Speedmaster Professional First Timer

TheGMTExplorer · May 10, 2023

Hi Gents/Ladies,

I'm in the market for a Speedy to add to my collection and wanted to get some opinions. I was going back and forth on getting the current gen or a prior gen and have landed on getting the current gen (at least that is what I'm leaning towards). I have a dealer that can get me the current gen Sapphire sandwich for around $6,700 out the door, or the heslite for $5,700, both brand new, in box, papers, etc.

I'm leaning towards the current gen Sapphire Sandwich, but I'm open to hearing other opinions. Also, what do you guys think about the the pricing?

Thanks in advance!

lucian23 · May 11, 2023

I am not a rich person and i allways buy preowned watches or from the grey market. I never bought from Omega directly and i was never dissapointed.. I like to save money 😀

Evitzee · May 11, 2023

Whether you prefer the hesalite or sapphire version is just personal opinion, there are many threads and articles comparing the two. Read, research and pick the one that fits your needs. No right or wrong here.

Pricing is local and can vary depending on dealer's cash flow needs and other factors. An OTD price of $5,700 is pretty good if it includes all sales taxes (assuming you are in the US subject to state and local taxes). MSRP = $6,600 + notional 8% tax = $7,128. 5,700/7,128 = 0.8, so 20% discount, a very competitive price. That said I paid $5,000 for a BNIB one last September from a dealer here on OF, but I don't have a problem wiring money to an overseas seller and waiting for the watch to arrive. If you are new to this buy from an AD for peace of mind. Paying for a little hand holding is ok.

WatchTimes · May 11, 2023

My wife bought me the Saph in March for my 50th
I LOVE IT!
Sapphire or Hesalite is a personal choice. I like the display back even though it's not some fancy movement.
Pricing is about what you can expect and is fair.

Cenzo · May 11, 2023

@TheGMTExplorer I was in your shoes 4 years ago. My wife asked what I wanted for our 25th wedding anniversary. I had no idea how to get a Speedmaster and lurked on this site for about a year. Learned alot and bought an 1861 for 4K from a trusted seller here on OF. Brand new with box, papers, warranty card. I could not be happier with it. I would say go with whatever you want and in the end you will be happy.

I like the stepped dial and better accuracy with the 3861. If I was buying one today I would go with the 3861. But the 1861 is tried and true and I have no desire to trade up.

Shepardt · May 14, 2023

I just bought the 3861 Sapphire Sandwich and absolutely love it. I bought a Seamaster 300 Heritage a few weeks ago but wasn’t falling in love with it. I traded it back in to my dealer (yes, I took a hit) and got the Speedmaster. It is my only nice watch and now that I have this one, I feel like everything is right in the universe!

ohheythatguy · May 15, 2023

Dang...can I ask where you are? The two places in Seattle said they aren't budging at $7600 🙁

7enderbender · May 28, 2023

My preference was the previous model (1861) with hesalite. Bought one when the new model came out after having been a Speedmaster reduced owner for many years. Hesalite looks nicer, can be easily polished, gets replaced for free during service, doesn’t show fingerprints and is historically more accurate.
Same with the older movement: tried and tested and closer to the original 321 and 861 NASA used movements.
Third factor: despite the hype the older bracelet is simply better and more substantial.
Oh, and the big box packaging with extra gadgets was also nicer than the new one.

macrodust · Jun 1, 2023

7enderbender
My preference was the previous model (1861) with hesalite. Bought one when the new model came out after having been a Speedmaster reduced owner for many years. Hesalite looks nicer, can be easily polished, gets replaced for free during service, doesn’t show fingerprints and is historically more accurate.
Same with the older movement: tried and tested and closer to the original 321 and 861 NASA used movements.
Third factor: despite the hype the older bracelet is simply better and more substantial.
Oh, and the big box packaging with extra gadgets was also nicer than the new one.

Agree on all your points except the bracelet. Once I put my standard 1861 hesalite on the new bracelet I felt something clicking - the look, the feel and the balance on my wrist. It was just… right.

Speedmaster Professional First Timer

TheGMTExplorer

lucian23

Evitzee

WatchTimes

Cenzo

Shepardt

ohheythatguy

7enderbender

macrodust

Similar threads

Help/advice for a first timer - Constellation pie pan

First time posting in the Modern Omega Watch discussion with a conundrum...

Moonwatch First Timer

Pulling the trigger for the first time: am I getting scammed?

Please can you advise? First time Omega Purchase.

First Time Buyer - Should I get this Pie Pan dial Constellation?