Which Speedy should I go for?

redzer007 · Mar 21, 2016

Hi All,

I'm a recent member, and I've always figured a Speedy would join the collection at some point, but reading the passionate speedy odes on this forum has reinvigorated my desire.

I'm not after a grail and I'm not looking for something in particular. I'm looking to tick the box so to speak. I have somewhat narrowed down my shortlist - to models.

This is not going to be a quick process, I will decide on the model, squirrel away the required funds and then start and exhaustive search procuring only when I find the right watch at the right price.

the shortlist is as follows

1. Moonwatch - 3570.50 (I think that's the model number)
2. Triple Date - 3520.50. I especially like this for the GMT feature (I travel frequently and have to track different TZs for work phone calls etc, but I do see the point that some consider the dial busy)
3. Moon to Mars -3577.50 - Not 100% on the dial think I need to see one in the flesh
4. Automatic (not sure on model number - are all reduced 39mm? )

At the moment they are probably in order of preference. with regard to Moonwatch, can anyone confirm the model that was standard in 1975 (may make this a birth year watch) - failing that whats peoples opinion on best value moonwatch years?

Also with regard to movements - is the Moonwatch and inhouse movement? I have read that the triple date is modified ETA (which is OK, I'm actually a fan of the 60s Valjoux chronos)

thanks for the input and what I'm sure will be fair and balanced responses.

Redmond

KstateSkier · Mar 21, 2016

1975 moonwatch would have been the 145.022 reference. The movement was an 861 movement. They seem to be a good value these days because 145.012 were 321 movements which have blown up in popularity/collectibility/price recently.

My own observations are the closer you get to the 80s 145.022 the more the dial patina's with a green hue rather than a yellow. I have a 79 that is sort of in between but I love it.

Sans box/paperwork you're looking at a pretty affordable piece. However if you get into great condition with 1171/633 bracelet, box and paperwork all original you're going to pay a little more, albeit still affordable.

If I was you, start shopping for a birthyear speedy and don't look back! The 145.022 is an amazing piece to have and wear. Triple Date and autos don't really "do it for me".

Check out one of our member's site http://speedmaster101.com/145-022/ for a ton of info on references, movements and his pretty accurate pricing guide.

Best of luck on your search!

gemini4 · Mar 21, 2016

You can't go wrong with the Moonwatch - 3570.50 . It's one of the few that I bought new and it's my daily beater.

ulackfocus · Mar 21, 2016

Hey, is this another Speedmaster thread? Imagine that!

immustard · Mar 21, 2016

Have you considered a display back model? I just got my first speedy professional and I love the display back(seems a shame to hide such a lovely bit of engineering) the movement is gilted in these models, get one made before 1998 and it also uses tritium so you get a nice aged look on the lume, look for a 3592.50 or 3572.50 you then get the hesalite crystal as well 😉

gemini4 · Mar 21, 2016

U ulackfocus
Hey, is this another Speedmaster thread? Imagine that!

We keep testing you. When you don't notice, we will know that dementia has set in.

gemini4 · Mar 21, 2016

redzer007
Hi All,

I'm a recent member, and I've always figured a Speedy would join the collection at some point, but reading the passionate speedy odes on this forum has reinvigorated my desire.

I'm not after a grail and I'm not looking for something in particular. I'm looking to tick the box so to speak. I have somewhat narrowed down my shortlist - to models.

This is not going to be a quick process, I will decide on the model, squirrel away the required funds and then start and exhaustive search procuring only when I find the right watch at the right price.

the shortlist is as follows

1. Moonwatch - 3570.50 (I think that's the model number)
2. Triple Date - 3520.50. I especially like this for the GMT feature (I travel frequently and have to track different TZs for work phone calls etc, but I do see the point that some consider the dial busy)
3. Moon to Mars -3577.50 - Not 100% on the dial think I need to see one in the flesh
4. Automatic (not sure on model number - are all reduced 39mm? )

At the moment they are probably in order of preference. with regard to Moonwatch, can anyone confirm the model that was standard in 1975 (may make this a birth year watch) - failing that whats peoples opinion on best value moonwatch years?

Also with regard to movements - is the Moonwatch and inhouse movement? I have read that the triple date is modified ETA (which is OK, I'm actually a fan of the 60s Valjoux chronos)

thanks for the input and what I'm sure will be fair and balanced responses.

