First vintage luxury: Rolex 6694 or Speedmaster Reduced
So I am looking to get my hands on my very first vintage luxury and boils down to 2 watches within my budget:
1. Rolex 6694: I’ve always wanted a rolex, it’s kinda like a dream watch I had ever since i’m a kid. The new Rolexes are a pain to get, and probably at the moment I’m not willing drop that much money to get a submariner or a grey market day-date, so the 6694 has that classic Rolex look and I really like that clean vintage look. As shown in the photo, I found this beautiful (tropical/topical?) dia 6694. Love the looks, only trouble is it doesn’t come with any certification.
2. Omega speedmaster reduced: Another watch I’ve always fascinated by the looks and history. Obviously this is the smaller version of the Speedmaster Professional, but that was too big of a watch for me. The reduced version has the looks and the size, only trouble is it’s pretty tough to find one here where I live that comes with the original authentication card, but I encountered one yesterday, so its trigger pulling time.
The photos shown in the poll are the exact watches I’m looking at, the Speedmaster Reduced is lightly polished, comes full set at around $2400, the Rolex 6694 is watch only, I’m assuming it’s polished/touched up and cost around $1950.
Any wisdom is well appreciated! Edit: Retaining the watches value is also a concern as I’m probably will want to resell at certain point to upgrade my collection in future.
Been watching too much watch Youtube videos, but the wallet only allows a Seiko 5. Which is still a great looking watch.
Have you tried on a Speedy Reduced? I have smaller wrists and was curious recently so I just went to the mall and tried on a Reduced and a Professional - I gotta say the Reduced felt too small (for what it is). I was surprised, but it didn't feel right to me. Let a big watch be big, I guess. I'd go with the Rolex either way. A classic.
Have you tried on a Speedy Reduced? I have smaller wrists and was curious recently so I just went to the mall and tried on a Reduced and a Professional - I gotta say the Reduced felt too small (for what it is). I was surprised, but it didn't feel right to me. Let a big watch be big, I guess. I'd go with the Rolex either way. A classic.
I have not tried the reduce, the dealer says the watch is in another state, so probably I have to request to try it on.
I’d always go for a watch I prefer to worrying too much about the papers. And for value retention a Rolex is unbeatable. Be a little less scientific and follow your heart.
I have not tried the reduce, the dealer says the watch is in another state, so probably I have to request to try it on.
You could try on a different example with the same dimensions just to get a feel for it. There is probably one somewhere near you. But overall just go with what you feel more drawn to.
Can’t go wrong with either one. Just bear in mind that the Speedy has very shallow water resistance
If you like the reduced check out the Triple Date. Beautiful blue dial and a solid movement. Reference 3523.80
Good luck 🥸
I’d say the Rolex, but just because the Speedmaster reduced gives me the vibes of seeing glass-wearing people without their glasses on.
I had a FOIS and I didn’t gel with it. I could not comprehend the buzz around speedmasters. I assume the full sized one is much more solid feeling due to its heft. The fois felt inadequate, or somewhat watered down.
So I think go authentic speedy, or not at all.
The Rolex is the real deal. Out of these two, the Rolex would be my choice.