Hi Everyone this is my first post and my first foray into the world of Omega. I have been a small time watch enthusiast in the UK for a few years. My very small collection includes the ubiquitous Seiko skx007
And Vostok Amphibian
among others.

The thing is I have now been given some money from my brother in law in order to buy a watch as a very special gift, kind of in rememberance of his wife (my sister in law) who passed away a few months ago from cancer. It is an incredibly generous gift and I really still cant quite believe it.

I now find myself in the position of being able to buy a Speedy, something I never would have imagined!

Anyway I was looking at models around year 2000 but budget is creaping up and I now see that new or 1-2 year old 311 models with hesalite and solid caseback and full pack are available for around £2700-£3000. I guess if it still has some Omega warranty I cant go wrong, or can I?
I have been researching for sometime and would only buy from a reputable dealer in the UK.
Any comments and advice would be greatly appreciated as, being a gardener with limited funds, I have never spent this much on a watch before and it is a bit daunting. And no I wont be wearing it whilst gardening!!!

 

Don't get too hung up on year on a recent one as there isn't much difference but condition is all important. The watches haven't fundamentally changed since the mid 1970s other than lume which i will come to. A serviced 1998 3570 is a much better buy IMO than an untouched 2010 model of similar cosmetic condition all things being equal, unless the 2010 is cheap enough to price in a service. A recent watch still under warranty is also a good idea but will still need a service when 5-8 years old so bear that in mind whatever you look at. The big changes to be aware of are that the dial went from Tritium to luminova around 1997 and then a huge box set was introduced around 2013 with a corresponding price rise, otherwise the watches are pretty much the same other than some minor bracelet differences.

 

Thanks for the advice. Servicing is an issue so I need to make sure its in great condition to start with, me being a newbie!

 

I happen to really like the early to mid 90s versions. They tend to develop great lume patina.

 

I see what you mean but as an inexperienced watch buyer/collector I worry about any unseen problems the watch may have whereas a watch under warranty seems a safer bet. Especially if price is the same. I guess more expert buyer would be more confident.

 

If I may? For your first, if your funds permit, purchase new. AD, boutique or OF member. Create the history, the patina the bumps and bruises yourself. But, please wear it. And...post a picture/image.

Have fun
-kfw

 

Buy the one you want, anything in the last 20 years is good. If you can get one with warranty do it for your peace of mind. If you get the bug you can always sell the modern and put it towards a older one.
Solid watch with not many issues so don't sweat it.

 

For an "easy" and safe purchase, go with one of the trusted dealers on the forum. You'll get a good price on a brand new Speedmaster. If Tritium is important for you, go with a 3590, but those take some looking/knowledge since you need to know what to look for (polishing etc...)

If you buy new, from a trusted source; then you know you're getting everything "right"

 

Thanks kfw I like that "create the history yourself" after all I do intend to keep it.
Wise words indeed.

 

Cheers Standy

 

All the best.

Have fun.
-kfw

 

Thanks Dan I really dont know what I'm looking for in terms of polishing, patina etc.
Are there any uk dealers that members can recommend?

 

You can buy new for that price.

 

Yeh only just realised! Cheapest new I've seen is around £2700-£2800

 

I don't believe that @mdgrwl or @Kringkily are UK based, but I'd start with them. Many forum members have worked with them giving them solid reviews. Look at the for sale section on OF, or contact them directly.

 

Buying from a non EU seller if you are UK based will likely lead to a big VAT bill on import so it may make more sense to buy at home or in Europe, unless the non EU option is that much cheaper.

 

Yeh I agree I cant see that it would be worth importing from the US. And I'm a bit old school and woild actually like to see and feel what I'm buying before handing over the folding stuff!!

 

Agree 200%

 

Believe me, I know where you're coming from. I recently bought a TinTin from Kringkily, and despite his excellent reputation it still took a leap of faith to wire those funds to someone I've never met, for a watch that I'd never touched. Happy to report it all went swimmingly, but yeah, trepidation for sure.