New Guy Question - Inexpensive Speedy

Its an Auto.

Has about as much connection to a Moonwatch as a datsun.

(I know thats a bit unfair, but let me have my fun)

That is a Speedmaster Reduced. Basically it looks somewhat like a Speedmaster Pro but isn´t. It is smaller and has an unpopular modular automatic chronograph movement instead of the classic manual wind.

Yes. The 'moonwatch', with the typical twisted lug case, will say Omega, Speedmaster, Professional on the dial. An auto which is similar but less desirable will have the Professional changed to Automatic.

Unless your particularly looking for a smaller than normal Speedmaster, or want a cheaper auto, I'd advise to stick to the tried and tested manual wind, pro model. You'll be hard pressed to find one of these below $1800 unless you get lucky.

There are some who swear by the reduced models with the module on top of the 2892 base movement, but the fact is they tend to be more problematic than a proper integrated chronograph is. They tend to have more problems with things like hands that flop a little bit when the watch is turned from side to side, or hands that jump when pressing the start button, and yes despite the comments in this thread, they do present different circumstances for repairs than a 7750 based watch, an F. Piguet based Omega chronograph, or a Speedmaster Pro would.

Part of this depends on the market you are in, and how Omega handles these movements in your specific market. For me, I have been told that they sell no replacement parts for the modules, and no complete modules that can be swapped. The only option given to me is swapping the whole movement, and the cost of that is so high, it makes no sense for me to even bother since I am only then just doing a dial and hand swap, and my price will end up being just as much as Omega costs. Certainly other markets are different, and if you choose the expensive road and service through Omega anyways, it's a moot point. But if you have a watchmaker that you like to use, you should check with them first before buying one of these and assuming they will service it for you.

I have people contact me all the time asking if I service these, because they can't find anyone who will touch them. I think the ease of just "getting a new module" is overstated by some, and this certainly does not apply everywhere in the same way.

It's not always about the pure difficulty of servicing something. People who do this as a business have to make decisions about running a business, and sometimes it makes more sense to not take in certain kinds of work. For me this include antique US pockets watches (difficulties finding parts, in particular rubbed in jewels), and also modular chronographs. It has nothing to do with ability - if I could get the parts, I would have no issues doing the work...

Cheers, Al