Omega Speedmaster reduced or Hamilton intra-matic

OmegaP99

100% agree on trying them on, that's the single most useful tool in your box. Like @JwRosenthal said even dimensions are deceiving in photos due to design elements. You can debate it for weeks but know in an instant the moment you put it on your wrist, I know I've written off several formerly-favored pieces once I got them on my arm.

Generally I think it may be down to what style you're after. The Hamilton has a very authentic vintage feel, while the Speedy is a modern sports watch.

I don't think it's been said, but the reduced has a snap fit case back as opposed to screwed down. I personally prefer screw down on a modern sports or higher-end piece. I also think the Reduced bracelet feels cheaper at the clasp and flimsy in general, lightweight. I prefer them on a strap, so if you do try it on and don't like the bracelet, you could look for one that's sold as "head only" or on a strap and save the cost of the bracelet. Here's my old Reduced, long gone, just for giggles:

JwRosenthal

Oh man- that’s a Mk40, not fair!!! Not even in the same league with a standard reduced. 👍

RubenDhae

Those are just gorgeous watches! Thanks for sharing, keep them coming!
But as a noobie, what is an Mk40? I imagine it stands for Mark 40, and it designates something about the movement?

Badwolf

I love my reduced, I think white really suits it.

RubenDhae

I actually like this more as well, compared to the all black dial. Would you mind letting me know which reference this has?

Scarecrow Boat

-My favorite

-My second favorite- Once the hands catch up to the indices, the warmth of that dial will be beautiful

-Same with this one- once the hands catch up, the cool tones offset by the warm patina... yes please

RubenDhae

Looks like i'm in for a treat this weekend 🍿

But honestly, thank you to everybody who joined the discussion! I already received many great insights and recommendations. Although I'm new on this forum, the amount of replies within a couple of hours really blows my mind. I now know what my next moves are (reading up on the Mk40 and the 3520.50, visiting some shops to try on the Hamilton Intra-Matic,... ) so this thread already really helped me a lot. thanks

EDIT:

I'll probably visit a Hamilton store tomorrow already, and will post some wrist shots if they have an Intra-Matic. Anyone knows how to try on a Reduced in Belgium? I'm a fountain pen collector, and there are some yearly evens like trade fairs, where one could try out various (vintage) pens. Perhaps something simiIair exists in the watch world? I probably won't find a Reduced at a local jeweller or Omega dealer anymore?

JwRosenthal

Can’t speak to events but you would be surprised by what local jewelers get in their “estate” cases. One of my local high end jewelers (who is the AD for Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Patek, IWC etc) has a spectacular used case that changes weekly. Last time I was in there they had several 5-digit submariners, a modern SMP, a stunning 1675 GMT...and their prices were very reasonable (and they do negotiate). Always worth a look.