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Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary in Steel - Expectations

  1. Longbow May 18, 2019

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    Watch head aesthetics aside, I get the impression that most folks like the look of the bracelet and are even hoping to put that full 020STZ011626 bracelet on an older Speedmaster model.

    Before everyone gets worked up over it I would like to make a few observations that might change people’s minds:-

    There are no side tabs like on conventional end links; the end links sit fully inside/between the lugs. They appear to rest on some sort of ledge to ensure accurate positioning and to prevent the end link just sliding through the lugs. These features might make the end links incompatible with a conventional Speedy Pro. I guess we will have to wait until someone tries it for real.

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    I have seen this system on my C65 Trident GMT
    EECBBA3F-B37E-4031-AF0F-6713034A09B5.jpeg D7B4FECB-D4DC-415C-A880-287B6ABA4140.jpeg

    The second major point, and I think this is an absolute howler for a modern 9 grand watch, is the lack of real micro-adjustment on the clasp. Why on earth did they skip this? My Railmaster LE has it, the new SM300 has it, the PloProf has it, you can find threads here on OF on retrofitting it to an existing Speedy bracelet. Even a 1960s folded metal clasp has lots of adjustment capability.
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    The clasp also looks clunky and agricultural which suggests Omegas designers don’t bother to check (or care) what the wider market is offering....for far less money. That’s a pity. My C65 GMT bracelet has 8mm quick adjustment capability and is very nicely integrated with the bracelet itself; something along these lines would have been helpful.
    2DE7A598-C6F7-4A7A-83A6-38CCAF5C491B.jpeg 9A01918A-3179-4EC7-960D-28DCBBE898BD.jpeg
     
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  2. jpjsavage May 18, 2019

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    What a great and informative post. Thanks for sharing these observations. If true, it is a real shame that Omega haven't spent a bit more time on making sure the bracelet is up to scratch as compared to other brands/models.
     
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  3. Watchongrave May 18, 2019

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    This frontal image would've made the watch related to MTV in a taunting way.
     
  4. taz101 May 18, 2019

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    I think you’ll like it even more in person
     
  5. MCG555 May 18, 2019

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    As far as I understand, the braclet at the 50. anniversary edition is far thinner, as the orgin was. Probably this prevented from making a more comfortable micro adjustment...
     
  6. Malekof May 18, 2019

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    :D:D:D

    DSOTAM « Dark Side of the Astronaut Moon » would be more relevant ? ( in French the moon is the butt)
     
  7. kilofinal May 18, 2019

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    Did Omega include a loupe in the package? If so, what did they expect someone to use it for since you can't see the movement? Maybe to get close ups of Aldrin's butt.
     
  8. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector May 18, 2019

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    Noticed this in a review


    “ I don’t think there’s any question that this watch is so far superior to its ancestors as far as traits like durability or accuracy that it’s almost incomparable.”
     
  9. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 18, 2019

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    I do wonder what this statement is based on, since the watch isn't even released yet...
     
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  10. CodeYoga May 18, 2019

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    I put a full deposit down and when I saw the pictures yesterday I was a little underwhelmed. That said, with more and more coverage of the watch it has grown on me. This is largely because I’ve had the ability to see alternative pictures. I still haven’t made a decision yet but am leaning towards just taking delivery. Point is, just give it some time.
     
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  11. Lurk41 May 18, 2019

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    Maybe he was told by someone from the marketing team? We all know they are trustworthy :whistling:
     
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  12. JesterP May 18, 2019

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    It sounds like you want to love it but you don't really. Its funny how we can look at things differently when they already have a deposit down. I suppose you have to think would you be as eager today to deposit 10k as you were before it was revealed. I would say if there's any doubt then keep looking. All the best
     
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  13. CodeYoga May 18, 2019

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    I agree. Thanks!
     
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  14. BlackTalon This Space for Rent May 18, 2019

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    I stumbled a bit when I read this. How is the new movement "far better"???? Because METAS? Is that really far better then the 321, 861, 1861, etc.? How/ Why? Shoot, if you wear more than one watch regularly, chances are Moonwatch will run down at least once a week, and you will be resetting it. Having an error of only 2 seconds vs 5-10 seconds a day is pretty much irrelevant with typical/ normal use in my experience.

    Note: I have two co-ax Omegas as well as a a handful that are not. I do not reach for a co-ax because it is a co-ax -- I reach for one because that is the watch I want to wear that day. And I will likely be cursing the co-axs at service time, as they will be a bit more expensive to get worked on.
     
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  15. RemiWM May 18, 2019

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    The choice have been taken today!
    I want to be true to the «original» moonwatch, and skip the 50th even as no. 1 on the list in Norway.

    Went to my Omega AD today and bought a Speedmaster Pro hesalite. Took off the original bracelet right away and added a BOB Handgemacht Marino Calf padded strap for Omega deployant. Perfect combo!
    The rest of my money for buying the 50th will stay in my pocket for another day.

    I’m happy to finally have made the right choice!

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  16. Evitzee May 18, 2019

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    It seems only in Omega Speedmaster world timekeeping improvements in rate, stability, magnetic protection, time between overhauls, and other aspects do not matter. Instead it's all about staying the same, nay, going backward to the 321 as if that movement represented the pinnacle of production movements. If you wish to ignore, or run down, the real technological improvements in mechanical timekeeping in the last 60 years or so that's your call. But horological technology and the industry has moved onward since the early 1960's, Omega included. You can choose to continue to live in the 60's, the 861 and 321 are solid platforms, but most people who aren't watch nerds want, and expect, their watches to have a better rate than 5-10 seconds per day. If you think Omega should not introduce tech improvements in their key products you don't understand how the business world works in a technology driven era.
     
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  17. Blacklidge May 18, 2019

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    If I had to guess I would say it looks like the standard old bracelet would not fit correctly on the 50th as it does not have those indentions on the sides. Unless the holes are in a different location on the lugs, I think the 50th's bracelet would fit on most speedmaster professional cases .
     
  18. BlackTalon This Space for Rent May 18, 2019

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    Eh, I have some understanding of how the business world works. I also understand that some 'improvements' are also done to cut/ shave costs, and not to make something actually better (contrary to what the marketing departments may say). For example, you might have a tough time getting a consensus from watchmakers about the 861 being an improvement over the 321 (some aspects better, some worse).

    In a tech-driven world, things like the crApple watches are what sell. In a day that has 86,400 seconds, the difference between 86,402 and 86,410 does not correspond with a substantial improvement, or register as far better to some people. A quartz watch provides better accuracy, and digital will trump quartz -- especially the digital watches that reference the gov't clocks. When it comes to mechanical movements, changing the material of a spring, etc. is not really a leap in technology. And the 'benefits' of co-ax are debated.
     
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  19. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 18, 2019

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    ^^^Yep, Omega is winning the "most improved buggy whip" contest...at least from a marketing point of view, and some people eat it up.
     
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  20. S.H. May 18, 2019

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    If you think all modifications are improvements in a greedy, marketing driven era, you may be in for a surprise or two.
     
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