Speed master Conundrum
So I just visited my Omega boutique. Saw the Speedmaster 57 (pictured alongside the moonwatch) in the flat black dial. Loved it. I think it’s slightly overpriced at £8,100 but Omegas prices have rocketed this year in general.
My issue is this - I don’t feel right buying any version of the speedmaster before owning the original Moonwatch.
Now I know some will say “just buy what you like” and I usually agree with that. But I feel like I’d be missing out on the heritage of this amazing watch by buying a variant of it rather than the actual thing itself, despite how beautiful it is. Btw I like both and want both but can’t buy both 😩.
Anyway I’d like to hear everyones thoughts.
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I’m definitely in the buy what you like camp. That said I own a Speedmaster 3861. I LOVE it and if I only could have one, then that’s what I’d get. If I could afford both, that would be cool. But if I only had the ‘57, I’d always be wondering about the moon watch. But that’s just me. I say go with your gut.
You don't wear "heritage" and your potential Moonwatch has done no more in its time than the '57 you're drawn to.
Buy the one you actually want, and forget about the "heritage" hype. It's entirely a marketing gimmick to get people to buy watches, combined with social media peer pressure.
I agree with KristianG! You could always buy the more expensive one, and sell it to buy the cheaper one if you don’t jive with it.
Unless the Moonwatch was your dream watch or you really want a piece that has a connection to the Apollo program (homage to the original), I agree with others and say get what you like.
In other words, if the heritage is personally significant and meaningful to you, weigh it against how much you like the other watch. If not, ignore what others or internet wisdom think you should get first and get the watch you want.
FYI, I own the Moonwatch because it is my grail (personally very significant). However, I tried on the 57 at my AD 2 weeks ago and it's really making me think I need to watch the Apollo 11 Documentary again to re-capture the feel from my childhood.
The Speedy '57 (I tried on the one you have pictured) is a really sweet watch. The price is a bit annoying, but I also understood it once I saw the details/specs. It also felt more impressive on wrist than the moonwatch, in my opinion. I'm tempted to buy it instead of the moonwatch, though I have other watches I'm considering. Although I'd love to own both, I don't think I have to own a particular watch first.
If I had bought the sapphire sandwich or the CK2998, I would probably still own a Speedy. Just buy the one that appeals to you most.
To me, the term “heritage” means “the story you get to tell” about the watch. Does it make the watch better than another? Only if the story is one you like to get to tell because you identify with it and it means something to you. If not, then its about price, specs and aesthetics. What checks the most boxes for you?
I bought the regular old Speedmaster with the hesalite for exactly this reason. I think this choice is a pilot knowing yourself and your situation. For me, I assumed the next time I was in the market for a $5-10k watch, I wouldn’t get a second Speedmaster. Given that this was probably my only one I went as close to the original as they make now. So if you think you might buy a second one, get the 57 and see if you still want the regular later.
As cool as it would be to own the moonwatch, it is not required. Wear the moonwatch in the store for fifteen minutes or so in order to get the feel of it and then leave with the 57.
I thought I wanted the original moon watch because of the history with NASA space program. Twice I walk into AD and tried it on along with other omega options and ended up buying what I would love wearing.. Moonphase speedmaster and Planet Ocean GMT
You have to get through a little hurdle to truly enjoy the watch experience. Let me explain.
I was born on the day that Neil and Buzz landed on the moon. So the moonwatch had more than the average amount of significance to me. Ever since I started watch collecting, I was drawn to it, but it took me a long time to attain the financial position to buy one. Before that, I had bought quite a few budget watches - mainly Orient, Seiko, Casio etc.
Then one day I bought a vintage Timex that had a very small case, and it changed by view on size and fit. By the time I was in a financial position to buy the moonwatch, I went into an Omega store and quickly realised it was too big, and I would have wasted a lot of money when the novelty wore off. I eventually bought a speedy reduced, which I absolutely adore. It was cheap to buy, and I know the servicing is expensive, but I've got the watch I truly like and not the one that I was told I should have.
TL/DR; Buy what suits YOU
Go with the 57. I had this one on the wrist and is stunning. you're right the price on the steep side but for me that design of the 57 is killer. The moon watch is great but common, your unlikely see a 57 passing in the street
No. #moonwatch or nothing. There are no other #omega watches (except maybe a Seamaster yacht timer). 😜
Buy the watch you like. You don't have to buy a moonwatch, its not a right of passage. There are tons of them out there, be different. I personally like the first omega in space very much, its not that popular, but I loved the way it looked and its a good size a 39mm. So thats what I bought. I prefer it significantly more than a speedmaster professional. I do like the 57 a lot, but in the blue. I’d like to try that one on.