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Please recommend Speedmasters to a noob

yogo
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Hi, I am completely new to more expensive watches and have taken a liking to the Omega Speedmaster (basically all models of it).

I have a special event coming up and want to get my first expensive watch and am looking at Speedmasters, I have a budget of 2-2.5k GBP and was wondering if you guys could recommend some Speedmaster models.

I am looking for good condition used watches, with (preferably) both box and papers.

I am UK-based, so if you guys could also forward me to good retailers and sites as well as I do not know how to authenticate watches.

Thanks in advance 😀.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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The 3590.50 is an affordable reference to look into that often times has a lot of character.
IMG_2421.webp

Another affordable option is the 3570.50 with a modern luminova dial.

IMG_2422.webp
​

However, you may want to open up your budget a little as it seems to be on the low side considering you are wanting references on dealers and wanting box & papers. That budget may work if you are well versed in small local auction houses.
 
yogo
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
The 3590.50 is an affordable reference to look into that often times has a lot of character.
IMG_2421.webp

Another affordable option is the 3570.50 with a modern luminova dial.

IMG_2422.webp
​

However, you may want to open up your budget a little as it seems to be on the low side considering you are wanting references on dealers and wanting box & papers. That budget may work if you are well versed in small local auction houses.
Will look into these thanks, box and papers are not a must, it would just be a cool addition, but I can do with just the watch.
 
gbesq
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Good recommendations from Scarecrow Boat. Of these two models, I would go with the 3590.50 which patinates beautifully because of the tritium lume on the hands and hour markers (see photo below). The caliber 861 movement in the 3590.50 also has “space cred” because it was used in other Speedmaster models that orbited the moon, but did not make it to the surface. That being said, your budget is on the low side. You will be VERY lucky to find a good 3590.50 for less than $4,200-$4,500 USD before taxes and import duties (if applicable). Good examples of the 3570.50 can be found for less than $4k USD with some work. You might want to rethink the box and papers. They don’t substantially add to the value of the watch. Finding a fully original example in good condition, and recently serviced, is far more important.
1726624743718.jpeg
 
STANDY
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Sorry £2-£2.5 is a head only (no bracelet) dog’s breakfast in a brown paper bag with 🍩 oil stains.

Good advice above but all way over you limit.

As every newbie comes here with the same low budget/high expectations… just look for the best watch. Looking for the best watch with such a low budget is not going to help and you will pass on good watches.
 
Dan S
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I don't think that budget is high enough to get into the Speedmasters that are worth buying. If you maximum is 2500 GBP, you should probably be looking at different models.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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The OP’s budget at £2,500 is low, as I said above, but not unrealistically low. They just may have to exert a bit of patience. For example, this watch on bracelet in my post above:
Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
The 3590.50 is an affordable reference to look into that often times has a lot of character.
IMG_2421.webp
Sold August 2, 2024 for £3,150, which is only £650 more than the OP’s highest budget. Link to listing here:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-speedmaster-3590-50-tritium-dial-serviced-warranty-1996.175106/ Cover Image
Thread 'Omega Speedmaster 3590.50. Tritium dial, serviced + warranty. 1996.' ·
Omega Speedmaster 3590.50 from 1996.

A nice example of a 1990 Omega Speedmaster. This is reference 3590.50 and was made between 1988/1996.
The movement serial is 48324376, and this dates the...
SOLD
£ 3150
smitty190373 ·

That said, this specific piece is an outlier as the hands have been relumed, which does lower the price a bit. If the OP wants 100% originality, they will have to up their price quite a bit.
 
padders
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With that budget he’ll end up with a Reduced then regret it. That’s how it starts.
 
Davidt
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As many have said, rather than scraping around to find a watch below £2500, do what you’ve got to do and wait, to get your budget nearer £3000. Then 80’s and 90’s Speedy Pros start to become an option.
 
josiahg52
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Sometimes you can find a non-Professional model for relatively cheap. I'm talking the 3594.50/3894.50 "Replica" or Broad Arrow Re-edition. Thing is, these were much, much cheaper years ago. As a "Replica" branded model, it didn't do well. Secrets out, these are solid watches and a good model on its own. For any used watch, a verifiable, quality service is worth something. "We had our watchmaker look at it" or "recently serviced in house", etc. may be worth a little less. Buy the seller. With the Broad Arrow reference I mentioned above, the high-polished hands can get tarnished easily, so look for that. Good luck.
 
Gubbo
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Ok I'll be the one to say it.

Within that budget. Moonswatch.

It annoys me that I wear my moonswatch more than my speedy pro but, crowded public transport into work bothers me for watch thieves
 
hen
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2000-2500 GBP would buy you a Seamaster, and as we all know, thats a much better watch. 😉

Or maybe a Speedmaster Day-Date.

Welcome to OF yogo, stick around fore a wile and you will learn a lot.
 
Laneside
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With the budget you state, I would recommend a Speedmaster Reduced watch. Automatic and very attractive. For that figure you could even look at a 20+ years old watch. E.g. I managed to buy a 1998 serviced 175.0032.1 for just under GBP2k. It came fitted with an Omega Seamaster 1612/932 bracelet which I discarded for a leather strap. It was my very first Speedie and was my gateway into collecting its big brothers.

No papers, no box............... not an issue for me but good if you can get them.

20240918_124907.jpg
 
Laneside
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padders padders
With that budget he’ll end up with a Reduced then regret it. That’s how it starts.
I bought one and don't regret it. See my comment below.😜
 
p4ul
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If you want a pro you have an outside chance of finding one at auction including charges for £2.5 as said above and that is a looonnnggg shot (I have been looking for 2 years!).
DONT get a reduced, if you can’t up budget or wait, have a look at Mkii’s as they were once to be the next moonwatch? Or the other options above.
 
Dimitar Adamski
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Everything is up recently. I bought mine 2nd hand but from the 1st owner, 8 yrs ago, full set for 2k GBP. Now is at least double. But they are iconic,beautiful and well made.
 
Evitzee
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Just save up a bit longer and get a strong example as described earlier in this thread. No need to rush a purchase if you can get a much nicer example for a bit more money. Patience is a virtue with Speedmasters, there are plenty out there, but you want a nice example which will cost a bit more. But worth it in the long run.
 
Dan S
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Laneside Laneside
With the budget you state, I would recommend a Speedmaster Reduced watch. Automatic and very attractive. For that figure you could even look at a 20+ years old watch. E.g. I managed to buy a 1998 serviced 175.0032.1 for just under GBP2k. It came fitted with an Omega Seamaster 1612/932 bracelet which I discarded for a leather strap. It was my very first Speedie and was my gateway into collecting its big brothers.

No papers, no box............... not an issue for me but good if you can get them.

20240918_124907.jpg
🤮
 
padders
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Laneside Laneside
With the budget you state, I would recommend a Speedmaster Reduced watch. Automatic and very attractive. For that figure you could even look at a 20+ years old watch. E.g. I managed to buy a 1998 serviced 175.0032.1 for just under GBP2k. It came fitted with an Omega Seamaster 1612/932 bracelet which I discarded for a leather strap. It was my very first Speedie and was my gateway into collecting its big brothers.

No papers, no box............... not an issue for me but good if you can get them.

20240918_124907.jpg

Buy cheap, buy twice. My point above exactly…
 
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