Thoughts between Sea & Speedmaster

McBeardy · Jun 21, 2023

Now I know these queries are somewhat boring & yes come down to personal tastes etc.

Having owned the current 3861 Speedy for a short period (moving it on for something else I really wanted), & also having concerns that it wore too large and not a great fit on the bracelet.

I'm now hankering after another one (annoyingly prices having risen) but feel a 12hr counter on a chrono is a must (after enjoying the chrono functions) no date is visually more appealing, being hand wind is also a plus.

The green Seamaster 300 has caught my attention, oddly as not been a fan of the current 300SMPs (whilst understanding their technical marvels) I can see why they have their fans. However I've only tried they bracelet versions on previously, my local AD had the green on rubber & I must say I was smitten by it. Oddly chunkier than the Speedy & the same size, visually the larger bezel made it look a better fit. I liked the colour scheme, plus that its dark although unsure if green is a fad and will look dated in a few years. Also never been a fan of the HEV but kinda glossed over it when on.

Unsure if to go back to the Speedy, but will my previous issues bug me again, or go with the Seamaster, although I have a diver in collection & ideally (crazy I know) want a small 2-4 watch collection covering most basis.

fiberguy · Jun 21, 2023

The current SMP300 and and 1861 speedy are my "collection". They compliment each other nicely. Buy the SMP on a bracelet and add the rubber strap. I wear mine on rubber, bracelet and NATO.

McBeardy · Jun 21, 2023

fiberguy
The current SMP300 and and 1861 speedy are my "collection". They compliment each other nicely. Buy the SMP on a bracelet and add the rubber strap. I wear mine on rubber, bracelet and NATO.

Never been a fan of the bracelet, for me it looks dated, chunky and no taper.

My collection consists off BB58, Monaco (which may make way) & a vintage Seiko H558

rudagger · Jun 21, 2023

McBeardy
Having owned the current 3861 Speedy for a short period (moving it on for something else I really wanted), & also having concerns that it wore too large and not a great fit on the bracelet.

Unsure if to go back to the Speedy, but will my previous issues bug me again, or go with the Seamaster, although I have a diver in collection & ideally (crazy I know) want a small 2-4 watch collection covering most basis.

This sounds like going back to an old lover with whom you had issues. IMO, it is better to keep looking for a something more suitable for you.

Aroxx · Jun 21, 2023

If you didn't care for the Speedy the first time around I don't see that changing. Lots of nice color options on the new SMP. I'm in the camp of always buying on bracelet since it's so expensive to add later and then purchase the rubber in addition. Maybe negotiate a deal on it. Helps with resale as well in case you decide to move it on. Or if you don't love the new SMP and especially that new HEV you could buy a used 3rd Gen ceramic SMP for like half the price.

Donn Chambers · Jun 21, 2023

As someone who has owned and flipped 4 Speedmaster variations (two older Pro models, a Mark III, and a Flightmaster), I think I have a unique perspective on your question. I kept buying them because I thought I should have a Speedmaster in my collection. But there was always something I didn’t like, so I flipped them. Of course, I was buying more than a decade ago when prices were substantially cheaper.

The point is, if you didn’t connect with the Speedy you had, you likely won’t connect if you buy it again. And at MSRP (or even a nice discount), that’s still a lot of money to be spending on something you’ve already tried before.

For me, I concluded a Speedmaster wasn’t the watch for me. That is, until Omega released the First Omega in Space edition and I tried one on. Then it was instant love. And I still have it, after 7 years. Omega puts out so many different variations of the Speedmaster, if you wait, they’ll probably put one out that you will like. Just be patient.

Donn Chambers · Jun 21, 2023

rudagger
This sounds like going back to an old lover with whom you had issues. IMO, it is better to keep looking for a something more suitable for you.

Yeah, been there, done that. And regretted it almost immediately. Good analogy.

McBeardy · Jun 21, 2023

All the above points regarding trying again are true, however at the time I was torn between others and the pull for one was greater, now had thar some time, I think I'm revaluating.

Although I agree the RRP is crazily high now

Annapolis · Jun 21, 2023

This is definitely a buy what you like situation—not what’s trendy or what you’re ‘supposed’ to have in order to complete a collection. (You sound like someone who buys watches to wear, not to hoard.)

That said, if you’re worried about something being a fad that will eventually look dated, the Speedmaster is the no-brainer choice, as it’s already time-tested and the differences between models from 1960s and today are ones only Omega aficionados would care to notice. The Seamaster, on the other hand, evolves generationally and many of the older models most certainly do look dated now. —In ways some of us appreciate, but we’re a strange crowd. I’m not concerned about green as a color, but I would not bet on the aesthetic longevity of skeleton hands and wave dials. The early iterations of this design (from the 90s) are pretty dated looking now…

McBeardy · Jun 21, 2023

Annapolis
This is definitely a buy what you like situation—not what’s trendy or what you’re ‘supposed’ to have in order to complete a collection. (You sound like someone who buys watches to wear, not to hoard.)

That said, if you’re worried about something being a fad that will eventually look dated, the Speedmaster is the no-brainer choice, as it’s already time-tested and the differences between models from 1960s and today are ones only Omega aficionados would care to notice. The Seamaster, on the other hand, evolves generationally and many of the older models most certainly do look dated now. —In ways some of us appreciate, but we’re a strange crowd. I’m not concerned about green as a color, but I would not bet on the aesthetic longevity of skeleton hands and wave dials. The early iterations of this design (from the 90s) are pretty dated looking now…

That is a fear of mine regarding the Seamaster. I’ve been close on the last 2 generations but always been put off by something, then when the new generations get announced I find the old ones look dated.

