Let's talk Omega Speedmaster Professional

[jscottyk]

I've got a hankering for a Speedmaster Pro. I know that TooTall does as well. While I think I'm pretty familiar with the history (the wiki entry for them is great) I'm curious about what you watch folk think.

Moon, Pre-Moon, one of others? Which is the most desirable? Which is the best deal? Is there a model to avoid?

Discuss.

[jr59]

As long as you are talking Pro, they are all very good. The pre-moon with the 321 movement seems to be more collectable.
But you have to watch what you are doing. There are a lot of incorrect watches out there, ones that have been cobbled together.
Chuck Maddox use to have a site that was very good. I don't know if it still exsits or not. I know Chuck passed away about 5 years ago or so.

The 861 movement seems to pick up a little speed in the collecting market. Not like the 321 but still a little.

IMO; the 861 is better. Parts are still get able, and not out of sight!

I can't speak of the new movements, because I have not played with them enough to tell you one way or another.

[jscottyk]

..Chuck Maddox use to have a site that was very good.

Thanks for that reference. Looks like an index of his articles is still active.

Not really looking for a collectible like the 321 although they are very nice. I want a manual wind with no date function that is serviceable; sounds like the 861 movement maybe the ticket.

[DrZRM]

I loved my moon version, but I finally decided that I really like having a date function on my watch, and that I prefer automatic movements to manuals (I'd forget to wind it as all of my mechanical watches were autos except for that one). After a few months trying to get used to it, I found a guy with a Speedmaster Broad Arrow that he wanted to trade for a Speedy Moon. It's a little "blingy-er" with the silver bezel, but it has the complications I appreciate. Who knew I'd be so bothered by the lack of a date function.

So I now have this watch:



and here was a side by side comparison as I was making the final decision.



I think all the Speedy's are awesome, just be sure you appreciate the complications you get.

[jr59]

I've got a hankering for a Speedmaster Pro. I know that TooTall does as well. While I think I'm pretty familiar with the history (the wiki entry for them is great) I'm curious about what you watch folk think.

Moon, Pre-Moon, one of others? Which is the most desirable? Which is the best deal? Is there a model to avoid?

Discuss.

The speedy in this pic has had it's hands replaced. They appear to be the correct hands, but the watch is worth less because of the replacement hands.
FYI;

[jr59]

There is still a lot of good info on that link.

A little harder to find but still there.

You will not be disappointed in the workhorse 861 movement.
They just work. Like Campy 10 speed stuff, it just works!

[Too Tall]

Way to go mister. We are both thinking in similar fashion. I'm in no rush.

[jscottyk]

Resurrecting this one. Anybody picked up a Speedmaster Professional since this thread last saw the light of day? If so, what'd ya get?

Discuss.

[Wisco]

Ah, the Speedmaster. I fell in love with this watch and now have a couple. To me, the venerable Speedy is one of the iconic watches of all times. Great movement. Strong tie to history (NASA). Unchanged design, but with subtle improvements under the hood.

You can't go wrong with a cal. 861 manual wind model. I'm wearing a mid-1970's cal. 861 Speedy today.

[dashDustin]

I enjoyed Speedmasters.

Till I saw the upcoming Dark Side of the Moon. Holy damn that's a hottie. That's a must have.

[Matthew Strongin]

Damn. That's a great looking watch.

[Matthew Strongin]

Dark Side causes me to break into a cold sweat

SP_Moonwatch_DSotM_31192445101003_vueC_1600x900.jpg

How could it not. That would be an excellent choice.

[zetroc]

Please stop bumping this. I just got my tax refund.

[Matthew Strongin]

That's so great, Eric. A modern classic.

[Too Tall]

Dustin, I'm convinced. That's frickin' great.

[zetroc]

I'm going to be in close proximity to the Omega Boutique in SFO in a few hours. Help.