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Thoughts on speedmaster reduced vs FOIS and other speedmasters

OliverW
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Hello! I've been reading through this thread and found it fascinating - thank you.

May I ask, then, are Elady and Closer two ebay sellers that you folks would recommend? Are there other sellers (UK based, perhaps) that you would also mind pointing us newbies in the direction of? Ebay is a minefield and I am humbly trying to learn, without becoming annoying.

I know there was a thread for 'recommended watches', but (a) I lost it and (b) I didn't find the same for sellers of more modern Omegas - apologies if it's right under my nose.
 
efauser
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Sidnos Sidnos
Thank you both.

@apsm100, forgive me but is there any way of knowing whether it has been serviced correctly?

@efauser apologies, but the vintage form?
I’ll try post pics but not the best at tech stuff I’m using my phone and struggling to post pics without taking screen shots which are rubbish quality!
Not being difficult but if the ebay link is dead it’s a moot option no? or is it just to be useful for future reference for people in the same boat as me?

The watch in second link I posted has already gone so maybe was a “decent one” as it had many days left on the listing!

Thanks again both!

James
It's a typo. Should be vintage forum. The one this thread is in.
 
Sidnos
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efauser efauser
It's a typo. Should be vintage forum. The one this thread is in.
Ah ok, wondered if so but also that I could’ve been missing something!
Cheers for clarifying
 
Sidnos
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@OliverW

Hi,

I too couldn’t find said thread.

Can’t comment on the validity of either of those sellers and like yourself am trying to navigate the rabbit warren of watch enthusiasm without being annoying but at the same time utilising the vast experience and knowledge of the members here.

Perhaps I should amend the thread name as now it’s morphed from thoughts on two 3510s on eBay to a more advice based tack which I think many would find handy.... aside from me

Like a small child with a short attention span I’m now seriously considering the FOIS thanks to the above comments and advice.

I’m looking for a keeper rather than to have for a few months/years and trade so happy to make as considered and well advised purchase when it eventually happens!
 
OHS
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With a modern watch I wouldn't be as worried about the movement as with vintage but I'll let other more knowledgeable people comment on that... Big thing to remember is the 20% import duty you'll pay buying from outside the EU.

Can make deals from further afield much less attractive!
 
Sidnos
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Having spent some time researching the pros and cons of the reduced, it seems that for a few extra quid you can get a new/nearly new FOIS which, seems to be the better choice for me considering what I’m looking to get out of this watch.

Thanks everyone for their contributions and for your balanced advice as ever!

Should anyone have any more advice, sourcing, recommended threads/reading etc please don’t hesitate to let me know and thanks again

James
Edited:
 
efauser
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Sidnos Sidnos
Having spent some time researching the pros and cons of the reduced, it seems that for a few extra quid you can get a new/nearly new FOIS which, seems to be the better choice for me considering what I’m looking to get out of this watch.

Thanks everyone for their contributions and for your balanced advice as ever!

Should anyone have any more advice, sourcing, recommended threads/reading etc please don’t hesitate to let me know and thanks again

James
I have gone in the direction of Speedmaster dates. 39mm Automatic Speedmasters w/date, while being a little more individualistic.
 
apsm100
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OHS OHS
I'm also not a fan of big watches and spent a while pondering the reduced but in the end the odd spacing of the sub dials put me off - one of those things that once you've noticed you just can't unsee!

Initially the price also pulled me in as they are considerably cheaper than other Speedmasters - but as everyone's said above: if you're unlucky and get one with issues it could be a real pain.

Edit: Just read the last few posts. The FOIS is also a great choice!

I’ll plead my case for the reduced (as I have owned one for the good part of 2 years!)

I always found it strange when people lament about the “odd spacing” of the subdials when the same people find love for vintage chronos (40’s 50’s) which have subdials spread to the 3,6,9 o’ clock positions. I’d imagine this is actually a benefit as the subdials are not blocked by the minute and hour hands as much throughout the day. Omega also added the printed minute markers liken to the Mark series Speedys in the 70’s which collectors also don't show much love to.

And although I’m not entirely sure about this, I have read that the cal 1140 is actually quite ‘bulletproof’ in terms of reliability whereas the later calibers, especially the more modern ones, were made with a focus on cutting costs (someone please correct me if I am wrong).

My example (cal 1140) was actually without a service in 24 years. My watchmaker said it wouldn’t need one in the next few years which I didn’t quite believe but it was running quite well (+-8 seconds a day) and the chrono was running perfectly fine so I continued wearing it.

Anywho, its not a Speedy Pro and never will be, but its a darn bargain chronograph that feels great on the wrist and harkens back to the early chronographs— just know that servicing will cost you, well, as much as a chronograph servicing will cost you 😵‍💫
Edited:
 
D6DBC24E-294D-4F40-AA4C-2E8941D385DE.jpeg 1A2C96B7-0C39-4958-837F-457580AF6E01.jpeg F0321ED0-2F32-454D-BEE4-6AD2CA77081C.jpeg
tikkathree
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OliverW OliverW
There are a lot of beautiful 90s (?) Speedmasters on Elady in Japan (e.g. https://mall.elady.com/catalog/product/view/id/350549/); but no pictures of the movements - what do people do in this event? Pay someone to open it up once you take delivery, just to check it's OK?

