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Help! my First Omega Speedmaster

C
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Hello,

New here. Looking to get my first Omega Speedmaster. Im leaning towards the updated versions post 2021, something about the bracelet that got me.

Debating between the Hesealite and the sapphire versions, as it would be my first high-end watch. Really keen on getting the Professional version with either a leather or stainless steel strap.

What would you recommend? which holds better value? Which strap should I get - in case decide to get the other one afterwards?

Looking at the secondary market as it seems where better prices can be found, using Ebay and Chrono24. Any additional places I should look?

Based in Europe.

Appreciate all feedback as Ive been wanting this watch for a long time, want to make the best and most informed decision possible.

Thanks!
 
140dave
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Hi and welcome.

Suggestion is to buy it on the bracelet. It is usually a better way to go vs buying the strap version and buying the bracelet separately. You have many more options on straps than bracelets especially if you go outside of Omega.

Sapphire vs hesalite is personal preference, try em both on and see which one speaks to you. I went with the hesalite because I liked that bracelet style better than the sapphire, YMMV.

Can’t go wrong either way.
 
dsstephens
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I went with sapphire because I forget I’m wearing a watch and knock it against things more than I wish and I totally dig the display case back…but the hesalite historical tie is a cool factor and now I have both. Your second omega will be the other if it isn’t a seamaster so consider that. 😀

And yeah, get the bracelet with it and then a strap(s). These things look good with nearly any strap but the OEM bracelet is the most expensive of the options to purchase post acquisition. And dont worry about it holding value.
 
dsio
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If it’s your first really special watch and you’ll be wearing it a whole lot I’d go with sapphire to see the movement and have a more scratch resistant crystal for durability. The hesalite is special but this new generation of sapphire on the latest Moonwatch doesn’t have the milky ring that the old ones did so it’s actually hard to even tell the difference visually these days. I’d definitely get the bracelet and keep that even if you don’t intend to wear it much, way cheaper getting a strap as a secondary.
 
Vinz Clortho
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Either one is a winner, it comes down to personal preference and your lifestyle. Definitely go with the bracelet which gives you versatility to dress it up and then add nato straps and leather bands as you see fit for more casual vibes.

As for the age old quandry of hesalite versus sapphire, think Omega does this to make us buy another watch. You can throw in the historical aspects, scratch resistance of sapphire, closed caseback versus exhibition, and the list goes on.

Really best way is to go try thrm both on side-by-side and see which one you prefer. You'll be happy with either one.
 
C
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thanks everyone for your input, great to have your input. Maybe I can update you on my journey. Ive found a Moonphase reference : 311.33.42.30.01.001 for around 5.1k no box no papers - leather strap. And I can get for a similar price a Hesilite 2021 - 2022 full set. A sapphire from the same year can go up to 6k. What would you advice?

Again, thanks for taking the time and comment.
 
ibis888
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The 2021-2022 full set is the new Speedmaster with the 3861 movement? If so, I would go with that. Get the classic Speedmaster with bracelet, box and papers.

As an alternative, you could get a tritium lumed Speedmaster from the late 80s/early 90s in the low $4,000 range. Amazing value and the tritium lume adds a nice vintage feel.
 
Crunchie
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If you think you’ll only ever have one Speedmaster, I’d say it would be nice to have the classic Moonwatch, and nice to buy it brand new.
It’s usually cheaper to buy the watch on the bracelet and add straps (either Omega or any of the hundreds of other quality ones available) than to buy on the strap and buy the bracelet later.
The only real way to decide between hesalite/solid back and sapphire/display back is to see them up close under the widest range of lighting you can. If there’s an Omega boutique or dealer near you, try to call in when they’re not too busy and view the watches under store lighting and outside if you can.
Good luck with the watch hunt.
 
C
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Thanks again everyone. Ive found someone offering one from 2022 fpr a good price. But now Im scared that it turns out to be fake. Ill be uploading the pictures here, or is there a way to review its authenticity? Does omega offer this service? What Can I ask the seller? He already said that he does not have an invoice.

Price is at leaste 600 eur cheaper than other offers. Is completely new with all.

Again, appreciate any help

IMG_3052.jpeg IMG_3051.jpeg IMG_3050.jpeg IMG_3047.png IMG_3048.png IMG_3049.png IMG_3046.jpeg IMG_3045.jpeg IMG_3044.jpeg
Edited:
 
befobe
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Honestly very very low chance it's a fake. If you go for a "modern" one, that's the good choice. As said above, for the same price, you can get a vintage one with amazing patina. But that's another story.
The bracelet of the modern speed is a must.👍
 
C
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C corozoman
Thanks again everyone. Ive found someone offering one from 2022 fpr a good price. But now Im scared that it turns out to be fake. Ill be uploading the pictures here, or is there a way to review its authenticity? Does omega offer this service? What Can I ask the seller? He already said that he does not have an invoice.

Price is at leaste 600 eur cheaper than other offers. Is completely new with all.

Again, appreciate any help

IMG_3052.jpeg IMG_3051.jpeg IMG_3050.jpeg IMG_3047.png IMG_3048.png IMG_3049.png IMG_3046.jpeg IMG_3045.jpeg IMG_3044.jpeg
Thanks for the quick reply. The seller provided pictures of the series number in the back of the watch, in the yellow sticker, and the authenticity card too. Not sure if that is all I need.
 
Evitzee
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The watch looks completely legitimate, no indication of any kind that it is fake. One point, the clasp is the first design for the new 3861 Speedmasters and isn't very friendly aesthetically to extending the link if needed. The newer design has a small push button that allows on the fly adjustment by a couple of mm. It is not an important, or needed, feature for me but many people feel it is absolutely necessary. If you feel you will need the adjustment you'll wipe out much of your savings by having to buy the newer clasp. It also indicates the watch is a couple of years old so you have already lost some of your five year warranty. It's probably not that important but something else to consider.
 
C
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Evitzee Evitzee
The watch looks completely legitimate, no indication of any kind that it is fake. One point, the clasp is the first design for the new 3861 Speedmasters and isn't very friendly aesthetically to extending the link if needed. The newer design has a small push button that allows on the fly adjustment by a couple of mm. It is not an important, or needed, feature for me but many people feel it is absolutely necessary. If you feel you will need the adjustment you'll wipe out much of your savings by having to buy the newer clasp. It also indicates the watch is a couple of years old so you have already lost some of your five year warranty. It's probably not that important but something else to consider.
Thanks for the headsup! Ill see how it goes then. If the size is not right do I have to take it to Omega or can one do it? or any watchmaker?

Thanks
 
C
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Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment. Im also signing a purchase contract. Im confident enough that is indeed legit
 
ibis888
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Congratulations on your first Speedmaster! Wear it in good health. I do love the see through caseback on the 3861, the movement is pretty amazing.
 
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