Hey guys, I'm looking to buy myself a pre owned/ vintage speed master while I'm on vacation in LA. There's one in particular that has caught my attention http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com/watches-for-sale/a/a/10288 it's from 1976 and the store is reputable with a full two year warranty and very good reviews. They also have another speedy but it is a modern one from 1993 http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com/watches-for-sale/a/a/10301 and one more http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com/watches-for-sale/a/a/10079 from 1998 They all look to be in very good shape. What are you opinions of the asking prices? I like that this shop is very reputable and has the 2 year full warranty. One more question is how much more usable is a newer speed master than one that is 40 years old? Can the newer one take more abuse? More water resistance? I plan on wearing the watch every single day, and the vintage one from the 1970s is mega cool to me. Anyways thanks for your advice!
That -76 is expensive, but nice - it has an earlier dial variant (flat S in Speedmaster) that looks nice on the wrist. If you could pick it up for $3000 you'd do all right. Out of the three here, that's the one I would choose. The 1993 watch is an automatic Speedmaster Reduced; we have seen many people here who own them and express an interest in selling them in favor of the original Speedmaster Professional, and I expect you'll find the same result! The 1998 watch has luminova dial lume, which is white (whereas the -76 is a nice, creamy yellow patina). It's old enough that it probably won't make a difference re. water resistance compared to the -76. The Speedmaster has never had much of a reputation for water resistance, so while it can be worn daily without issue, it's best not to swim or shower with it on.
Thanks for the information! The '76 is the one I really want..I'm checking it out in person later, let's see what I can do.
Keep in mind the -76 may have been produced anytime between 1976 and 1979 or so (if that's important to you)