Seamaster 300 Chrono and Speedmaster Moonwatch

I recently purchased a SMP 300 Chrono with a black dial at the turn of the year. I really love it, but I think I'm starting to have some buyers regret regarding the overall size and thickness.

I really want to get a Speedmaster to round out my collection (I really love the idea of a manual wind chrono and just love it every time I'm in the AD), but I feel like the two pieces seem a bit redundant (Chrono's, black dial, etc.). The speedy would be a little more for formal wear. Not a dress watch, but something sporty and a little more understated than the SMP. I bought the SMP as more of a daily wear and a "beater".

I was hoping to work out a deal with my local AD to trade the SMP chrono in for the regular SMP with the blue dial, or even the 39.5 planet ocean with the blue dial just to have something a little bit different than the Speedmaster and something a little more comfortable for daily wear. I think I made a bit of a rash and rushed decision when purchasing the chrono.

I was really comfortable with the thought of the blue dial or 39.5 PO, and I think I would be happy with that collection, but the AD is only offering me a max of 4,500 towards the trade-in. I was definitely hoping for me considering the watch is essentially brand new. I understand I would take a hit, but I wasn't aware it was going to be that large. I feel uncomfortable selling privately as I've heard of all the horror stories.

Can someone talk some sense into me? Give me some advice of what to do? Call me an idiot?

Thanks!

I wouldn't be willing to take that big of a loss on a brand new watch. You may have to deal with selling privately to try and re-coup as much as possible if you really want to get rid of it. If you're sure about selling then keeping it as pristine as possible will help with the sale. Otherwise, I'd say slow down and see if it grows on you. It sounds like you're not too sure exactly what you want. Wear it for a year and you can always sell it later. No need to make any rush moves. Just slow down and let the situation develop.

Honestly, $4500 doesn’t strike me as that bad—probably on par with what DavidSW, European Watch, OCwatchGuy, Hodinkee, etc would offer—but you might want to contact all of those places (and others) to find out. Remember, they have to make money on the trade, and even though it’s still essentially new, it’s now preowned. Omegas don’t hold or gain value like Rolexes. Most Omegas are going to drop probably 30% the second you buy them. The AD is probably going to sell the watch for 6k or so.

A private sale might do better, as suggested, but obviously introduces greater risks.

Just my take, but I’ve pretty much resolved never to buy an Omega new again—always let someone else take the hit for these overpriced watches. (Not disrespecting our beloved brand—just acknowledging the disparity between retail and market price). Maybe see if one of those major trusted preowned dealers (and there are many more—I only listed a few) has one of the watches you want and will take yours on an even or almost-even trade?

Have you tried NATO straps, wearing the watch higher up on your wrist, etc.?

if you’re absolutely sure you’re unhappy with its size, but don't want to sell privately, then the solution sounds straightforward — you may have a(n expensive) learning experience on your hands. Try not to beat yourself up over it - almost everyone in this hobby has it happen at some point or another. There’s simply no teacher like experience.

I have a blue SMP 300 and a Speedmaster. They are a killer two watch collection that can easily cover all of your bases.

If value retention concerns you, a Submariner and a Speedmaster are also a great two watch collection, but the Sub will have a wait list and cost much more than the SMP 300 despite being just as much watch (imo). Maybe you can get yourself to the front of a Sub wait list as part of your trade in if you decide the extra investment is worth the value retention…

Im my opinion regarding reselling "New" watches as similar to cars.. Once you get out with your new car outside the factory door it's not "New" anymore and you will have to resell to a lower price. That is the reason i never buy new watches .