Overall weight Omega Speedmaster

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SpeedyPhill

·Jan 16, 2017

Today we have been handling some "vintage" Speedmasters in a shop in Paris and I couldn't help notice that there's a weight difference between the 1990s models and the older mid-1960s Speedmaster... although all models had the steel bracelet. Of course the modern steel bracelets are heavier, but could we assume that the mid-1960s watches (caseback & movement) were slightly lighter than the more modern versions ?
😕

 

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Lonestar

·Jan 16, 2017

Lots of polishing... lots...

 

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SpeedyPhill

·Jan 16, 2017

well as a matter of fact not, all watches had scratches and certainly looked like well-used instruments.
Really had the feeling that the 1965 Speedmasters were slightly lighter to handle... of course the modern steel bracelet add some weight.

 

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Dash1

·Jan 16, 2017

I think most of the difference is in the bracelet.

 

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TomGW

·Jan 16, 2017

Some of the '60s Seamasters were significantly smaller than the later models, which would translate into less weight.

 

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nonuffinkbloke

·Jan 16, 2017

Yep I thought the same. A few weeks ago, I was browsing a watch shop in Hampshire in the UK. I compared my 1960's 105.012 to, what the assistant referred to as, their new 'Moonwatch'. We both detected a difference in weight. I suppose the difference in the bracelets may have something to do with it???

 

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SpeedyPhill

·Jan 16, 2017

the new bracelets use screws adding to the weight... in comparison a vintage 1039/516 steel bracelet really weighs almost nothing 🤔

 

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dsio

·Jan 16, 2017·Ash @ ΩF

The bracelet that always surprises me is how light the 1171 is, it looks sturdy and I have never had any issues with them wearing out or breaking like the 1039 and earlier but it feels almost like its made of plastic compared to the 1998 bracelets of today.

 

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nonuffinkbloke

·Jan 16, 2017

dsio

The bracelet that always surprises me is how light the 1171 is, it looks sturdy and I have never had any issues with them wearing out or breaking like the 1039 and earlier but it feels almost like its made of plastic compared to the 1998 bracelets of today.

I think that's why, years ago, my Dad changed to the 1171 (633 end links) shown on the vintage watch on the right of the above photograph. I worry a little about the clasp though. Wish I knew what he did with the original.