Purchasing my first watch (35135000)

The kid omega · Sep 15, 2021

Hi! I am new to this forum as well as watches in general. After scanning the market I have decided to purchase a Omega Speedmaster Date 35135000 (And yes, I am fully aware that it is not the professional/moonwatch 😀 ). At first I looked at 32105000 but I figured that it was too "messy" compared to the professional and since I was not going to buy the professional I settled for the aformentioned 35135000. However, I still have some questions regarding the watch that I was hoping to get answered on this page:
Is there any difference between the various years that the watch was released, or any that one should watch out for (have seen a lot from 1998/99 but also from 2006 without noticing any difference)?
What should a "Full set" one include (the ones I have been looking at include box, cardholder, pictogram, international warranty and a white tag)?
What is a fair price(cheapest one, full set, that I have seen is currently going for 2900 USD)?
Should the watch come with a service history book of some sort or is it only saved receipts that can show its service/repair history?
Finally, what is your opinion about the watch? Is it a good first watch? Reliable?

Grateful for all answers
/Swedish Teen

Absin2 · Sep 15, 2021

Welcome to the forum

Walrus · Sep 15, 2021

Dude I’ll try to help you out a little my speedy auto is right in that reference range but I don’t have the card with me and TBH i can’t remember the exact reference of mine. I would be embarrassed but I’ve already made quite clear I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed so I’m ok admitting I forgot off hand. I know it will come back to me shortly.,
I really enjoy mine. I like the size, adequate power reserve, the movement is “easy” to get serviced, keeps time very well the lume doesn’t last long I think that’s common with these 90’s models. I would be most concerned about obtaining documentation of its most recent service. I really like the moon watch and certainly appreciate the history and mechanical movement but I just wasn’t sure of the size. I think these autos come in at 39-39.5 and the lug to lug is around 46mm or so. Sorry I have to guesstimate but you can find the exact measurements with a little digging. TBH I think 2,900 may be a tad on the high side but I said that to someone once and they explained that was the common price in their area. Full set should include all those things you mentioned but the tag isn’t always a major deal although if that’s what you seek more power to you.

they come on a bracelet for the most part I just put a leather strap on mine. I’ll show you a few pictures see what you think when I got mine it really was immaculate I have since put a couple little rings in it but I can tell you it is a watch I will keep to the end of my days, I really like it that much. Losing daylight but hopefully pics come out OK do you have pics of the one you are considering.?

SkunkPrince · Sep 15, 2021

Walrus
the lume doesn’t last long I think that’s common with these 90’s models.

The lume doesn't illuminate much even on a new Professional. You want decent lume, you'll have to go to a Broad Arrow of whatever model you like.

One of the reasons I traded my Speedmaster for a Seamaster Professional with the sword hands.

Walrus · Sep 15, 2021

And here is the bracelet I just changed. I like it but it can be a little small. Some people do say they dont like the way it secures but tbh I’ve had it a few years and don’t mind it at all. Again a few pics for you excuse the quality like I said daylight receding but you should get the idea. So if there is anything I can help you with let me know when I got the watch a few years ago it had a fresh service and a warranty I really like the speedy date autos and the panda and reverse panda references but mine keeps me satisfied I have no regrets and I actually hope to have it serviced by someone here in the near future another US member who I’ve spoken to but if not I will have a few options locally it’s really something I want to take care of even though I don’t expect it’s price to ride dramatically in the future I just like it. That’s the type of watches I choose, things I like.

Walrus · Sep 15, 2021

SkunkPrince
The lume doesn't illuminate much even on a new Professional. You want decent lume, you'll have to go to a Broad Arrow of whatever model you like.

One of the reasons I traded my Speedmaster for a Seamaster Professional with the sword hands.

