no other debt AND can pay it off quickly (say less than a year). You will likely pay some interest, but it will likely be less than the cost of the “close enough” watch that you don’t enjoy.

Jakeys · Apr 13, 2026

Donn Chambers
Frankly, in a case like this, I’m not against buying the slightly more expensive watch you want on credit, so you can enjoy it now. But only do this if you have no other debt AND can pay it off quickly (say less than a year). You will likely pay some interest, but it will likely be less than the cost of the “close enough” watch that you don’t enjoy.

I bought my first Omega on credit. I don't recommend it but it worked out, it was a perfect example at a solid price and I knew I could pay it off reasonably quickly and not incur too much interest.

My advice is still to save up and wait. Do as I say, not as I do. 😁

Dan S · Apr 13, 2026

I once bought a Speedy Reduced and when it arrived, I immediately knew I had made a mistake. I sold it right away. In your place, if you want a smaller automatic Speedmaster, I would consider a Speedmaster Date. Not only is it a more appealing watch, IMO, it also has a movement that is more easily serviced.

Vinz Clortho · Apr 13, 2026

Congratulations on the PhD and finding the dream job, quite an accomplishment! A Speedy is definitely a great watch to mark the accomplishment with. I'd be interested in the reasoning behind asking the Reduced compared to some of the other models. There are plenty of good options out there and in the end, we want you to be totally happy with your decision marking this milestone.

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

Annapolis
Based on your post and your username, though, it sounds like you want a Speedmaster, not a Seamaster. (Ok, ok, history nerds, spare me the diatribe about how the Speedmaster was originally part of the Seamaster family. 😀

Can you tell us a bit more about why you prefer the reduced to the iconic Speedmaster pro (Moonwatch)?

If it’s about price, that’s good for us to know. We might be able to help you avoid some classic first-Omega mistakes.

It’s the watch my friends recommended, I love the look of it and the seems to be good for a daily. The Bezel specifically appeals to me. It just does it for me!

I’m very happy to spend a bit more money, hopefully it should last me!

I’ve had a look at the seamasters and they just don’t quite do it for me (despite being definitely more practical!) 😀

It would be great to get some advice? What would you buy if you could start again?

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

Jakeys
Welcome to the forum!

In my opinion, if you love the Speedy, get the Speedy - as in the actual Professional model. I'm a believer in saving longer for the thing you really want rather than cost cutting for something similar that you may wind up regretting.

If you genuinely prefer the Reduced then that's valid of course, but I suspect you might be looking to save a bit of coin. If that's the plan, I'd look at maybe a used Speedmaster Professional, maybe a late 1990's or newer if you would prefer it to look somewhat modern without yellowed tritium lume markers.

Spend more short save long and get what I want seems to be the right call! 😀

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

Vinz Clortho
Congratulations on the PhD and finding the dream job, quite an accomplishment! A Speedy is definitely a great watch to mark the accomplishment with. I'd be interested in the reasoning behind asking the Reduced compared to some of the other models. There are plenty of good options out there and in the end, we want you to be totally happy with your decision marking this milestone.

Thank you very much!

I think I’m much more open to suggestions now, the reduced just appealed to me!
It seems to be more sensible to buy right the first time…

What would you recommend if you were in my shoes?

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

pdxleaf
I have owned both of the following and like both.

Reference 3570 is an inexpensive manual wind speedmaster. It's a robust classic watch.

I liked this day date automatic speedmaster, reference 3520. It doesn't have a modular movement and is very comfortable. It's not a typical moonwatch but it's a good option. Since you're a PhD grad, you probably like reading. Read up on the differences in the so- called reduced speedmasters. There is a big variety. They aren't as collectible but the following are more appreciated and will likely maintain value.

I forgot! Congrats on the Phd!

Thank you very much, looks like a have a lot more reading to do…! 😀

SpeedyNooob · Apr 13, 2026

What would you all recommend for the first big one then, happy to skip the reduced…

Dan S · Apr 13, 2026

SpeedyNooob
What would you all recommend for the first big one then, happy to skip the reduced…

We can't really tell you what to buy because it depends on what features you want, the size of the watch that fits your wrist, etc. You need to do research, and preferably handle the watches personally.

The "real" Speedmaster is the Speedmaster Professional "moon watch". It's a bit larger, hand-winding, and more expensive. Any other Speedmaster is not really "the" Speedmaster from a historical perspective, but you should buy what appeals to you.

As mentioned above, the Speedmaster date models are a bit smaller, auto-winding, and based on a very robust movement.

First Omega?

SpeedyNooob

padders

hen

padders

hen

SpeedyNooob

Annapolis

Jakeys

Annapolis

pdxleaf

Donn Chambers

Jakeys

Dan S

Vinz Clortho

SpeedyNooob

SpeedyNooob

SpeedyNooob

SpeedyNooob

SpeedyNooob

Dan S

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