What is it that we like about new releases?
I think it's reasonable to assume that you who are reading this post would have become aware of Omega's latest release of the Speedmaster Professional with the white dial. Based on my observation, it seems to me that this model is well received by most.
I like Omega as a brand. I also respect the heritage of the Speedmaster. I think this latest release with the white lacquer dial does give a refreshing feel to the existing Speedmaster models that we have gotten used to (ignore for a moment the fact that one with a similar look was previously released, in Canopus Gold).
At first, I couldn't help to get a feeling that Omega is simply fiddling with the colours with no innovation added to the new model, hence didn't quite understand the hype around this (given we already knew it was on its way after spotting Daniel Craig wearing one back in November last year).
Letting this initial thought sink in for a while and then another thought arose - other brands have been doing this for a long time also (i.e. changing dial colours and releasing it as a new model for the new year). And I confess that I have also fallen for these "new models" in the past and still do from time to time.
Makes me wonder if we in general from a psychological perspective inherently tend to be attracted to new releases that we might for a moment forget what we are seeing, or in other words, what's really "new" in the new releases and whether the "new ideas/designs") are worth the money, or quite simply, our attention.
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I think the black one looks cooler, but the white one looks cleaner
They still haven’t fixed my main issue that ultimately caused me to sell my Speedy so the new model holds the same interest as the old… zero.
Enthusiasts say they want innovation, then they buy/praise the same boring watches as everyone else.
Tissot moves more than a million watches a year, and 99% of the catalogue is boring, "safe" watches that sell to normal people.
New colours change the overall look of a watch. That's why brands do it, and that's why people get interested in the new colour versions.
As an example, the standard black Speedy Pro looks flat and "toolish", which appeals to a certain type of buyer. The new white Speedy Pro looks less "toolish", and more premium, which appeals to a different type of buyer. End result; Omega had to spend little money to widen the appeal of the Speedy Pro.
All the hype/enthusiasm/interest in new watch releases is simply the nature of a niche hobby like watch collecting. With this release, on a random Tuesday in March, what else in the watch space is happening today that's more worthy of the attention of collectors/enthusiasts?
They still haven’t fixed my main issue that ultimately caused me to sell my Speedy so the new model holds the same interest as the old… zero.
I’ll bite. What was the issue?
Omega is my favorite watch brand.
I won't buy a watch unless I like it's aesthetic, and there is no doubt that the regular black dial Speedy Pro has a completely different overall aesthetic to the new white dial variant. Even though the movement may be the same, I see them as two completely different watches from the viewpoint of visual appeal. I much prefer the overall look of the new white dial variant, especially with the nice pop of red, but one thing I've noticed from the gazillion photos I've seen is that it's much harder to read the time at a glance compared to the standard black dial variant.
If I didn't already have the black dial version (as well as a white dial Speedy Broad Arrow and and white dial Speedy Racing), I'd be really interested in this new version strictly for the visual appeal. Based on that, I do see this as being a "new" option, worthy of my attention.
Said it elsewhere and I'll say it here:
In a macro sense I think it's fair to criticize and say, "no innovation, nothing new just swapping colors." I say it and will stand by it regarding GS and modern JLC, and many other brands these days.
However certain models aren't meant to be innovative. Iconic models like Speedmaster Professional, Submariner, Reverso, hell even the AP Royal Oak, are selling a piece of history. The people after these watches want one or two or both things: to feel like they are wearing that same piece of classical history, or if they are avid collectors they want minor differences for collectibility's sake or to be "just a little outside" of the norm.
Yes, the white dial speedy pro can be seen as a lazy dial change and sapphire crystal add-ons. But it's what many people will want! If you feel it's straying too far from that "selling a piece of history?" Buy the standard black dial. Want something more technical? Buy a master chronometer, DSOTM, etc. And this white speedy pro isn't even an LE, so Omega isn't pulling that "every LE under the sun" crap again.
I think it's solid, and while I don't want one, I can appreciate it's beauty and it's position from afar.
Interested to know what you mean by based on my observations.
Speedys are black dial.
I’ll bite. What was the issue?
@Davemcc I would also love to know what the issue was.
Enthusiasts say they want innovation, then they buy/praise the same boring watches as everyone else.
Tissot moves more than a million watches a year, and 99% of the catalogue is boring, "safe" watches that sell to normal people.
New colours change the overall look of a watch. That's why brands do it, and that's why people get interested in the new colour versions.
As an example, the standard black Speedy Pro looks flat and "toolish", which appeals to a certain type of buyer. The new white Speedy Pro looks less "toolish", and more premium, which appeals to a different type of buyer. End result; Omega had to spend little money to widen the appeal of the Speedy Pro.
All the hype/enthusiasm/interest in new watch releases is simply the nature of a niche hobby like watch collecting. With this release, on a random Tuesday in March, what else in the watch space is happening today that's more worthy of the attention of collectors/enthusiasts?
Well said. I suppose after all it's the very hobby itself that is bringing us these discussions (chaos).
Interested to know what you mean by based on my observations.
Some quick scrolls on various websites such as Hodinkee, Fratello, etc.
@Davemcc I would also love to know what the issue was.
I find the crown too small, too sharp and too inaccessible between the pushers and crown guard for a watch that needs to be wound every day. A daily winder should be convenient and easy to wind. But that’s just me and it was annoying enough for me to trade my Speedy I within a year.
Omega and it’s loyal fan base seem happy with it so they can have all the Speedy.
Omega is my favorite watch brand.
Despite the increase in prices over the years, I still think Omega makes great watches at price points that make more sense than other brands'.
Despite the increase in prices over the years, I still think Omega makes great watches at price points that make more sense than other brands'.
Amen. Planet Ocean is my Grail.