Oh news to me interesting I really do like the seamaster sword hands and the broad arrows but tbh the lack of Lume doesn’t phase me that much

The kid omega · Sep 16, 2021

Walrus
Dude I’ll try to help you out a little my speedy auto is right in that reference range but I don’t have the card with me and TBH i can’t remember the exact reference of mine. I would be embarrassed but I’ve already made quite clear I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed so I’m ok admitting I forgot off hand. I know it will come back to me shortly.,
I really enjoy mine. I like the size, adequate power reserve, the movement is “easy” to get serviced, keeps time very well the lume doesn’t last long I think that’s common with these 90’s models. I would be most concerned about obtaining documentation of its most recent service. I really like the moon watch and certainly appreciate the history and mechanical movement but I just wasn’t sure of the size. I think these autos come in at 39-39.5 and the lug to lug is around 46mm or so. Sorry I have to guesstimate but you can find the exact measurements with a little digging. TBH I think 2,900 may be a tad on the high side but I said that to someone once and they explained that was the common price in their area. Full set should include all those things you mentioned but the tag isn’t always a major deal although if that’s what you seek more power to you.

they come on a bracelet for the most part I just put a leather strap on mine. I’ll show you a few pictures see what you think when I got mine it really was immaculate I have since put a couple little rings in it but I can tell you it is a watch I will keep to the end of my days, I really like it that much. Losing daylight but hopefully pics come out OK do you have pics of the one you are considering.?

Hi Walrus! Thank you for taking your time and helping me out. That is the exact model I have been looking at, and seeing these pictures makes me wanna buy it even more! It is a beautiful watch and the black leather strap goes really well with it. Happy to hear that you are enjoying it! Like you, I want it to be a watch that I keep for the rest of my life.
Here is the link to the Chrono24 listing of the watch that I am looking at currently (are you allowed to share links?): https://www.chrono24.se/omega/omega...--id19737237.htm?checkoutId=4057048&showAll=1
He made me an offer today that I could purchase the watch for 2782 USD and he would include shipping. My only concern is that he did not have any receipts from former services. Also, I looked at the same watch in person at a local watchdealer and they included a "value certificate", basically their watchdealer guarantees the authenticity of the watch as well as the price(apparently it is appreciated by Insurance companies). So I am currently debating whether to but it or not. The dealer claims that it is in mint condition and works fine. What would you do? My dad is leaning towards getting it.

Best regards
The kid omega

Walrus · Sep 17, 2021

Oh no problem glad my simple assessment and pics helped you. Seems like you really like the watch and that’s really what it’s all about. Even if you have to get it serviced because it’s more of a “basic” common movement it’s not extremely costly or difficult to find a watchmaker who can do a good job. I mean it’s a chrono so I wouldn’t say it’s cheap but it’s doable. I see the one on chrono is reserved did you jump on it? Just an FYI they also pop up for sale here on OF sometimes and I see them on Reddit watch exchange the good part is if you really like it they are not hard to find. Some refer to them as a “mundane reference” which I have adopted and refer to mine as such.

philips · Sep 17, 2021

Congratulations on buying your first watch. That is a very nice first watch, enjoy it. I get the sense that you actually wanted a Speedmaster Professional and settled for this model. We have all gone through this. You may still think about the Speedmaster that you didn't get. That's OK. Some of us get the watch we want and still start thinking about another watch soon after. The movement uses a chronograph module that can make it a bit tricky for independent watchmakers to service.

Walrus · Sep 17, 2021

philips
Congratulations on buying your first watch. That is a very nice first watch, enjoy it. I get the sense that you actually wanted a Speedmaster Professional and settled for this model. We have all gone through this. You may still think about the Speedmaster that you didn't get. That's OK. Some of us get the watch we want and still start thinking about another watch soon after. The movement uses a chronograph module that can make it a bit tricky for independent watchmakers to service.

Not to correct you but just to clarify this is not the stacked movement. It’s omegas version of the 7750 that’s one of the main reasons I got it I wanted to avoid the module, that is not saying the modules are inherently bad or anything as I know many people like the reduced and that’s cool I just talked to a few watch makers who say they tend to have some trouble with the module but again I am not knocking it I know people who have them, really like them and say they have not had any problems with them.
https://watchbase.com/omega/caliber/1152

Foo2rama · Sep 17, 2021

I highly suggest the triple date instead. Same price range way more special and a very cool piece.

3520.50

Walrus · Sep 17, 2021

Foo2rama
I highly suggest the triple date instead. Same price range way more special and a very cool piece.