Redmond

This is something certainly worth considering. @blubarb 's 3570.50
https://omegaforums.net/threads/fs-speedmaster-3590-50-full-set.37418/

Edit: Sorry, it's a 3590.50 full set, with a TT dial. nice!

Texas_Tom · Mar 21, 2016

U ulackfocus
Hey, is this another Speedmaster thread? Imagine that!

Shocking! What type of Speedy should I get since that is the only thing that Omega makes.. right?

redzer007 · Mar 21, 2016

Texas_Tom
Shocking! What type of Speedy should I get since that is the only thing that Omega makes.. right?

I already own a Seamaster Professional, an f300 cone, a Seamaster 30 and a 14713 (what are these actually called?) . (plus about 25 other bits and pieces)

redzer007 · Mar 21, 2016

immustard
Have you considered a display back model? I just got my first speedy professional and I love the display back(seems a shame to hide such a lovely bit of engineering) the movement is gilted in these models, get one made before 1998 and it also uses tritium so you get a nice aged look on the lume, look for a 3592.50 or 3572.50 you then get the hesalite crystal as well 😉

thanks for the suggestions - good ideas

Taddyangle · Mar 21, 2016

I would go with a Speedy Professional birth year. Normally you can determine year by extract, or by serial. Or for that matter if with original papers, date sold. And in some cases the -xx number. Basically any of these are used as an excuse to buy a speedy.

Seriously, the speedy pro will most likely to more speedy pros. So keep that in mind.

Archer · Mar 21, 2016

U ulackfocus
Hey, is this another Speedmaster thread? Imagine that!

Hey, is this another comment from ulackfocus on a Speedmaster thread? Imagine that! 😉

cimo · Mar 21, 2016

Perhaps my approach is a bit backwards, but I would say to decide on the size you want first.

The references you mention are not all the same size (some 38mm, some 42). I find that this makes a big difference when I'm trying on a piece.

Second I look for condition and my preference towards a particular dial. I much prefer a moon watch dial over any of the reduced or triple date variants. The spacing and overall use of dial real estate just feels better to me.

Of course this is all a matter of preference. Lastly, I like to do some imagining. I imagine that I've already made my decision and am wearing the watch I just (hypothetically) bought. If I find myself thinking/wishing it was one of the others then I don't pull the trigger.

dc_in_sf · Mar 21, 2016

redzer007
3. Moon to Mars -3577.50 - Not 100% on the dial think I need to see one in the flesh

There is a thread from a few years back that tends to suggest that at least some Moon To Mars dials might be subject to a bit of fading.

I'm not a fan of this particular dial, the chrono registers on the speedmaster are not the easiest things to read in normal circumstances, whacking some screen printed graphics underneath doesn't help. Putting a graphic on the small seconds (which really serves no purpose in a chrono other than to remind you that the watch is running) is much less annoying, and probably why so many Speedy LE's go this route.

destroid · Mar 21, 2016

Hessalite Speedmaster Pro and then decide from there. I have a small wrist and the Speedmaster Pro 42mm wears just fine, especially on a strap.

ReturnOfUltraman · Mar 21, 2016

Another vote for the classic Speedy with Hesalite. Can't beat it.

cicindela · Mar 21, 2016

U ulackfocus
Hey, is this another Speedmaster thread? Imagine that!

Aw, nuts.

Moonwatch78 · Mar 23, 2016

I'd vote for the Speedy 145022 but then I'm biased. I have a 1978 with 1171 bracelet. It's a beautiful watch, lots of character and personal meaning to me, historic connections. But as always, be lead by your heart and soul on watch choice (provided budget can stand it) and go for what speaks to you. Good luck!

sky21 · Mar 23, 2016

The late 70's 145.022 is a very nice mix of vintage charm and looks with budget friendly prices. In fact, some of them can be purchased for less money than a brand new speedy. I would also consider that reference.

Jminchoi · Mar 23, 2016

Do you live near an Omega Boutique or dealer? Make sure that you try them on and take photos on your wrist. In the end your opinion matters most. Unless you are a collector and just want to store the watch, I'd say go for something that you'd actually wear and looks good on you.

Which Speedy should I go for?

redzer007

KstateSkier

gemini4

ulackfocus

immustard

gemini4

gemini4

Texas_Tom

redzer007

redzer007

Taddyangle

Archer

cimo

dc_in_sf

destroid

ReturnOfUltraman

cicindela

Moonwatch78

sky21

Jminchoi

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