I visited the same Omega Boutique again today having decided to just buy the clasp kit and see if it works. I felt like I had seen enough evidence online that it should work and while $264 is not nothing to me, it’s a loss I would certainly survive if it didn’t work.
This time I had my Speedy with me. I went upstairs to the service desk. There was a different Associate at the desk, someone I hadn’t spoken with during my previous visits. I explained what I wanted. He was happy to help. I gave him the part number for the clasp kit. He took my watch to the back room. A few minutes later he emerged and my watch had the new clasp installed. Easy!
In fact, the gentleman in the white lab coat also came out and talked to me for a bit. As before, he was gracious and took the time to answer my questions. I didn’t feel the need to crow “Aha! You told me last time it wouldn’t fit my watch!” I think these guys are sincere in trying to help customers. My overall experience probably reveals some residual confusion among the Boutique staff from the days before this particular clasp kit became available and customers were unsuccessfully trying to fit the Chronoscope clasp onto their Speedmaster Pro bracelets.
There are two benefits to the new clasp that I can discern:
1. Adjusting the clasp between its two settings is done via a push-button instead of requiring a spring-bar tool (or toothpick). This makes adjustments much easier on-the-go.
2. The top part of the clasp (the cover) extends a bit further over the end-link to hide the “notch” that had become visible at the extended position on the original clasp. This makes the new clasp appear a bit neater when in that position.
The new clasp does not offer any additional adjustment positions. There are two positions on both the original clasp and on the new clasp. As best I can tell, these two positions are the same. That is, after having the new clasp installed on my watch and set to the same position, it fit my wrist exactly the same.
I do wish the new clasp offered more adjustment positions. Adding and removing links, with those microscopically small screws, is something I would only do at home under bright light with everything on a tray. More adjustment positions at the clasp would cover the sizing needs of more customers when on-the-go.
So, for me, this particular side quest on my watch journey is complete, with a good ending. Thanks for following along. The Speedmaster Pro is a fantastic watch. I hope you all enjoy yours as much I enjoy mine.