3520.50

I like that as well and did consider it but in the end I just found that a bit too busy (for my taste) I think if I was doing it again I’d just look for maybe a panda or reverse panda but it’s all subjective of course one gotta get what they dig. The bezel on the triple date does have a better look I think

Foo2rama · Sep 17, 2021

Walrus
I like that as well and did consider it but in the end I just found that a bit too busy (for my taste) I think if I was doing it again I’d just look for maybe a panda or reverse panda but it’s all subjective of course one gotta get what they dig. The bezel on the triple date does have a better look I think

Well it’s the domed bezel which shrinks it a bit. It’s the same bezel as my Speedy Date Panda, which I don’t often wear as it feels small to me.

All are part of the 7750 family but I tend to prefer the flat bezels.

philips · Sep 17, 2021

Walrus
Not to correct you but just to clarify this is not the stacked movement. It’s omegas version of the 7750 that’s one of the main reasons I got it I wanted to avoid the module, that is not saying the modules are inherently bad or anything as I know many people like the reduced and that’s cool I just talked to a few watch makers who say they tend to have some trouble with the module but again I am not knocking it I know people who have them, really like them and say they have not had any problems with them.
https://watchbase.com/omega/caliber/1152

No that's great, thanks for the clarification, I appreciate your tact. I will say that I stand corrected, I can see now the difference in the sub dial layout. I did not mean to knock the module Speedmasters, they are of an excellent standard. I think the problem arises with independent watchmakers who don't have the movement holders for the stacked movements.

The kid omega · Sep 18, 2021

Foo2rama
I highly suggest the triple date instead. Same price range way more special and a very cool piece.

3520.50

Hi! I did consider it at first since I liked the black(looks more like the moo watch) but after comparing the two I found it to be too busy with all the numbers. Hence I decided to go with the 351350 since it is more “clean” in my opinion therefore more versatile. I became even more attached with it after seeing it in person. But I do agree with you, it is a more unique watch the triple date.

The kid omega · Sep 18, 2021

Walrus
Oh no problem glad my simple assessment and pics helped you. Seems like you really like the watch and that’s really what it’s all about. Even if you have to get it serviced because it’s more of a “basic” common movement it’s not extremely costly or difficult to find a watchmaker who can do a good job. I mean it’s a chrono so I wouldn’t say it’s cheap but it’s doable. I see the one on chrono is reserved did you jump on it? Just an FYI they also pop up for sale here on OF sometimes and I see them on Reddit watch exchange the good part is if you really like it they are not hard to find. Some refer to them as a “mundane reference” which I have adopted and refer to mine as such.

Yeah I really like the watch, especially after seeing it in person. When I asked a local dealer he said that it would cost around 800 USD for a service and that it usually needs one every 7 years(but of course it varies). He recommended the movement since it is a well tested one used by many different companies(all they do is make small adjustments to then change the name). No I did not purchase it, he only made me an offer which might have marked it as reserved. It is probably not the best deal since it is still available 😉 but I believe that it is a fairly good one and it includes most of the things I wanted. The only thing I would have liked is for their watchmaker to include a “certificate of value”(direct-translated from Swedish) but I can get one locally for 161 USD. Service history seems really unlikely to find on a listing that is not waaay to expensive. Although it popped up a fantastic deal in Nee York yesterday, too bad that it is so unclear and difficult to purchase outside of EU with duties and such(anything you know about?). Those that pop up on here, are they from professional dealers? Ah, did not know about that, how come?

Walrus · Sep 18, 2021

Foo2rama
Well it’s the domed bezel which shrinks it a bit. It’s the same bezel as my Speedy Date Panda, which I don’t often wear as it feels small to me.

All are part of the 7750 family but I tend to prefer the flat bezels.

That looks really nice

Walrus · Sep 18, 2021

T The kid omega
Yeah I really like the watch, especially after seeing it in person. When I asked a local dealer he said that it would cost around 800 USD for a service and that it usually needs one every 7 years(but of course it varies). He recommended the movement since it is a well tested one used by many different companies(all they do is make small adjustments to then change the name). No I did not purchase it, he only made me an offer which might have marked it as reserved. It is probably not the best deal since it is still available 😉 but I believe that it is a fairly good one and it includes most of the things I wanted. The only thing I would have liked is for their watchmaker to include a “certificate of value”(direct-translated from Swedish) but I can get one locally for 161 USD. Service history seems really unlikely to find on a listing that is not waaay to expensive. Although it popped up a fantastic deal in Nee York yesterday, too bad that it is so unclear and difficult to purchase outside of EU with duties and such(anything you know about?). Those that pop up on here, are they from professional dealers? Ah, did not know about that, how come?

