When I first started collecting watches I bought a Speedy because I read the forum and saw how many people like theirs. No matter how I tried I couldn’t see the appeal in the watch so sold it. A few weeks ago I fancied another so bought a very nice 3570.50 full set. I now don’t want to take it off even though I have many others to choose from. Oh how tastes change. On a side note I can’t for the life of me understand how members on this forum seem to like Speedy’s that are all worn and battered. I seems that the worse condition attracts a premium price.
Patina, baby, patina! I'm with you, can't get excited by beat up, often unattractive examples. It's a relatively new phenomena among collectors. It will eventually moderate.
A similar story from me. I had no interest in owning a Speedmaster for many years - too big, too busy - but the fifty year anniversary of the moon landing (which I vividly recall watching on TV at the time) suddenly made it imperative that I own one. After hunting for a perfect used 2019 with a full set I found the local AD was prepared to sell me a new sapphire sandwich for less than one of the local dealers had put on a used one. Done deal - and I love it. What put me off years ago is now its main attraction - how tastes change.
I wouldn't buy a "worn and battered" Speedmaster but having one that has slowly aged and degraded it's a bit like a comfy pair of slippers.
I have a few watches that I wear infrequently. I have owned a Breitling Navitimer for about 15 years, maybe would wear it a few days a year- always found it too shiny (fully polished case & bracelet) and blingy. I had decided I needed to let it go at one point, but figured that I would try it on a strap first and see how I liked it- it was a game changer- it instantly became one of my favorites. I also have a sell cordovan strap for it for the colder months- sometimes just a simple strap/bracelet change can totally transform a watch.
I have a Speedmaster that I bought 30 years ago, when I worked for an Omega dealer who didn’t carry Rolex. He didn’t like me wearing my Rolex GMT Master II to work! He suggested I choose an Omega, and they would give me a smoking deal on it. I was not an Omega fan at the time, and I was not enthused about having to buy one. After deliberation, I chose an Apollo 11 commemorative model. In the 30 years I’ve owned it, I doubt I have worn it for two years, total. It is not my favourite watch. Sorry!
my first Omega... I go between I should sell this it’s way to big and Orange, to how can I not keep this awesome piece.
Depends what “beat up” is in the eye of the beholder. Some say a tiny scratch under the lug means their tool watch is ruined. Some say their swamp thing is only original once and a thing of absolute beauty... I have a -71 that has lived an honest daily life. I also have a 3570.50 since new that has seen only a life of daily desk diving. You’re right, tastes and trends change. My only point is to find what you like and enjoy it.
My taste changes daily and weekly. That’s why I have so many different types of watches Two watches I wouldn’t have bought early on in my collecting are now watches I love wearing TCM orienteering titanium “Gold is not for me” posted that a few times many years ago....
I echo the personal tastes sentiment. FWIW, although I do have a couple of new Farer offerings, I fall on the vintage side. The natural beauty you get from things like ages tritium CAN be mimicked, I just prefer the natural look time gives some of these items.
