Hi Guys,
I am planning on buying my first Speedmaster (and real watch). Next Saturday I have an appointment for an Omega Speedmaster Ref 345.08.08. The buyer is asking 4000 euro, but since I cannot find a lot of selling info about this watch I would like to know what you guys think of this deal? Watch seems to be in perfect condition, price includes box and 12 months guarantee.

Edit: This watch is from 1995, its the 18 jewel edition with a 1479/812 bracelet/

 

Other, more knowledgable folks will chime in, but I believe that is essentially a 3592.90?

I have no connection to the seller, but here is one for sale here that is cheaper (no box however)

https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...nal-3592-50-tritium-with-gilt-movement.80960/


Not that there is anything wrong with a saphire sandwhich, but think about if that is the Speedie you want

Also the type of bracelet that it comes with can really impact the fair price. If you don't know these things, then perhaps you're not quite ready to buy.

 

It's usually referred to as a 345.0808. I think 4K euro is a dealer price for this watch; there's 3 of them currently on chrono24 for similar prices, and you can do better with an OF seller like @Kringkily (modulo warranties, etc.). Of course, condition, bracelet and box/papers may make the difference as well.

The 345.0808 is a Hesalite sandwich predecessor to the 3592.50, I'm not sure what the differences are other than model number and details like the back engraving. Is there a reason you want this specific model?

 

The crystal is clearly hesalite, but I have to agree, the asking price is rather steep, especially for a polished case like that.

 

1) Why this model and not the 3592.50 as others mentioned? Is it because of the patina?

2) Why sapphire caseback? I don't think this is true to the speedmaster's true heritage.

But it's your choice...

 

I am no expert but I thought the 3592.50 was later than the 345.0808. The early 3592.50s had apollo XI markings (1990-1995). If the 345.0808s were 1985-1990 didn't they have copper color movements while the gold was used much later? Did the case backs start stamped as Professional then Apollo XI then back to professional around 1995? I am so confused. The picture of the case back looks gold to me and definitely printed "professional".Like a later (95+) 3592.50. I am curious what bracelet is attached.
Edit. Found this for more info
http://www.moonwatchonly.com/omega-...iews/the-first-steel-model-with-display-back/

 

I don't know everything about the model, but here's what I do believe I know: the first release of the 345.0808 was a 1,000 watch numbered limited edition with the copper 863 movement. After that there were some number of releases with gilt/yellow 863 movements with minor changes to the text on the back. And eventually the 3592.50 was released without major changes from the later 345.0808.

Since I have an excuse, here's my copper 345.0808:

 

So there were 17 jewel gold 863 movements? The more I learn about the hesalite models with exhibition case backs the more realize how little I know.
The pics I find of your reference either hv Apollo or no Apollo. Not professional wording. Thanks for the info and pics.

 

The possibility of the hesalite crystal in front, while still be able to see the movement is something is like.

 

The speedy comes with a 1479/812 strap, how does dat impact my fair price?

 

Are you 100% sure the case is polished?

 

1. I like the 3592.50 to, this watch is just very close to the area I live. Actually I would prefer a watch with less patina since that makes daily wear less painfull.
2. Being able to see the momevement is something I like

 

I've been doing a lot of shopping for a speedy pro lately too, and from what I've seen you should be able to find one of these in like new condition for closer to €3000 on this or other forums...

 

If being able to see through the caseback is all you want, then it would be more economical to get a standard hesalite speedy and convert it. But if you care about resale value you should go for the 3592. Though the 345 would be better in that regard.

 

It’s not all that I want, I also want a hesalite crystal and a trituim dial. Seems like a great option or would you recommand me getting a vintage speedy without transparant back?

 

Vintage speedmaster all the way!!!!

...Because again I've restated this elsewhere but, the speedmaster wasn't really meant to be mated with a sapphire caseback IMO. I've come to view them as more of a kitsch nowadays. If the speedy went on sale initially with a sapphire caseback it would never have been selected for testing by NASA. Astronauts need not stare at the movement in their space walks. The speedmaster would cease to be a tool-watch.

Though I do admit I did like sapphire casebacks before. Then my friend told me he hates them and I asked why, he replied, do you think astronauts need to look at the movement in space? Do divers need to look at the date in their dive watches, are they doing a special operations underwater for more than a day? (probably not.) Then after that I changed my view.

But I do admit, it is a cool movement, and it's nice to look at a mechanical wonder. However I think there are better watches to stare at the movement through, like Patek.

If looking for vintage speedmaster, start at speedmaster101.net and do some reading.

 

www.speedmaster101.com

Or the quick link

www.sp101.net

 

I like the sapphire case backs and have installed quite a few on my Speedmasters including the vintage ones. I enjoy to see the wonderful movement in operation whenever I wish, and I can always install back the original metal one if I get the opportunity to head out to space

 

I am wearing an identical watch today. If it is 1995/18 jewel it is not a Ref 345.08.08 but a 3592.50 to the best of my knowledge.
I had no intention of buying this model when I first started searching but the charm of the movement won my over. Yes this type was never used by NASA but neither were practically all of the versions over the years.
The bracelet is very light compared to the recent one and the yellow tint tritium is very attractive to me. I would look at this watch. Check the serial number on watch/box/card.
I would also definitely look at the one currently listed here. Not sure of your location though. Keep us posted.