Thinking about a Speedmaster and seeking advice.

Maganator

It depends what you're looking for.

A 90s watch is to young to be vintage and too old to be considered newish.

Do you need it to be pristine or are you content with a few battle scars?

Badwolf

Does it come with a strap? They're not cheap if you want an original stainless, or a good quality leather one.

Has it been serviced recently?

MPWATCH

Why have you chosen a Speedmaster? Do you enjoy the historical significance? Are you just diving into something you've seen a lot? I like to hear motivation behind purchases, not that there is a wrong answer but we love to hear those little details! The Speedmaster is a chronograph, which has the application of stopwatch. When you mix the stopwatch function with a Tachymetre bezel, you give the user the ability to track speed through time. Tool watch speaks to the pieces application. As @Foo2rama has stated, Submariners are for diving and utilize a pressure tested case designed specifically for under water use, and a non-rotating bezel to ensure you know how long you've been under. Daytona's are for timing just like the Speedy, just produced by Rolex. Lots of tool watches were inspired by the Military, pilot watches in particular had contrasting dials, larger crowns, and larger dials to help pilots a long with their daily flying activities. There are several true experts that will dive into (lol dive...) the finer details, but you should be familiar with the different types of tool watches.

As far as the watch goes, I would like to begin by reiterating I know nothing about Speedys. There are several top experts apart of this forum, so for the details I will leave their knowledge and expertise. General condition assessment however, I would challenge yourself to find something without the scratch to the case back. Seems to bother more buyers/collectors than you'd think. With the internet, the collecting community has the ability to find high condition examples, so be one of those high condition owners so the piece can move with ease if/when the time presents itself. There is a fine line with character, and a mistreated watch. I think once the scratch/ware reaches a certain depth you have to call it quits. Hope this general information helps you a long the way! I see you mention being more concerned with correctness over age, that's good, but what's even better is when you put the two together.

Best of luck in your acquisition & feel free to utilize the forum's search function to dig for more information. Speedmaster threads are scattered across the lands of OF..... You'll find no lack of information here. I've also read www.Speedmaster101.com and it's assisted me in very basic knowledge to get started.

Happy Hunting,

Thomas

MPWATCH

Why have you chosen a Speedmaster? Do you enjoy the historical significance? Are you just diving into something you've seen a lot? I like to hear motivation behind purchases, not that there is a wrong answer but we love to hear those little details! The Speedmaster is a chronograph, which has the application of stopwatch. When you mix the stopwatch function with a Tachymetre bezel, you give the user the ability to track speed through time. Tool watch speaks to the pieces application. As @Foo2rama has stated, Submariners are for diving and utilize a pressure tested case designed specifically for under water use, and a non-rotating bezel to ensure you know how long you've been under. Daytona's are for timing just like the Speedy, just produced by Rolex. Lots of tool watches were inspired by the Military, pilot watches in particular had contrasting dials, larger crowns, and larger dials to help pilots a long with their daily flying activities. There are several true experts that will dive into (lol dive...) the finer details, but you should be familiar with the different types of tool watches.

As far as the watch goes, I would like to begin by reiterating I know nothing about Speedys. There are several top experts apart of this forum, so for the details I will leave their knowledge and expertise. General condition assessment however, I would challenge yourself to find something without the scratch to the case back. Seems to bother more buyers/collectors than you'd think. With the internet, the collecting community has the ability to find high condition examples, so be one of those high condition owners so the piece can move with ease if/when the time presents itself. There is a fine line with character, and a mistreated watch. I think once the scratch/ware reaches a certain depth you have to call it quits. Hope this general information helps you a long the way! I see you mention being more concerned with correctness over age, that's good, but what's even better is when you put the two together.

Best of luck in your acquisition & feel free to utilize the forum's search function to dig for more information. Speedmaster threads are scattered across the lands of OF..... You'll find no lack of information here. I've also read www.Speedmaster101.com and it's assisted me in very basic knowledge to get started.

Happy Hunting,

Thomas