Speedmaster advice... New '21, New Pre-'21 or Pre-Owned?

Buy the new one. You already said you'd keep thinking about the updated case/bracelet if you bought the older one, so don't buy something you may regret. You'll be kicking yourself every time you look at it, and wonder why you didn't spend the incremental amount.

Hey there!
THIS.

I remember as a kid I built a computer and felt sick about how much it would all cost. It was two freaking years of lawn mowing 😁! That's a lot of prospecting and grass mowing. I initially opted for a part that would save me 100 bucks - my dad said, "if you're already spending this much, why not make it right? Don't half-ass it now. "

I think if you're going to spend this much, you might as well get the one you'll be happy with going forward (hey..it's a lot of years!). Granted, both options are great.

p.s. I wrestled with this decision last week too.

Two years ago, I purchased an 1861 (hesalite) and after a few months of wear decided that I rally wasn't that thrilled with the feel and appearance of the watch. I did move it on. Last fall I started to shop the new model (3861) purely out of curiosity and discovered that the new bracelet (which many seem to favor) didn't suit me either. It seems far too small in thickness with an excessive taper for my wrist. But... In the process, I saw that the AD had an unopened, new-old-stock 1863 sapphire -sandwich model and it was perfect. I favor the 18-series bracelet and the sapphire crystal. 'All set and seven months later I'm still completely satisfied with this movement, case, bezel, bracelet.

Yes... "Goldilocks" lurks in that bit of personal recounting and it's an effort to reinforce what others have posted above: Try them on. Shop. The Speedmaster range of Omega is huge and daunting, confusing. However, if one is deeply interested in the model and particular, the many iterations and minute differences can make a very big difference in the long-term enjoyment of the watch.




Most importantly, have fun!

z

Curious on how important the heritage of the movement is to folks when trying to decide between a 1861/1863 vs 3861? The 3861 is obviously a very different movement that is not similar to prior Speedmaster pro movements (and by association to movements that went to the moon and space for EVA). Yes the 1861/1863 didn’t go to the moon but they are much closer to movements that went to space from what I’ve read. Personally I’m struggling with this element vs new vintage aspects of 3861 (ie step dial and bracelet) vs teething issues / movement problems with new 3861

It was of zero importance to me. Have had 2 Speedmasters with 1861, and the accuracy on both left much to be desired. I'd have to set the minute hand back once every 4 days for the watch to display the correct time.

My 3861 Speedmaster? It's gained a total of 1 minute over a month!