See that why it can be difficult to comment on price. Being that this forum is world wide availability and prices along with taxes and other fees can have a significant impact. I made a similar comment about me thinking the price was a tad high on a seamaster someone was considering turns out they lived on a Greek island or something and everything comparable available to them was actually much higher so they had actually found a good deal. I have yet to purchase anything where I had to deal with customs and those types of fees. Just some vostoks from the ukaraine that the customs people probably laughed at if they bothered to look. I think your good, if you are going to wear something for the foreseeable future and aren’t concerned with flipping go for it, we only live once it’s all about enjoying the watch and sounds like you will do just that.

Out of TIME! · Sep 18, 2021

philips
No that's great, thanks for the clarification, I appreciate your tact. I will say that I stand corrected, I can see now the difference in the sub dial layout. I did not mean to knock the module Speedmasters, they are of an excellent standard. I think the problem arises with independent watchmakers who don't have the movement holders for the stacked movements.

A perspective on the stack [ Modular ] it is an intersting design & concept.
In one way, it may turn out to be a white elephant, and more novel to collect.
The concept, I belive was to seperate the motor from the head. ? Why?
Not sure exactly, but would think thev idea was to be able to swap a motor for a quicker service.
I owned one, 1st Speedmaster. Bought it in Switzerland while on vaction, came with 2 dials.
Anyway, the driver or motor if you like is nicely done, check.
The module, niceley executed, lots of jeweling through out both.
1 feature did not care for is when you push button to engaugec the chronograph the sweep seconds hand jumps ahead, then the drive orc power catches up. Now we are talkinng 1-2 seconds or less, but noticeable.
2 when setting the time, similar issue with the minute hands. Had to set time a minute or two ahead for more accurate time. The system is quite a noveltyvin enginering. I took it all apart to see what could be done or if something was sliping. Nada, my thought is it needed a pre-load or backlash gear to give more direct drive. Sold that watch, bought Moon watch, which is what I wanted in the first place.
Another watchmaker took a module apart, filmed it. The video had too much glare, lucky for him I had a explode view which he copied.
Just my experience with the modular or stacked system. There are a few other companies who used this system at the time. Quick idenyifier is running seconds hand sub hand is at 3 O'clock rather than 9 O'clock.
Cheers Mike

Foo2rama · Sep 18, 2021

Out of TIME!
A perspective on the stack [ Modular ] it is an intersting design & concept.
In one way, it may turn out to be a white elephant, and more novel to collect.
The concept, I belive was to seperate the motor from the head. ? Why?
Not sure exactly, but would think thev idea was to be able to swap a motor for a quicker service.
I owned one, 1st Speedmaster. Bought it in Switzerland while on vaction, came with 2 dials.
Anyway, the driver or motor if you like is nicely done, check.
The module, niceley executed, lots of jeweling through out both.
1 feature did not care for is when you push button to engaugec the chronograph the sweep seconds hand jumps ahead, then the drive orc power catches up. Now we are talkinng 1-2 seconds or less, but noticeable.
2 when setting the time, similar issue with the minute hands. Had to set time a minute or two ahead for more accurate time. The system is quite a noveltyvin enginering. I took it all apart to see what could be done or if something was sliping. Nada, my thought is it needed a pre-load or backlash gear to give more direct drive. Sold that watch, bought Moon watch, which is what I wanted in the first place.
Another watchmaker took a module apart, filmed it. The video had too much glare, lucky for him I had a explode view which he copied.
Just my experience with the modular or stacked system. There are a few other companies who used this system at the time. Quick idenyifier is running seconds hand sub hand is at 3 O'clock rather than 9 O'clock.
Cheers Mike

It was cheaper... take an existing movement, and just place a chrono graph on top. That was the reason.

Purchasing my first watch (35135000)

The kid omega

Absin2

Walrus

SkunkPrince

Walrus

Walrus

The kid omega

Walrus

philips

Walrus

Foo2rama

Walrus

Foo2rama

philips

The kid omega

The kid omega

Walrus

Walrus

Out of TIME!

Foo2rama

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