A 'serious' review: The New Omega Speedmaster '57

Hi Crunchers - happy SuperBowl Sunday!

A short time ago, I created a write-up about an Invicta watch I've had for a while. It was a sarcastic, comical review which I believe some of you enjoyed. I certainly appreciated the feedback and had a good time writing it.

It was also a bit of a warm up to this: my first serious review - and in this case - of a serious watch. I'll explain:

My watch collection is comprised of watches with sub $1k MSRPs and lower selling prices. More than a few of them were bought on a whim.

When my wife and I got married, I not-so-casually mentioned I would like to have a special watch to commemorate the occasion like her engagement ring and wedding band would.. However, the timing wasn't right. So I've been patient, and enjoying my Eco-Drives and (more recently) my Seiko 5s and a few others. One day I'll do a "state of the collection" posts.

In early January, to celebrate various things, my wife suggested we start doing some research. This was a pleasant surprise for two reasons - 1) yay watch! 2) she was interested in learning about watches with me and she had not expressed much interest in the subject previously.

On day one, we had an appointment at an AD for several brands - we were sent there by a friend who has a 'significant' collection of watches.

This was our first 'luxury' watch experience. We were guided through a few different brands, learned a bit about each of them, and of course I tried on several watches. We discussed with the advisor that I was looking for a very versatile, classic look. And, ideally, something with a bit of a complication (I mentioned chronograph or GMT as examples). This Omega was among the ones I tried on at this shop. It was an instant 'click'. Both my wife and I were drawn to the slightly-uncommon green finish on the dial, which seems to vary depending on the lighting, the clothes I was wearing, etc.

Equally appealing are the sharp hands and hour markers. They appear to be very intricate and applied beautifully. The trim is impeccable.

From a design standpoint, the sharp text and black accents on the dual and bezel add enough interest and contrast against the green and silver. I love the dark date-wheel - white might have been ok, but nah.

The concentric chronograph minute and hour hand in the right sub-dial is a very cool complication, with the small-seconds on the left.

The case is 40.5mm, so it wears nicely and has some mass on the wrist without being too bold. It's not very thick either (there is no rotor...). The combination of brushed and polished metal is beautifully done, both on the case and the bracelet, keeping things interesting.

Speaking of the bracelet, that is the only area where I have any quibbles.

First, I find it a bit thin, as it starts at 20mm and tapers in a bit. The links are manufacturered very precisely, but they have a bit of an edge. Also, while it has an easy micro adjustment for extending the bracelet, there are only two positions. I'll be trying it with a leather strap shortly for fun and will see how it feels.

I wanted an exhibition caseback, but didn't expect to end up with a manual mechanical movement. I do wish there was a bit more to see back here, but the Arabesque machining / finishing is beautifully done and I know that there is a serious movement behind the plate. The Crown is a little small - I wish it was a little wider and bigger given that it's a manual watch.

I haven't time-graphed this watch, but it's been exceptional at keeping time. I have been winding it daily. The quick-set feature is neat for adjusting the hour hand.

Now... We didn't buy that day... We looked at a few other stores over a couple of weeks and I tried on a variety of other pieces, but while there was another watch I really liked (Panerai Marina BiTempo) it's additional cost and 'heavier' appearance left the Omega at the top. I looked at other Speedmasters as well, as I know I'd like several of them... But the three-dial Speedys are a little more common, and this '57 has a different character.

Based on my experience shopping for this watch, I have a few tips to share to others who may be new to the premium watch segment:

• If you don't feel good about the salesperson or shop you're in, leave. You should receive some guidance, some suggestions, maybe some advice, not just a hard-sell

• Try on as many as you feel you need to. But, if something really catches your eye and sticks to your brain like a parasite, that is probably the watch you want.

• Be open to suggestion - there are now a few watches on my wish-list I may not have considered previously, and I have an appreciation for some aspects of watch design I may not have previously considered.

• Finally, prepare to adjust your watch-buying habits. You may end up deciding to save more money over a longer period to acquire something mid- or high-end rather than just 'another' watch to fill a spot in the watch case.

Thanks for reading.