[K19BMW]

So as a college graduation gift to myself I want to get a nice watch and I really like the Omega Speedmaster.

Problem is, is that their are so many variants of the Speedmaster that I do not know where to start. My budget is $5000 or less and I was hoping some of the very knowledgeable people on this site could give me some help.

Thank you

[Killramos]

Can't comment specifically on speedmasters though I have a couple sea masters. I love titanium myself. Looks so nice and so light.

Just go with what you like then try and find one! Can't really go wrong.

[finaloption]

3570.50.00 is the one you want. Manual wind. Hesalite crystal. Solid caseback. Can be had easily under your budget.

It depends on what you want.. do you want sapphire crystal? clear caseback? auto/manual? brown dial?

Like you said.. there are so many variants that one loses count.. but the modern classic remake of the moonwatch is the 3570.50

[Killramos]

I highly recommend sapphire on that note. I'm not the most gentle person hut both of my crystals are COMPLETELY scratch free. Not even a swirl.

Also a neat talking point for the watch uninitiated

[bing240sx]

i have a triple calendar and think it's the best everyday watch you can buy... i put it on a cordura strap and rock it steady.

triple calendar is too much for people but i very often want the day / date feature.
i agree that sapphire crystal is the way to go vs. hesalite even though hesalite isnt actually as weak as acrylic.

[dma550]

also second sapphire. I have a 2002 Omega Seamaster chrono daily worn that looks as new.

[finaloption]

personally, id rather have hesalite scratches that can be buffed out with polywatch (plus, in my experience it's overexaggerated as how easily it scratches, mine is flawless after a year of frequent wearing and i wear my watches pretty rough) over sapphire that can shatter and cost way way more than hesalite to replace

i also like the look of the hesalite over sapphire on the speedy pro

up to you..

[Killramos]

Originally Posted by finaloption

personally, id rather have hesalite scratches that can be buffed out with polywatch (plus, in my experience it's overexaggerated as how easily it scratches, mine is flawless after a year of frequent wearing and i wear my watches pretty rough) over sapphire that can shatter and cost way way more than hesalite to replace

i also like the look of the hesalite over sapphire on the speedy pro

up to you..

How often do you hear of sapphire shattering?

[K19BMW]

Originally Posted by finaloption

3570.50.00 is the one you want. Manual wind. Hesalite crystal. Solid caseback. Can be had easily under your budget.

It depends on what you want.. do you want sapphire crystal? clear caseback? auto/manual? brown dial?

Like you said.. there are so many variants that one loses count.. but the modern classic remake of the moonwatch is the 3570.50

I just looked at this model and it is beautiful, thank you for the recommendation. The only thing I am unsure of is if I want the hesalite or sapphire. I did some research and it seemed like all the true omega speedmaster enthusiast all chose hesalite but at the same time I tend to be kind of rough with my watches so idk.

[finaloption]

Originally Posted by Killramos

How often do you hear of sapphire shattering?

not very often but it's def something to consider if one is worried about service costs

it's comparable to the ceramic bezel vs ss bezel arguments for Rolex Subs

really can't go wrong with either

i tried both on and felt it wasn't worth the extra $$ plus i got a good deal so i went with the 3570

[ny330xi]

Originally Posted by K19BMW

So as a college graduation gift to myself I want to get a nice watch and I really like the Omega Speedmaster.

Problem is, is that their are so many variants of the Speedmaster that I do not know where to start. My budget is $5000 or less and I was hoping some of the very knowledgeable people on this site could give me some help.

Thank you

As was said above, get the 3570.50 if your aim is to get the most iconic (hand wind, solid back, plastic crystal all speak to the purpose built design)...that is THE moon watch. If it's not the history/heritage you're after, then get whichever most appeals to you. You won't go wrong either way. Good luck and congratulations on your graduation.

[bing240sx]

Originally Posted by Killramos

How often do you hear of sapphire shattering?

i've only ever heard of people speculating about sapphire shattering and only on the internet.

[Killramos]

Originally Posted by bing240sx

i've only ever heard of people speculating about sapphire shattering and only on the internet.

