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First Speedmaster advice

H
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I have been looking for my first Speedmaster for a while and have been a bit overwhelmed with all the different models.

I have ruled out the reduced models and some of the racing variants as I really want the Moon Watch. I had been looking at some vintage models (specifically the 145.022) as newer ones are a bit more than I can justify right now.

I recently came across a 311.33.42.30.01.001 which is in my price range but wanted some input. Other than not being on a bracelet is there anything to watch out for with this model?
 
gbesq
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I would get a model with the bracelet if you can as the OEM bracelets are expensive when purchased separately. What’s your budget?

.
 
jjen
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Would be able to help more if you posted photos or a link
 
H
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gbesq gbesq
I would get a model with the bracelet if you can as the OEM bracelets are expensive when purchased separately. What’s your budget?

.
Trying to stay under $4,000 preferably closed to $3500.

The one model I had been looking at looks too good to be true and feels like it might be a scam.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186458237085

The description has it available to purchase at a shop about 3 hours away but nothing seems right about it. The other issue is the ebay listing states it is Colorado but the shop is in Portland. So I think I am going to stay away from it.
 
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jjen
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I'm a little leery of buying from an ebay seller with no feedback and who just opened an account less than a month ago. If it feels shady stay away
 
watch_my_six
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jjen jjen
I'm a little leery of buying from an ebay seller with no feedback and who just opened an account less than a month ago. If it feels shady stay away
Yeah that's not totally reassuring, and their website does smell funny. But eBay would authenticate it, right? And they accept returns? You could also ask for photos of the watch set to a specific time. It will be interesting to see what it gets bid up to...

H Hellkin17
The one model I had been looking at looks too good to be true and feels like it might be a scam.

But why does it seem too good to be true?
 
BLOW UP
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willicollictor (0) collictor??
100% scam - Can't even spell collector
..don't go there!!
 
NotJackson
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H Hellkin17
Trying to stay under $4,000 preferably closed to $3500.

The one model I had been looking at looks too good to be true and feels like it might be a scam.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186458237085

The description has it available to purchase at a shop about 3 hours away but nothing seems right about it. The other issue is the ebay listing states it is Colorado but the shop is in Portland. So I think I am going to stay away from it.

Yes, that has “scam” written all over it. The seller is using eBay to advertise a non-eBay sale. You send your money and get … probably nothing. FWIW, I had actually reported this listing, or one similar. I’m not surprised that eBay hasn’t deleted it yet, as it sort of looks like an auction (but isn’t).

At your price point, I think your best bet is probably a 3570.50 from the early 2000s to maybe the early 2010s. There are plenty of them out there, but you may need to be patient.
 
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ErichPryde
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You can almost certainly get a previous generation 311 1861 on a bracelet for under 4k if you keep looking. Ironically while I see the same issues with the listing others do, I was just looking at a hesalite 1861 on a crocodile strap in Portland Oregon in-person listed for 3.2k a couple weeks ago. It was real but I have no idea if it had box/papers (I didn't ask). If you want b&p + service history/a recent service expect to pay more, or eat the cost of a service.

But... the differences between 3570.50 and the 311s are pretty minimal. I'd be totally happy with either one as a first speedy even if no budget was involved.
Edited:
 
soda-fabbrica
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I always fancied a Speedmaster, but never really looked at a serious purchase until I joined this forum.. Joined, soaked up the good stuff and jumped into a purchase via an auction. Secured one owner '77 model, with original papers etc.. Very nice watch and now looking again but older.. Very addictive.. Nice watches though..
 
jjen
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The scams can get a little complicated with fake shipping labels, sending the money to another PayPal account, etc. I heard about one a while back. I think it was that the guy would send you the money for your watch using a hacked PayPal account. You would receive the money and send the watch. Then the actual owner of the PayPal account would report that they were hacked and get the money refunded. So the money would leave your account and you would have no money and no watch and the eBay account you sold to would be deleted. The way to tell was that the shipping address did not match the PayPal address. You are the buyer here so it’s not quite the same but don’t underestimate the scammers out there
 
hen
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Hello Hellkin, stay on this forum and learn for a year. Then buy a watch from one of its members. That way you get the watch that is right for you (Seamaster) and you wont get scammed.

When I bought my Seamaster 2254 I didn`t know anything other that I wanted an Omega, luckily I got a watch that can handle my clumsiness and lifestyle, and I bought face to face so no scam.
 
Vinz Clortho
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Yeah, stick around, read through some threads, and gather information. Best advice is not to rush into anything, as tempting as it is Good news is you found a lot of knowledgeable people here who are happy to help you on your budding addiction, I mean quest, to procure your first Speedmaster.
 
Donn Chambers
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gbesq gbesq
I would get a model with the bracelet if you can as the OEM bracelets are expensive when purchased separately. What’s your budget?

.

Considering that the last Speedy Pro model’s bracelet was not that great IMO, I think buying one without a bracelet is OK. Lots of aftermarket options available that are more comfortable and better looking than the old bracelet.
 
NotJackson
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
Considering that the last Speedy Pro model’s bracelet was not that great IMO, I think buying one without a bracelet is OK. Lots of aftermarket options available that are more comfortable and better looking than the old bracelet.

I agree. I like the Forstner bracelets and I think they are very well made for the price. If the choices in my price range came down to getting a better watch and putting it on an aftermarket bracelet, I’d lean in that direction.
 
ErichPryde
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Bracelets also tend to come up occasionally here for sale. Just the other day a 3861 style bullet bracelet sold for 600. OEM Omega bracelets are not cheap but there are plenty around so not getting one with your watch is not the end of the world.


I am not a huge fan of the prior style bracelet either, but there are a lot of people that swear by it and I can't say that I found it uncomfortable. Omega used that same bracelet style in more than one iteration and for quite a while, so clearly itisn't a dealbreaker for most.
 
ErichPryde
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hen hen
That way you get the watch that is right for you (Seamaster)

"People buy a Speedmaster if they love Omega, they buy a Seamaster if they love themselves."

-Mahatma Ghandi

(Or so @hen would have you believe!!! 😜😁:whipped:)
 
gbesq
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I have both and love both, but the Seamaster was around long before the Speedmaster showed up. The Speedmaster wins the popularity contest with the general public, but if I had to choose one line or the other from which to build my collection, it would be no contest - Seamaster hands down.
 
ErichPryde
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gbesq gbesq
I have both and love both, but the Seamaster was around long before the Speedmaster showed up. The Speedmaster wins the popularity contest with the general public, but if I had to choose one line or the other from which to build my collection, it would be no contest - Seamaster hands down.

Perhaps modern day marketing would have us forget, but the Speedmaster is a Seamaster in the same way that a bird is a dinosaur. 😎


That said... I agree. I like my Speedmaster and I really enjoy wearing it, but I love my 300.
 
chiefenergy
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IMHO the 1861 hesalite on leather is the best value. Add the 3861 bracelet or rubber if and when you desire a change.
 
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