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Help choosing the right used/preowned speedmaster

S
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I’m not sure if there is a buying guide I’m new to the this forum and hoping to get some input.
First off I’m after the moon watch and there seems to be 3 variations, professional 42mm, reduced 39mm, & the SM 38mm. I have 6.25” wrist which is pushing the size of the professional 42mm but will try it on on possibly tomorrow.
The reduced is the sweet spot especially being thinner at about ~12mm but I’m reading that it’s expensive to service (what is expensive ?) are there certain years which are better then others is there anything else to look out for ?
The 38mm kinda fits the bill but at ~14mm+ seems very thick for a small diameter, maybe I just need to try it on.

Any input or guidance is appreciated or if previously answered I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance.
 
dsio
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The moonwatch is the pro at 42mm, the reduced is not considered a moonwatch but rather another line. The reduced is smaller but it’s also been out of production for many years, so all of them are pretty much overdue for service and that can be expensive as it tends to need to go back to Omega rather than an independent.

If you can get it to fit you, the 42mm moonwatch is definitely the best bet but failing that I’d recommend the Speedmaster Date or the Mk40
 
RLF13430
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I’ll second “Welcome”
If you are looking to learn about the Speedmaster, you could also find the Moonwatch Only book extremely valuable.
 
STANDY
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Buy a Moonwatch 42mm…..otherwise you will be always kicking yourself for not buying it in the first place. (Like many before you have realised after buying something else first)
 
Foo2rama
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Honestly I’d not get a reduced.

like for a triple date instead in all black. Same price or less as a reduced and similar size.

way better watch for a multitude of reasons.

 
madjestikmoose
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You might want to try the ‘First Omega In Space’ ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001, which has a smaller case at 39.7mm. It’s been discontinued recently but it’s far more popular than the Reduced, and is considered one of the Moonwatch line as it’s got the 1861 manual-winding movement. Plenty around second-hand I’m sure.
 
Foo2rama
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madjestikmoose madjestikmoose
You might want to try the ‘First Omega In Space’ ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001, which has a smaller case at 39.7mm. It’s been discontinued recently but it’s far more popular than the Reduced, and is considered one of the Moonwatch line as it’s got the 1861 manual-winding movement. Plenty around second-hand I’m sure.
Its functionally the same as a Pro as the only difference is the lack of crown guards, with crown they are the same. There is even a valid arguement that it wears a little larger due to the smaller strap proportions.
 
perks713
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
Its functionally the same as a Pro as the only difference is the lack of crown guards, with crown they are the same. There is even a valid arguement that it wears a little larger due to the smaller strap proportions.
I was going to recommend looking into a FOIS as well, I think you have a point though with the contrast with the strap size. I do personally think the lack of the crown guard makes it feel smaller on my wrist than a normal professional. Throw on an exhibition caseback and it sits a couple mm thinner too.
 
pdxleaf
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
Honestly I’d not get a reduced.

like for a triple date instead in all black. Same price or less as a reduced and similar size.

way better watch for a multitude of reasons.


I agree. The 3520.50 triple calendar was very comfortable on my 7.25 wrist. It's in the moonwatch family but it's got it's own vibe. It's not trying to be a "little" moonwatch.
 
Foo2rama
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perks713 perks713
I was going to recommend looking into a FOIS as well, I think you have a point though with the contrast with the strap size. I do personally think the lack of the crown guard makes it feel smaller on my wrist than a normal professional. Throw on an exhibition caseback and it sits a couple mm thinner too.

depends on the wrist. For some it looks bigger, others smaller.
 
S
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Ok I tried it today it fits great, 42mm pro it is.
I’m zeroing into a 2017 (311.30.42.30.01.006)
The other option is 3570.50.00 but they sell for about $1000 less but are significantly older.
 
S
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How important is the original box, year of production, papers listing through chrono 24, very few have the date
 
Foo2rama
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It’s not.
 
perks713
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S shadowman
How important is the original box, year of production, papers listing through chrono 24, very few have the date
If i didn't have a whole bunch of watches then I wouldn't mind having one of the nice wooden omega boxes to keep my watch in. As it is though, any boxes I have end up stashed away in the basement because I don't have room for them anywhere. I wouldn't pay more for a watch that has it's box unless you're looking at limited/special edition watches.

I'm no expert on Speedmasters but if there are examples you're thinking about the forum can certainly weigh in on originality and overall price. Generally people don't like links so make sure to post photos for people to look over.

You can always pick one of these up for around $100-$150 if you really wanted one.
s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg
 
S
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Something else I realized when trying on a new 2022 speedmaster at the store is that it probably wears smaller due to new bracelet and female endlinks. And the case is slightly shrunk…. ahhh the choices. Have to find a used one to try on now.
 
S
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Possibly one of the uncle seiko bracelets may do the trick to get rid of the male end links. I have 2 of them for some Seikos they are fantastic imo. Or consider the new model but that’s $10k in Canada
 
S
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Purchase update, my first moon watch
3570.50.00 was listed as very good condition With papers no box.
Messaged the seller on chrono24 and asked for a few extra pictures and a time-graph
Total cost for the watch with shipping to Canada was $3380 USD I’m sure I’m going to get dinged to another 20% imports.

aside from the pictures he also sent me a video of the watch running and watch resetting perfectly.
Thank you all for the help and suggestions
 
C34953E8-5352-49F6-95B3-1234E18C8730.jpeg D3CEC59D-D5CA-4ADF-BB67-35B7257539B3.jpeg 646BD040-CDD9-4976-BE2B-015C34A7499A.jpeg E7E801C8-349B-48A4-93D2-6DD1DDE05B47.jpeg 767C43A2-E22D-461E-AE67-64B4746BDDFF.jpeg
chnzwh
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Just go with the regular moonwatch, your wrist can handle it as the moonwatch actually wears like a 40mm thanks to to short L2L distance (48mm for 1861/1863, 47mm for 3861) as well as the lyre lug which helps visually.
 
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