That is basically my point.

[TSM330i]

Check these out on watchrecon.com
http://www.watchrecon.com/?query=3570.50

I did a Google search and saw you can get a brand new one for $3,195 from Jomashop.com. Also, if you just let the page open for a minute a $20 off coupon pops-up.
http://www.jomashop.com/omega-3570-50.html

[finaloption]

Originally Posted by Killramos

That is basically my point.

drop your watch on the pavement and let me know how it goes


i have watches with plastic, sapphire & mineral crystals.. i accept the fact that if something happens to them that i will have to pay

if someone is on a budget or worried about service costs, there's no need to pay an extra $1000 because you're afraid you might scratch the hesalite.. it's overblown, just as you think sapphire chipping/shattering is

if you don't care about any of that and want the 3573 for whatever reason.. by all means.. that's all i'm saying

[K19BMW]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

[lesterhein]

Another vote for Sapphire moonwatch. Bumped into a wall wearing mine. Some of the wall came off. Watch is fine

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by K19BMW

So as a college graduation gift to myself I want to get a nice watch and I really like the Omega Speedmaster.

Problem is, is that their are so many variants of the Speedmaster that I do not know where to start. My budget is $5000 or less and I was hoping some of the very knowledgeable people on this site could give me some help.

Thank you

Let me start by saying there is no such thing as a bad Speedy. In deciding which to get, you decision tree should align with what makes the most sense for your lifestyle.

• Movement: Automatic, quartz or manual
  • Basically it comes down to whether you want to wind a watch regularly or not. I have grown so accustomed to not ever having to wind my daily wear watch that winding one when is (1) a pain in the ass, and (2) something I forget to do when I swap out for a manual watch and it doesn't happen to have run out of "juice" while I slept. As a result, I found myself walking around with a stopped watch. I suspect that if one starts out with manuals, one gets into the habit of keeping track of it and keeping it wound.
  • Co-axial escapement movements: They are just as important in the annals of watchmaking as is the manual one on the classic Speedys, perhaps a bit more so. If you just want a nice watch, I wouldn't factor this into the decision as it's only something that esoteric collectors will care about.
• Size:
  • Diameter: 38 mm to 44.5 mm -- This is what it is. Any diameter up to 40mm is what would be considered "normal." 42mm teeters on large and above that is large. My advice: Go with something int he 38mm to 40mm range; that "big watch" fad will eventually pass.
  • Thickness: The co-axial automatic movement watches will be thicker. You'll just have to try one on with a long sleeved shirt and sport jacket to see how you feel about it. I personally prefer thinner to thicker.
• Looks: Basic black/white or colorful
  • Take your pick.

Having said all that, the manual Speedy I'd suggest is the Alaska Project Speedmaster Professional. It has a cool look and it comes with two straps so you can vary the look. You can also buy a black strap for a different look again. (Available new here: http://www.swissluxury.com/omega-wat...2.42.30.04.001)




The Alaska Project watch is a manual. If you are keen for an automatic, I my suggestion is the Speedmaster '57 Omega Co-Axial Chronograph 41.5 mm (331.10.42.51.03.001), but I don't know that you can find it for $5K new, but perhaps pre-owned you could. For an automatic in your price range, I'd say the Speedmaster Chronograph 38mm (324.30.38.40.04.001) or the Speedmaster Date / Day-Date Chronograph 40 mm Date (323.30.40.40.06.001).



All the best.

[K19BMW]

Wow that alaska project is awesome!

Right now its between the original speedmaster, speedmaster Model number 32632405004001, and now the alaska project

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by K19BMW

Wow that alaska project is awesome!

Right now its between the original speedmaster, speedmaster Model number 32632405004001, and now the alaska project

+1 for the Alaska project. It's stunning!

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-...y-1024966.html

[TSM330i]

Did you ever get your Omega?

[Devious21]

This is more than $5k, so it's just eye candy but they also announced the companion piece to the "Dark Side of the Moon", named "Lunar Dust". I like both of those watches.

http://www.fratellowatches.com/speed...-caliber-9300/