McBeardy · Jun 21, 2023

Donn Chambers
As someone who has owned and flipped 4 Speedmaster variations (two older Pro models, a Mark III, and a Flightmaster), I think I have a unique perspective on your question. I kept buying them because I thought I should have a Speedmaster in my collection. But there was always something I didn’t like, so I flipped them. Of course, I was buying more than a decade ago when prices were substantially cheaper.

The point is, if you didn’t connect with the Speedy you had, you likely won’t connect if you buy it again. And at MSRP (or even a nice discount), that’s still a lot of money to be spending on something you’ve already tried before.

For me, I concluded a Speedmaster wasn’t the watch for me. That is, until Omega released the First Omega in Space edition and I tried one on. Then it was instant love. And I still have it, after 7 years. Omega puts out so many different variations of the Speedmaster, if you wait, they’ll probably put one out that you will like. Just be patient.

Good point. For me I love the lyre lugs so that rules out the FOIS. The new 3861 ticks a lot of boxes for me, especially the sapphire version maybe in my haste before I felt it didn’t feel its value.

gearjockey · Jun 21, 2023

I currently own both. I have two versions of the Speedmaster Pro (vintage and modern) and one Seamaster 210.32.42.003.001.
Modern Speedmaster was the first watch I ever bought almost 30 years ago so I will never give that one up. The sea master is the watch I reach for nine times out of 10 in the morning. It is absolutely bulletproof-reliable, very accurate and impervious to the kind of activities that I subject it to. Biking, skiing, shooting, gym, etc.
I had recently thought about selling it and getting the older 40 mil version 2531.80 but decided against it because I realized how stupid that was. It’s essentially the same as my current Seamaster with a less capable movement-just slightly smaller-only because I heard somebody else talking about how great it is. I have a 7.25 inch wrist and it fits perfect on my wrist. I love the bracelet, especially with the micro adjustable clasp. I also have a mesh that I interchange with it but I prefer the OEM bracelet. I have never thought about the HEV. That and the bracelet are modern Seamaster signatures.

absherman13 · Jun 21, 2023

I’ve got both as well. But my speedy is a 1957 60th anniversary edition, and my SMP is the older version of the wave dials (pre-laser cut, and pre-ceramic). Like my two children, I love them both equally. Even when I choose one over the other some days 😁

I realize the vintage-style speedies (like this, the 321, the FIOS) don’t have the lyre lugs, but if you’ve got an SMP to check that box, maybe it’s worth considering a different kind of speedy? My two cents.

JetLinks · Jun 21, 2023

Go with your gut for right now and enjoy it because your feelings can change over a year or two. I've always been a fan of larger watches but then more recently warmed up to smaller(ish) 40-42mm watches and now appreciate them all.

My first Omega was a chunky Bond SM Chronograph from 2000 (which I wore continuously in my early 20's and will never sell) and then I got my beloved 44mm Racing Speedmaster. I actually sent my first Speedmaster back because I thought it was too small..... now 5 years later my last 3 watches have been a Speedmaster Rising Sun & Japanese Racing along with the 41mm vintage Seamaster 300!

I feel like a standard Speedy is an absolute must in any watch collection (and I give you credit for trying to keep a sub-4 piece collection) but Im a big fan of that green SMP so if you need any encouragement to tip the scales, I'm all for it!! 😀

Whichever you pick, enjoy it!

Aroxx · Jun 21, 2023

What’s your other diver? The easiest answer is to get both. Then the only question is which one first. 😀

s2000_driver · Jun 22, 2023

I see this posted all the time about buying on bracelet first and adding rubber strap later is cheaper. As far as I know this does not apply to Omega watches. The price of watch on bracelet + strap + clasp is about the same as watch on strap + bracelet. At least in the US that is the case...

Most stainless steel bracelets ~ $750
Rubber straps ~ $250
Pin buckle ~ $50
Foldover clasp ~ $250

The price difference between watch on bracelet and watch on strap pretty much reflects the cost of individual parts. If there is a difference, I'd say it would be no more than $50.

All I am saying is, buy what you really like. Do not convince yourself to buy a bracelet if it is not your cup of tea.

bpsmith · Jun 26, 2023

People regularly say they hate the bracelet.

I must be on my own as the bracelet is what first drew me to it after I saw someone wearing one. Saw that before the case and dial. The rest just cemented the deal, HEV included.

amazonwall · Jun 26, 2023

I now own both of them, but I originally chose the Seamaster because you can literally wear it anywhere, including underwater. It just requires a little less fuss and caution, so it’s really a great watch for someone it’s starting to collect and wear nice watches.

gearjockey · Jun 26, 2023

bpsmith
People regularly say they hate the bracelet.

I must be on my own as the bracelet is what first drew me to it after I saw someone wearing one. Saw that before the case and dial. The rest just cemented the deal, HEV included.

I don’t hate the bracelet, I love it. I enjoy the HEV as well. Those are what makes it a Seamaster.
I think people who say they don’t like the bracelet probably don’t own it or like to follow the herd.

bpsmith · Jun 26, 2023

gearjockey
I don’t hate the bracelet, I love it. I enjoy the HEV as well. Those are what makes it a Seamaster.
I think people who say they don’t like the bracelet probably don’t own it or like to follow the herd.

Totally agree. I was indifferent about the HEV before purchase, but now think it’s integral to the Seamaster design.

would look odd without it.

Thoughts between Sea & Speedmaster

McBeardy

fiberguy

McBeardy

rudagger

Aroxx

Donn Chambers

Donn Chambers

McBeardy

Annapolis

McBeardy

McBeardy

gearjockey

absherman13

JetLinks

Aroxx

s2000_driver

bpsmith

amazonwall

gearjockey

bpsmith

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