Most if not all Japanese sellers will answer "sensible" questions. I'm currently dealing (or not!) with a Japanese seller who wont provide photos of the case and crystal which he has listed as dirty and scratched: he says once photographed the watches go into a warehouse until despatch.
Japan to GB sales do attract 20% duty/vat. Also with Japanese listings you should expect no box or papers as the norm, likewise short bracelets and no spare links.
Also most if not all will offer money-back refunds which give you time to get the watch opened and checked by a watchmaker of your choice.
 
Sidnos
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efauser efauser
I have gone in the direction of Speedmaster dates. 39mm Automatic Speedmasters w/date, while being a little more individualistic.
I do agree the date option is sorely tempting as well and thanks for pointing out!

Indeed I like having the date on my watches, incredible how often I use it/forget what day it is!

I have a few vintage watches but am keen on getting a newer piece which I can keep and wear daily, without the in back of your mind “concerns” of a 50/60 year old watch with the rigours of the London tube!

There are so many speedmaster options that you’re spoilt for choice.

My main consideration remains size (not being overly huge) and the vintage look that I admire.
 
Sidnos
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apsm100 apsm100
Edit: Just read the last few posts. The FOIS is also a great choice!

I’ll plead my case for the reduced (as I have owned one for the good part of 2 years!)

I always found it strange when people lament about the “odd spacing” of the subdials when the same people find love for vintage chronos (40’s 50’s) which have subdials spread to the 3,6,9 o’ clock positions. I’d imagine this is actually a benefit as the subdials are not blocked by the minute and hour hands as much throughout the day. Omega also added the printed minute markers liken to the Mark series Speedys in the 70’s which collectors also don't show much love to.

And although I’m not entirely sure about this, I have read that the cal 1140 is actually quite ‘bulletproof’ in terms of reliability whereas the later calibers, especially the more modern ones, were made with a focus on cutting costs (someone please correct me if I am wrong).

My example (cal 1140) was actually without a service in 24 years. My watchmaker said it wouldn’t need one in the next few years which I didn’t quite believe but it was running quite well (+-8 seconds a day) and the chrono was running perfectly fine so I continued wearing it.

Anywho, its not a Speedy Pro and never will be, but its a darn bargain chronograph that feels great on the wrist and harkens back to the early chronographs— just know that servicing will cost you, well, as much as a chronograph servicing will cost you 😵‍💫

Agreed and I’m not writing anything off, the feedback I’ve heard and gleaned from this and other resources erred me towards the FOIS, but it’s equally good to hear of advocacy for the reduced just to balance and keep my mind open.

As mentioned I’m looking to make a considered choice and weigh up all options.

Servicing is part of the gig I agree and indeed I’m never happier than knowing my watch is all set for a good few years having been serviced by someone I trust.

And for me too the layout of the reduced sundials isn’t something that irks me either but, to each their own and very useful hearing experiences and opinions in my situation!
 
WYO_Watch
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Not nearly enough photos in this thread. I don’t have a reduced anymore, I ended up selling it as-is on eBay when the chronograph quit functioning properly. Even when I had it, I wished it was a moon watch. I have since owned several full size and the FOIS. I don’t really notice much of a difference in size, but I’m also not worrying about it or thinking about it. I just wear the watches on whatever strap or bracelet I want to. Here is my wrist with a full and a FOIS.

9ED61E93-F976-47EA-846A-361E841BC398.jpeg AC998A2E-6108-409B-A8D7-D9A6ED3946B6.jpeg
 
Sidnos
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The more rounded profile on the date is very attractive INDEED!

That being said the hands and black bezel of the FOIS are so “up my street”

Great to see live/working examples from the chaps who’ve been kind enough to comment here.

Thanks guys, appreciated!

At this juncture the only thing I’m sure of that it will be, A an Omega and B a speedmaster.... Which is at least a start!

Must admit, slight green eyed monster here. Both you gents have lovely watches.
 
Sidnos
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Hi all,

Soooo, browsing ebay and came across this, don't want to spam the forum so thought I'd add to this thread for those that have contributed (and anyone else) if they wouldn't mind giving their thoughts?

If nothing more than to give some idea of what is "good" or otherwise!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-Sp...240736?hash=item26236f1920:g:wfcAAOSwepNc~M72

There's more pics on Ebay...

Many thanks as ever

James

Back 2.jpg Back.jpg FOIS other side.jpg FOIS side.jpg
 
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Sidnos
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Sidnos Sidnos
Hi all,

Soooo, browsing ebay and came across this, don't want to spam the forum so thought I'd add to this thread for those that have contributed (and anyone else) if they wouldn't mind giving their thoughts?

If nothing more than to give some idea of what is "good" or otherwise!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-Sp...240736?hash=item26236f1920:g:wfcAAOSwepNc~M72

There's more pics on Ebay...

Many thanks as ever

James

Back 2.jpg Back.jpg FOIS other side.jpg FOIS side.jpg

Hmmm...Maybe I should’ve posted this somewhere else/new thread?
 
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