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Speedy Apollo 11 50th - yes or no?

jpeezy14
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Ok guys, in the past I did a quick catch and release with the Speedmaster Reduced (too small) and recently owned a Speedmaster 3590.50 that I ended up selling after a couple of months to fund a Tudor Snowflake from the 70's. Needless to say, this would be the 3rd Speedmaster that I would potentially acquire, and one that I would actually like to keep.

So, the question is if the Apollo 11 50th the right one? What is the general consensus around here? I'm not the type to worry too much about price, though I would be lying if I said value retention isn't some kind of factor (I don't care if I lose a few hundred on it, but also don't want to lose thousands).

What draws me in is the bracelet, gold bezel and other gold accents, and unique dial. I know the butt shot is a thing, but it actually doesn't bother me. So any thoughts from the experts?

(pic from the web)
 
Capture.JPG
time flies
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If you like it, buy it. If you buy it, wear it. I don't like it quite enough yet though.
20190110_064634.jpg 20171219_125701.jpg

have fun
kfw
 
RonJ
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I'm no expert but I do like it as one of the Omega limited edition watches.
I think I read somewhere it was limited to a total of 6969 watches worldwide.

My guess is many of them will be kept in their box as a collector item and never worn.

I think it is better to actually wear it, if you get one.

.
 
jpeezy14
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I have every intention of wearing it if I do pull the trigger.

I wear all my watches and don't treat them as safe queens.
 
Evitzee
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Plenty of threads here and elsewhere as to people's impression of the Apollo 11 50th. Most seem to like it, but only you can make the decision if you like it well enough to buy it. Have you found a new one at MSRP in dealer stock?
 
jpeezy14
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Evitzee Evitzee
Plenty of threads here and elsewhere as to people's impression of the Apollo 11 50th. Most seem to like it, but only you can make the decision if you like it well enough to buy it. Have you found a new one at MSRP in dealer stock?

I have not - but if someone knows of an AD that has one, I'd appreciate the info!!
 
Capt Cave Man
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I have one and as my first Speedy... love it, although I'll only be wearing it on special occasions. I'm now desperately saving for my next 🤦
 
Sterling Archer
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You should be pretty safe financially with this watch, especially if you can get one at retail.

Most of these will never be worn in my opinion and are in some safe somewhere. I think it is a really nice watch and an excellent choice for a Speedmaster and NASA fan.
 
jpeezy14
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Anyone know of an AD with it in stock and is willing to share? I've decided its the one for me!

I know Chase at Nashville Watches and DavidSW each have one, but I'd prefer new at retail if possible.
 
Evitzee
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The one at DavidSW looks very mint and complete, priced at what you'll end up paying at retail + tax. Finding one at an AD or OB is a hit or miss affair at this point......just start dialing and see if anyone has one in stock or is willing to call Omega USA to see if any are available. A month or so ago five pieces showed up on the Omega USA eStore, gone in a couple of days. You'll have to do some legwork if you want to buy at retail.
Edited:
 
Perseus
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I don't know man...the aesthetics are personal. It doesn't do it for me, but that doesn't mean it's a bad watch or it won't make you happy.
 
K
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Its a unique look different than what you have owned If you buy it close to retail you won’t lose thousands. it’s best to try it on but no one seems to have it
 
K
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Vale21 Vale21
I would go for the new 321 over the 50th anniversary.

If you didn’t like the 3590.50 you probably won’t like the EW. Either way, you won’t find it anytime soon and if you do, you won’t pay close to
retail.
 
Japanred
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Really tough for anyone to answer except you OP. Watches are so personal. Some people hate this particular watch and others (including me) love them. Have you tried one on?

Here are a few pictures that I’ve either taken myself or took from this forum over the past few months.

3E96B9E0-FBD3-48A4-A6CB-301AC3083CFC.jpeg 32985421-431E-48C2-9DCB-84E38C45DC7B.jpeg 935F64C1-55A3-4439-BEA3-22272430EEF6.jpeg 480F27E4-5244-489E-959F-5549053021D7.jpeg 3F5D6B37-6C24-40B5-B04B-1D8BC86C65DD.jpeg 23B5E697-780B-46CA-BFC1-31D4DE3D8A22.jpeg
 
S
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Sorry still not changed my mind. Not one for me. A standard .005 all the way and a 300m with the change.
 
stevec14
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Great shots there. I’m wearing mine today on hols. Some can’t get past the subdial. Me, I’m fine with it and most of the time is like a gold subdial. It’s got a bit of bling to it - not tooly like the normal speedies which I guess is why it’s a polarising piece in some camps.

01288AD7-91CB-4EAA-9387-C4C04F45CE4B.jpeg
 
Japanred
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stevec14 stevec14
Great shots there. I’m wearing mine today on hols. Some can’t get past the subdial. Me, I’m fine with it and most of the time is like a gold subdial. It’s got a bit of bling to it - not tooly like the normal speedies which I guess is why it’s a polarising piece in some camps.

01288AD7-91CB-4EAA-9387-C4C04F45CE4B.jpeg
I agree. I don’t mind the subdial - it’s an astronaut coming down some ladders. I don’t see what’s so offensive about that. Also agree that it’s a bit bling with the gold. You are right that it’s not (for me) a tool watch, it’s a dress watch for me. Would I own it as the only piece in my collection? No, probably not. But I do think that it has its place in any well-rounded collection. All of my watches have their own styles and I wear them on different occasions.

I have a blue SeaMaster on a blue NATO which is my summer daily.
I have a speedy Apollo-Soyuz with meteorite dual on stainless steel which is my winter daily.
I have the Apollo XI 50th which I wear for an evening meal or maybe a drink in the local and then I have my Apollo XIII 45th snoopy for very special occasions - Christmas, wedding anniversary etc etc.
 
jpeezy14
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stevec14 stevec14
Great shots there. I’m wearing mine today on hols. Some can’t get past the subdial. Me, I’m fine with it and most of the time is like a gold subdial. It’s got a bit of bling to it - not tooly like the normal speedies which I guess is why it’s a polarising piece in some camps.

I have my tool watches in the Snowflake, 16710 and Hulk, and I actually welcome the dressy-ness and bling factor of this.

Maybe that's why I'm more drawn to this than the regular Speedy that I quickly flipped.
 
mjb
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jpeezy14 jpeezy14
I would be lying if I said value retention isn't some kind of factor (I don't care if I lose a few hundred on it, but also don't want to lose thousands).

Well, I'm no expert but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once. There are two parts to good value retention or even making a profit: the second is to sell it at a good price. The first is to buy it right. You have to, unfortunately, have both parts.

I suspect that right now, it will be difficult to buy right. And no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

Me, I like the watch, but I'm not paying the premium. You need to buy it because you like it and want to keep it and enjoy it. If you want an investment, buy some stock in Costco.
 
s2000_driver
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Well some folks are bothered by Buzz on the sub-dial. I personally don't get the hate. This watch was designed to celebrate one of the greatest achievements of mankind. It is an iconic photograph. IMO, this version is not intended to be used as a tool watch, so I couldn't care less about legibility of the seconds hand. The legibility to read time is excellent even in very low light. The gold really shines against the "dull" background. I've handled many speedy pro based LEs and for me, this one is truly special. I initially thought the watch was pale, the grey is boring etc... but after a couple of days, I got it. Omega designed this watch in such a way that the overall dial pales in comparison to the moonshine gold. When your wrist moves, the gold really comes alive. And like a true speedmaster, it looks fantastic with lots of different colored straps.
 
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