i have been looking at secondhand Moonwatches over the last few weeks and to honest there is not a lot of difference price wise between New with a discount and recent secondhand (a few years old).
What is the general consensus on New vs Secondhand for a modern Speedmaster Pro. I’m in no rush so can wait on New or Secondhand.

 

At a minimum, I’d either aim for a tritium dialed old watch or maybe the FOIS Speedmaster. Neither of these require a substantial premium over what you’re contemplating, but either will be more ‘interesting’, ‘unusual’ and probably hold their values somewhat better.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I had a look at the FOIS and secondhand they are better value than the Pro and may suit a 6.5 wrist better but still that Moonwatch thing...

 

Well you could 'shell out' £3500 ($4902) for a sparkling new one. Or.....
YOU COULD PAY LESS FOR A LOVELY VINTAGE EXAMPLE LIKE THIS: https://omegaforums.net/threads/145-022-71-speedmaster-£3450.73702/
which sold recently, in the private sale section, of this forum.

 

Depends on how much all the little extra bits in the new Moonwatch package interest you. If it were me, with the same ~$3500 I’d look for a 145.022-74 or -76, or a nice tritium display back model (3592.50)

 

If you like the look of tritium patina vs. luminova but still want a relatively new watch, you could look for a 3590.50 which ranges from 2800-3300.

 

I live nowhere near an Omega Boutique or even and Authorized Dealer, so I do all of my watch buying on line or over the telephone. I have found that I am almost always better off with a previously owned/loved watch. I must admit that I have bought new, but that was for a limited edition watch that was well discounted. I shop hard to make sure that I'm getting the best bang for the buck for the watch that I want.

Here's my axiom for you: "It's going to be a used watch when I sell it or trade it. It may as well be a used watch when I buy it."

Also, the "not a lot of difference" varies from person to person. To some people $500 is not a lot. Others are swayed by a mere $100 difference. Let your conscience be your guide for what works for you.

Just my 2¢

 

I bought the Ck2998 LE new from the OB. I love that watch and can't imagine I would ever sell it. Reality is new watches lose 25-50% value once purchased.

Do you like the tritium look or super lumiova look? Are you planning on keeping for long haul? Do you look at watches as an "investment" or don't really factor in cost that much?

Good luck in your search. Plenty of good folks here that are willing and able to help you figure out what works best for your situation.

And because this thread has no pics.

 

I think this is even better advice than what I first offered.

 

Price for new probably £3100 to £3150 discounted and the 2nd hand ones in the £2500 to £2800 range so the difference is about £350 to £600 maybe for me hence the decision problem. If I was paying the full £3500 and 2nd hand for something within 5 years old was £2200 to £2500 I would go 2nd hand for definite.

 

Sometimes, a small incremental monetary jump gives a disproportionately large leap in value. I could make the argument that that applies here.

Of course, ‘value’ is in the eye of the purchaser.

 

Oh that 3592.50 , now the cat is amongst the pigeons.

 

The gap is narrower than you think. Iconic and the other grey dealers have new Speedmasters (with full Omega warranty) at circa £2900. The advice on here will always be to go vintage as there is no love for Superluminova amongst vintage fans but in reality unless you have done lots of homework, with your budget buying a vintage piece could be a bit of a minefield and not everyone gets ‘patina’, lots of which a reasonably priced vintage piece will surely have. The mint older ones make a big premium. If you are new to the field it is probably best to buy new, or nearly new, get a few years enjoyment from it and if you decide you want to go vintage then do so. I have seen recent full sets go for £2200-2400 on other UK based forums and indeed eBay so perhaps a bit more searching may be called for.

 

I'm not looking for a vintage watch and the cost difference between a decent, modern pre-owned and new is minimal at best. I'm going to buy a new one.

 

I'd buy a used (yes, I said "used" instead of "pre-owned" or "second hand" ) Audemars Piguet for that kind of money.

Look - here's one for only twenty three dollars and fifty cents!:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=599465

 

I'm having exactly the same discussions in my head - new sapphire moonwatch or a used one....the price difference is negligible once you take into account the AD discount. Tricky one.

 

I'll buy them both!

 

Having owned both new and vintage Speedys, my vote is hands down for vintage. Hard to beat the charm of these Speedys in vintage form.

 

I don't mean this in a condescending way at all - but if the OP is asking this type of question, then it's very unlikely that he/she is equipped to navigate the vintage Speedmaster minefield, and could end up paying a big noob tax at our suggestion. If you are interested in vintage, stick around and learn as much as possible before buying, and of course we would be happy to offer our advice in finding a nice example. Otherwise, buy modern, and let the normal purchasing logic guide you: buy new if you want it new with all the accessories, buy used if you want to save a little money and aren't worried about a cosmetic scuff or two.

 

heres a dumb noob question - tritium v luminova?

answer below
https://omegaforums.net/threads/tritium-vs-superluminova.26914/