Hi OF, I am in the "making up my mind purchase process" of another Speedy but can't come to a conclusion. Therefore I am calling in your help for some advice and relevant comments. Both options are from 2003 but are very very different. One is the Japan Racing, the other one the blue Snoopy. I see plusses and minuses for each of them and if I had the resources I would simply both as they are so different. But I haven't. Here are the circumstances that are relevant to my decision:
- both pieces are immediate available at a reliable source I have in Japan;
- price is almost identical (Snoopy slightly more expensive);
- both come as full set but red leather box of Japan Racing has peeled off a bit;
- Snoopy was numbered and made in 5441 pieces, Japan Racing was not numbered and only 2004 made;
- I already own Silver Snoopy and TinTin;
- Ultraman is arriving soon (matches well with Japan Racing);
- bracelet on Japan Racing misses two links so I made need to source at least one to match my wrist, although I don't wear steel bracelets often

Here below are also two pics of the actual watches. Condition of both is mint so that is no decisive factor either.

Any wise words, suggestions, advice, considerations,... are more than welcome.

Cheers, Watchwalker

 

Buy the one you feel you'll be wearing most

I did wear the hell out of my Japan Racing before I sell it to a fellow member here. I still love this watch, for me it's maybe the most attractive modern (superluminova) Speedmaster, for sure in my Top3. I don't regret it exactly because I have worn it so much before I let it go elsewhere.

Attention, for me the Japan Racing should come in a wooden box like this :



Make the right choice

 

Japan Racing for me. It has some similarity to Ultraman but the same can be said for the Snoopy in comparison with any other Speedy with a black dial. I wouldn't worry about the condition of the JR's red box because you can easily pick up a good one on ebay. My JR came in a red box and I subsequently found a wooden one from Japan on ebay. You'll need to be patient but they come up. The JR was originally sold with either the red or wooden box, according to MWO. Extra links for the JR can be easily sourced. There were more Snoopy's issued so buying the JR now and leaving the Snoopy for the future may be better than doing it the other way round. You can't go wrong with either of them though.

 

Also confirming that the Japan Racing could originally be supplied with either type of box, depending on Dealer. Regarding your concern about the bracelet, this watch looks even better on a strap - the first thing I did when I got mine was to put it on a Hirsch:

 

I would definitely go for the Japan Racing dial. It looks better to me, comes in more limited numbers and is a Japan-only model.

 

Another vote for the racing! Its older brother:

 

Drooooool

 

For me, the fact that it has an older brother is the reason I would chose the Japan Racing. BTW, JR is from 2004, not 2003, and it is very important to check its authenticity as there are an awful of redialled 3570.50 floating around out there.

 

Another vote for the Japan Racing, and yes it looks amazing on the Hirsch Robby!

 

Can only put one like under that picture. But I can leave a ton of awesomeness here!!!!

 

This is in a totally different league.

 

Japan Racing forever
the older brother is absolutely lovely !

 

Because you said you don't wear bracelets so often, here are some strap options for the JR. Apologies for the poor lighting.
L->R:
Hirsch Andy
NATO - from Cheapest NATO straps
Hirsch Robby
jean paul menicucci (JPM) Racing strap
Grey perlon - no brand
Black/orange racing strap - no brand

I'm always on the Hirsch Robby but wanted to try for a more vintage look and just got the JPM but am yet to put it on.

 

Very good taste !! What's the size of the bracelet ?

 

Not sure what you mean by the question. The lug width is 20mm but you know that. The strap lengths are all standard. I think some Hirsch's might come in short or long versions but I don't require them.

 

Indeed, half of the sentence was missing sorry, I was wondering the length about the Jean-Paul Menicucci strap but no worries I will look for it

Anyway, it looks the Japan Racing dial is winning by far

 

No problem. JPM length buckle side incl buckle = 86mm; other side = 116mm. As mentioned that's presumably their standard lengths but you'll be able order to your requirement.

 

Japan Version

 

Japan over the old snoopy. And less than half as many made!