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Thoughts on buying a Speedmaster

R
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I received a Tag Carrera Calibre 16 in 2010 as a graduation gift and I have enjoyed wearing it pretty consistently through the years. I haven't really had a desire to buy a new watch until recently. I thought I would buy a Rolex but was quickly brough up to speed on the whole scarcity and AD situation. I got on the list for a GMT, but the only other model I am interested in is the Daytona... but that isn't feasible from an AD with on relationship. I started looking at the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch and I am really drawn to it... but I realize I am kind of buying the Omega version of my TAG watch. I don't think I could sell my TAG because of sentimental value and its probably not worth all that much anyway. As far as style, I like GMT, chronograph, and to a lesser extent - diving watches like the submariner. But I don't like the submariner enough to spend what they cost. Is TAG kind of a sub par brand in the eyes of watch enthusiasts? Thoughts on whether I should consider the Omega or something else? If I do go for a speedmaster, what is the best value play in terms of buying new or lightly used? (Will dealers come off MSRP?)
 
PlanetExpress
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R razor488
I received a Tag Carrera Calibre 16 in 2010 as a graduation gift and I have enjoyed wearing it pretty consistently through the years. I haven't really had a desire to buy a new watch until recently. I thought I would buy a Rolex but was quickly brough up to speed on the whole scarcity and AD situation. I got on the list for a GMT, but the only other model I am interested in is the Daytona... but that isn't feasible from an AD with on relationship. I started looking at the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch and I am really drawn to it... but I realize I am kind of buying the Omega version of my TAG watch. I don't think I could sell my TAG because of sentimental value and its probably not worth all that much anyway. As far as style, I like GMT, chronograph, and to a lesser extent - diving watches like the submariner. But I don't like the submariner enough to spend what they cost. Is TAG kind of a sub par brand in the eyes of watch enthusiasts? Thoughts on whether I should consider the Omega or something else? If I do go for a speedmaster, what is the best value play in terms of buying new or lightly used? (Will dealers come off MSRP?)
I suggest spending some time with different boutiques or with ADs who carry multiple lines, go out and try some stuff on. You may fall in love with a Speedmaster the first time you put it on your wrist, or you might say “nah, never want one of those,” both are correct, as it is your decision. Maybe a Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a Daytona enough vibe to scratch that itch, or maybe a Zenith El Primero is, go try them and find out. I thought I like Panerai, but leaned when I put one on my wrist that it just isn’t for me.

If you live near a major city, spend a day watch shopping, take photos of what you like and dislike, make notes and think it over. If you don’t live near a major city, make watch shopping part of your vacation plans.

As for whether to buy new or used, that’s up to you. Want the boutique experience? Buy at the boutique and talk them into some extra straps or swag to make up for the lack of discount. Want the is store experience but to save some $? Buy at an AD and negotiate a discount. Want the cheapest possible price? Hit the grey market or used, just be sure it’s a well trusted seller.
 
boogedyboo
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How is a Speedmaster the Omega version of your TAG watch?

It is hard for anyone to tell you what to consider as a watch's appeal can be very subjective. However, a Speedmaster is a very solid choice as there is a lot of history behind it and it looks beautiful on a bracelet or a leather strap. As mentioned, it would be better for you to physically try on the watch at an AD before making the leap.

There are also many variations of Speedmasters so that's another rabbit hole there...
 
H
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R razor488
what is the best value play in terms of buying new or lightly used?
This is the most personal part of the decision to buy a watch, in all honesty. There are great arguments for both sides. If you know that you're never going to sell it and it's going to travel with you through the rest of your life, there's a very real appeal to having a brand new never-worn piece. On the other hand, if you think your taste is subject to change and/or the price of a current reference is too much to swallow, a used example is a great way to get your foot in the door without that much of a day-to-day difference - especially with a Speedmaster, which really has only had a handful of major changes until the calibre 3861 shook things up considerably as the first Speedy to move away from the Lemania-evolved family of movements.

I chose the latter route with my recently acquired Speedy, as a first time "nice" watch buyer who has wanted a Moonwatch since I was kid, and got a 3570.50 reference from the year 2000 in nice enough shape. I am not sure if it will be the one that I keep and bring with me for 40+ years into the future or if I will land on a 3861, but I wanted to finally give the Speedy a try as the pandemic-era market inflation cooled off a bit.
 
big case
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if you buy a Speedmaster Professional and later come to the conclusion, that
your decission was a mistake - no problem: thus watch is easy to sell
 
Felix_La_PuBelle
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Buy what gets you excited. And only you will know what excites you. If you don’t know then try to see, hold and wear as many different watches as you can until you find one that excites you. There’s no replacement for seeing a watch in person and experiencing how it makes you feel.
 
Tekashi_145.022
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To echo the great advice in the thread, try the watch on before you buy - whatever it may be.

R razor488
If I do go for a speedmaster, what is the best value play in terms of buying new or lightly used?

Preowned Speedmasters can be had at great prices, especially the previous generation, but the stress-free experience of buying new with the accompanying warranty is also worth considering.

R razor488
Is TAG kind of a sub par brand in the eyes of watch enthusiasts?

The Heuer brand’s chronographs are steeped in a rich history and looked warmly upon by collectors. I have seen many eye-watering collections nearing 100k in value that proudly boast several TAG Heuer chronographs (the Steve McQueen Monaco seems nearly ubiquitous in chrono-heavy collections). I will say several of these collectors don’t hold the non-chrono TAG models in such high esteem - not saying this is right or wrong, just what I’ve observed... (I will say my Aquaracer’s fit and finish is a clear step below my Seamaster, but it’s still excellent quality and great value for the money). You should wear your TAG Heuer chronograph proudly.

If you haven’t already, a friendly note of caution- research servicing costs if you decide to own more than one chronograph. If you have a great local watchmaker, it won’t sting nearly as badly, but those are in short supply these days. I have considered buying a second Speedmaster, but the long-term servicing costs put me off of the idea very quickly.

Something tells me you may like the white dial Speedmaster… make sure to check that out, too. 🙂
 
STANDY
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Show us the watch you have (pic)

Then we can give you better advice.

My advice is buy something different to what you have. That way you will still wear old faithful.
 
p4ul
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⬆️ agreed. You have a chrono if you don’t want a diver how about a 3 hander…Aqua Terra perhaps?
 
R
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STANDY STANDY
Show us the watch you have (pic)

Then we can give you better advice.

My advice is buy something different to what you have. That way you will still wear old faithful.

IMG_5043.webp
 
Gubbo
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If you're doing a watch shopping day, be sure to go to a Cartier store as well. So many nice choices that you might not think of until you try them on
 
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