New guy saying hello

Gt390 · Jan 2, 2019

Hi everyone, I am a long time watch enthusiast and have been into vintage watches mostly. I have always leaned more toward the “classic” sized watches around 34-36mm.
My question is, how does the speedmaster wear in comparison to something like a seiko 007 or rolex submariner. These are the only larger watches I have any experience with. Unfortunately trying one on is not an easy option as I am literally hours from an AD. although I do plan on making the drive soon. My main concern is if it sits too high. My wrist is 7 inches so no real worries on it looking too large just more of a comfort issue I guess.

Boony · Jan 2, 2019

Get a 39mm straight lug 321 if you prefer smaller but in reality, I’m sure you’ll love the 42mm speedy too. Look out for a 145022. Best value would be one from 80s. In my experience they have the nicest patina if you can’t stretch to a watch from the 60s. I have 6 speedies so am a bit biased in terms of what I like but certainly recommend one.

Meme-Dweller · Jan 2, 2019

Welcome.

The 42mm seems big on paper, but wears smaller than a modern Submariner and its thick lugs. The SKX007 is pretty unrefined because it is stupid thick for no reason. Like Planet Ocean thick, but without the water resistance and 2x sapphire. The Speedy definitely doesn't sit higher than the SKX007.

My wrist is 6.5" and I used to like smaller watches around 36mm myself but have since grown out of that to around 38mm-40mm. The lugs on the Speedmaster are nicely shaped and that is the only 42mm watch on my OK list.

Just do eeeeeeeeeeeet. If it was fine for the 1960's when smaller watches were in vogue, it'll be fine today.

Gt390 · Jan 2, 2019

Thank you meme and boony for the responses. The pictures were very helpful. I have had the speedy bug pretty badly for a while now. Like a lot of us I remember watching the apollo missions on tv as a child. I will probably make the trip to the AD next week although I may not buy there.

Meme-Dweller · Jan 2, 2019

See if the AD will give you a good deal, doesn't hurt to try and build a relationship. By a good deal, I mean somewhere around $3500 for the hesalite and $3900ish for the sapphire sandwhich since that's what you can get a new one with stickers and full warranty from trusted forum dealers

Gt390 · Jan 2, 2019

That would be an ideal situation if they would do that. The problem is I called and asked about what was in the store and would they discount the price if I came in with the intention of buying that day. The answer was a swift "no discounts". Maybe If I was there in person the story might change. But the woman I spoke with was pretty firm.

hbombkid · Jan 2, 2019

Welcome,

As others mentioned some omegas wear smaller. I just got an AT 2500 42mm it’s the same size as my Sub C as it’s thin. I am glad I went 42 not 39

queriver · Jan 2, 2019

+1 for 42mm Speedmaster on a 7" wrist.
They should be more receptive to a discount when you're at the AD. Do research beforehand including prices from reputable grey market dealers and here on OF.

Gt390 · Jan 5, 2019

Thanks again to those who replied. I will be visiting the AD on Monday and will see what they say about pricing. After lurking for a while on here I feel pretty safe with a trusted seller or even gray market. The general consensus that they wear thin makes me feel a lot better.

Foo2rama · Jan 5, 2019

I’ve found the SKX and speedy wear similar. The SKX is square ie shorter lug to lug, and the speedy with the larger dial balances it out and makes it proportionally seem a tad bigger. The speedy believe it or not is slightly higher watch with the hesalite. But seems thinner as the bezel is higher in the SKX. Both actually wear small for 42mm watches. My 40mm Sinn 903 seems larger. Overall the SKX has more wrist presence.

I also wear vintage 36-38mm on a 7.25-.5 wrist.

I just checked mine against each other.

Gt390 · Jan 5, 2019

Thanks foo2rama, I have the bug pretty bad right now. With me this much "looking" usually leads to buying. I still remember the first time I saw a speedy in the flesh. It was on the wrist of a pilot I was working with. At the time I thought it was one of the neatest looking watches I had ever seen. I still do actually.

Foo2rama · Jan 5, 2019

Gt390
Thanks foo2rama, I have the bug pretty bad right now. With me this much "looking" usually leads to buying. I still remember the first time I saw a speedy in the flesh. It was on the wrist of a pilot I was working with. At the time I thought it was one of the neatest looking watches I had ever seen. I still do actually.

