I'm trying to figure out the differences in prices between all of the various Speedy incarnations. Aside from obvious things like case material, bracelet/strap and diamonds, I'm still kind of confused. I know a lot of it is pure marketing and how much they think they can get away with (e.g. limited edition) but then I see two similar models, one with the 1863 movement and another with the 1861. They're both mechanical movements with the same complications, so why do I care, and why are they a thousand dollars different? The only other difference I can tell is the hesalite versus sapphire crystal, and surely that can't account for all of it.

Any education would be appreciated.

 

Movement in the sapphire sandwich has upgraded finishing. It's an 1863 vs a 1861. So that plus sapphire crystal front and back is worth a $1,000 charge according to Omega.

 

Because the sapphire sandwich has a display case back, the 1863 movement has a higher level of finishing than the 1861 movement in the traditional moonwatch. In short, it’s prettier to view than the 1861. That, together with the sapphire crystals front and back, account for the price difference over the standard hesalite version.

 

$1000 is quite a steep markup for some machine finishing and sapphire, no?

 

Thanks guys!

 

I agree. However, someone more cynical than me might argue that charging $5300 for a watch that costs $500 to manufacture is a bit cheeky as well.

(and yes, that $500 figure is a WAG and doesn't consider marketing, profits, overhead and dealer margin.)

 

I was just about to say something similar to this.

Once you get into any luxury product, dont expect price differences to really make sense anymore. The price has more to do with just how much people are willing to pay, and how it makes the product fit in with the rest of their lineup.

 

Definitely, and plenty have no problem paying the premium. I will have no issue when I’m back on my feet but I’ll end up buying used I’m sure

 

Also, Omega made a fancy new box for the typical speedmaster, nothing else changed, but they jacked the price up. I suspect at some level the price may carry over on the used market when you look at one with new fancy box vs one with red box.

I bought a 3572.50 (sapphire back w/1863) 7 years back, it was on the used market, and mine has the tritium hands/dial. I am not sure what the price difference would be for a super luminova 3572.50 vs a tritium 3572.50, but think it would be at least several hundred dollars, maybe more.