New Member and Recent Omega Owner

Just wanted to introduce myself and talk about my first Omega purchase. I currently own 6-7 nice mechanical watches, although I wouldn't really call myself a collector as I just buy what I like and without regard to rarity, collectability, resale value, etc. And although I've learned a little about watches along the way, most true collectors are an awful lot more knowledgeable than me.

I currently own a couple of Panerai watches that I bought 12+ years ago (probably not a brand that's all that popular here) a Damasko (which was my first foray into nicer mechanical watches) a JLC Reverso and a Rolex DSSD.

I'm joining this forum because I just bought my first Omega, a Speedmaster 57". Still waiting for it to arrive, but am very excited. This is the first watch I've bought in 7-8 years and am kind of surprised at how prices have climbed. Also my first experience with Chrono24 and my first purchase from someone in Japan, but the price for what has been represented as a NIB unworn watch was so much lower than what it would cost me from an AD in the U.S. I decided to take a chance.

Will give everyone an update on my experience, and hopefully a picture of the watch (if I can figure out how to post one) when the watch arrives. Thanks.

Welcome to OF.

I like Panerais. They're different and fun, even if more niche variety.

Welcome to the group!

I love the 57 and every other one that you mentioned. I like the cut of your jib!

+2!

Welcome to OF and It's great to hear about your watch collection. Congrats on your first Omega Speedmaster 57"! Can't wait to see a pic and hear about your experience when it arrives.

Picked up watch from UPS last night, so of course it's on my wrist this morning. I have to say that the watch looks even better in person than it did in pics. I was slightly worried about the dimensions since I normally wear fairly large watches (see my two Panerai and my Rolex Deep Sea). But I have to say I'm finding the size of the Omega pretty much perfect. Just wears really great on my wrist.

And a big shout out to Chrono24. I haven't bought a mechanical watch in some time and this is the first time I've use them. Made the purchase very easy and gave me confidence that I wasn't buying a fake. I would definitely use them again.

Also, purchased this watch from a dealer in Japan (I'm in the U.S.). Not sure why, but the prices just seemed to generally be lower for Japanese imports. Maybe the exchange rate? In any event, the cost shipped to me from Japan ended up being a hair over $4,000, plus fairly reasonable import duties and state tax. Based on a fair amount of research this seemed like a pretty good deal for the NIB Speedmaster 57'. (I believe I have one of the first versions of the 57' they released, so 41.5mm case, leather strap. non-broad arrow hands and an automatic movement. Personally, I actually like this version a little better than some of the later ones, but I think that comes down to personal preference.

Clearly you guys seem to like pictures (as do I). Will try to get my act together and post some pics of the Omega as well as a couple of other watches I have in my modest collection that might be of interest.