Can’t go wrong really with either.

Cheers!

Gt390 · Jan 7, 2019

Well I was at the closest AD which is also a boutique. (Still not sure I fully understand the difference) They will not budge on price. On the other hand it was great to be able to try a couple of different watches on and really spend some time looking. The staff was great as well.
My take on the FOIS was that I loved the stepped dial with the deeper set sub dials. The difference was very noticable and I hadn't noticed it in pictures. But the down side was the hands almost disappeared in certain light and the case seemed almost delicate compared to the moon watch. I think the bracelet on the moon watch was a bit too thick and heavy and would need to be swapped out. But all in all I really liked the moon watch a lot and feel The trip was worth the drive. A little more research and I may be ready to pull the trigger.

Foo2rama · Jan 7, 2019

Gt390
Well I was at the closest AD which is also a boutique. (Still not sure I fully understand the difference) They will not budge on price. On the other hand it was great to be able to try a couple of different watches on and really spend some time looking. The staff was great as well.
My take on the FOIS was that I loved the stepped dial with the deeper set sub dials. The difference was very noticable and I hadn't noticed it in pictures. But the down side was the hands almost disappeared in certain light and the case seemed almost delicate compared to the moon watch. I think the bracelet on the moon watch was a bit too thick and heavy and would need to be swapped out. But all in all I really liked the moon watch a lot and feel The trip was worth the drive. A little more research and I may be ready to pull the trigger.

The fios is not stepped. It’s the same dial without professional on it and a metal instead of printed logo.

Outside of 1 or 2 recent limited editions the step dial has not been produced since 1973. The step is around the minute markers. All others are domed.

3nicewatches · Jan 7, 2019

Gt390
Well I was at the closest AD which is also a boutique. (Still not sure I fully understand the difference) They will not budge on price. On the other hand it was great to be able to try a couple of different watches on and really spend some time looking. The staff was great as well.
My take on the FOIS was that I loved the stepped dial with the deeper set sub dials. The difference was very noticable and I hadn't noticed it in pictures. But the down side was the hands almost disappeared in certain light and the case seemed almost delicate compared to the moon watch. I think the bracelet on the moon watch was a bit too thick and heavy and would need to be swapped out. But all in all I really liked the moon watch a lot and feel The trip was worth the drive. A little more research and I may be ready to pull the trigger.

In simple terms:

Omega Boutique = sells only Omega products (storefront will be Omega branded only)

Authorized Dealer = Any store authorized by Omega to sell their products, but will sell many non-Omega products as well (examples = Tourneau; Watches of Switzerland).

But then to really confuse you:

The Wynn hotel in Las Vegas has a new Watches of Switzerland store and a new Omega boutique. However, Watches of Switzerland owns and operates both of them - nevertheless, the former is an AD and the latter is an OB. (WoS also own and operate the new Breitling boutique in the Wynn hotel)

Gt390 · Jan 7, 2019

Maybe I used the wrong term. The outer diameter of the dial had a definate bevel or slope around the minute markers and the sub dials were noticeably deeper. Both myself and the employee noticed it. The color or paint texture appeared different as well.

Gt390 · Jan 7, 2019

Thanks for the clarification, this is a jared jewelers. And they sold different brands but they used the term boutique and said their prices were set by Omega

Gt390 · Jan 7, 2019

Not my photo but illustrates what I mean about the dial. You can clearly see the angle or bevel around the edge on the FOIS and the sub dials seem deeper. Is this just an illusion due to the color and saphire on the FOIS and therefore just more noticable? Not trying to be argumentative just looking for confirmation or somebody to tell me I am seeing things 😉

Foo2rama · Jan 7, 2019

It’s an illusion imho.

3nicewatches · Jan 7, 2019

Gt390
Thanks for the clarification, this is a jared jewelers. And they sold different brands but they used the term boutique and said their prices were set by Omega

That’s right, Omega do dictate prices at their ADs (i.e. the standard Omega pricing). Jared is an AD.

New guy saying hello

Gt390

Boony

Meme-Dweller

Gt390

Meme-Dweller

Gt390

hbombkid

queriver

Gt390

Foo2rama

Gt390

Foo2rama

Gt390

Foo2rama

3nicewatches

Gt390

Gt390

Gt390

Foo2rama

3nicewatches

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