Grail in trouble
So ever since I’ve seen Omega Speedmaster I’ve made it my “have to have it” one day watch and that was it, never did any research, figuring when the time comes that I can afford it, I’ll pick one (there are just so many of them).
I still can’t afford it but recently I researched it, mainly because I’ve seen a post about it being on a larger side (I have 6” wrists) and discovered Speedmasters were all manual! Never knew that, felt ashamed. Never owned a manual watch, just automatics and quartz. My first thought was a disappointment, not only it looked huge on a photo I found of a 6” wrist person wearing it but it was also a manual. It has been a week or two of me thinking “Is manual such a bad thing?” or “Can I still pull it off?”
Then I learned about Speedmaster Reduced, checks all the boxes, right? Smaller, automatic but I just know myself, I will always want the Speedmaster that made me fall in love and the Reduced is going to be just a compromise.
How about you? Have you had a similar situation? Did you still buy it?
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
I've haven't made up my mind yet, it's in the works. Only a matter of time 😂
There is no harm going into an Omega dealer and trying one on. There are also many iterations of the Speedmaster, but if you are looking for the Pro, then yes, trying it on is likely best.
I think the reduced is great! It should fit your wrist well and is at a better price point than the moon watch. Do take note of the following:
It’s a modular chronograph movement, so the crown is not aligned with the pushers and it could be more expensive to service. That said, the modular movements are slimmer than the Valjoux based movements.
The case back is snap on and the water resistance is 30m/50m depending on model.
Earlier models have the old style friction lock clasps
Earlier models have hesalite crystals
It’s not the moon watch with the Speedmaster Professional branding. If it that matters to you and the Professional is your grail, go for your grail, otherwise everything else will be a compromise.
I don’t think I even knew about the Moon factor when I first saw it, more like I just fell in love with how it looks and made it my “will have it one day” watch. So I think Reduced will always feel “not it”
I agree with what others have said, try it on to see if you like it and, unless being a more authentic homage to the Moonwatch with all the branding is important to you, the Reduced is a good option if you don't want a manual wind watch or the Pro is too big for your wrist.
With respect to the manual watch, the Speedy is my only manual but I love it. Winding it every time I wear it gives me a little time in the morning to appreciate it all over again.
Also, don't worry too much about hesalite. For me, hesalite is what I wanted because that is what went to the Moon. Also, while it scratches easier, the scratches are easy to buff out (with a little polywatch) and it is less prone to shattering.
Good luck and welcome (or welcome in advance) to the club.
If you are looking to buy new then the current pro is a little smaller lug to lug but to be honest don’t worry about the size it’s supposed to be a large watch made to do a job and do it well. It was enormous compared to the norm for most of its lifetime. It’s a wonderful watch and will look exactly how it was intended to look on you. I enjoy a manual wind mostly it puts a calm moment into my day where I just take off the watch look and admire it and wind it and think of nothing else. You will love it especially as you are working to get there it will be a great achievement to complete your dream
Well it’d say it depends. Sizewise the 3861 is quite „small wrist friendly“, I can easily pull it off with a 6.5“ wrist, but having a 6“ wrist you should definitely try it on several times and see how you feel about it. Regarding the hand winding, personally I would not want to wear it as my one and only watch and having to remember winding it every single day, but in a rotation I don't bother. I find one of the main problems is the crazy price hikes the Speedy has recently undergone. 🤯
Edit: having said that, I still absolutely love mine. No watch is perfect.
Never had that experience myself, but yes the Speedy will be very large on you.
I wouldn’t think of the Reduced as a compromise. It’s still an Omega Speedmaster. I understand wanting the Pro, but most of the Pro models are technically getting further and further from that 1969 watch despite appearing to be the same on the outside.
So while I understand wanting the Pro at all costs, try to consistently apply your reasons for wanting it and you may find the Reduced has just as much heritage as the Pro.
I think the reduced is great! It should fit your wrist well and is at a better price point than the moon watch. Do take note of the following:
It’s a modular chronograph movement, so the crown is not aligned with the pushers and it could be more expensive to service. That said, the modular movements are slimmer than the Valjoux based movements.
The case back is snap on and the water resistance is 30m/50m depending on model.
Earlier models have the old style friction lock clasps
Earlier models have hesalite crystals
It’s not the moon watch with the Speedmaster Professional branding. If it that matters to you and the Professional is your grail, go for your grail, otherwise everything else will be a compromise.
If these points are an issue for you check out the 3523.80 Speedmaster triple calendar. It is the same size as the reduced but with a true (non module) chronograph movement based on the ETA/Valjoux 7751. That means the pushers all align with the crown and it should be easier to service. It has a sapphire crystal and push button clasp. The case back/WR is the same. Here’s mine on a single pass nato.
https://www.omegawatches.com/media/pdf/watches/product-sheet/us/en-us/35238000-en-us.pdf
I’d buy either one of budget permitted. I kinda want both actually.
I have some smaller vintage watches. Of those, my favorite? An Omega 'Jumbo' (38mm) from the '40's. Otherwise, I'm just not as drawn to the smaller ones anymore. With an 8" wrist, I only buy 40mm '+' minimum sizes. But based on scale, the smaller watch case sounds like a good fit for you. Remember though, not all the same size watches wear the same. Happy hunting.