Omega Speedmaster Watches

[Picard1138]

Gents,

As my wedding approaches quicker than a speeding locomotive, I have decided to treat myself to an Omega Speedmaster watch. This decision comes from my fascination with early NASA and the Apollo programs (and the class and coolness that came with all of that), where after rigorous testing they approved one watch to go up in space. That watch was of course the Omega Speedmaster, which is still certified by NASA to go up and be reliable in space to this day.

All that being said, I don't want to purchase a brand new one, they are still being made, but I'd rather get a used watch with a bit of personality (and half the price, generally).

Does anyone have a good source for these watches other than eBay and the Omega Forums? I'm in the Philadelphia area and would travel several hours to a good brick and mortar store to pick one up as well.

Thank you all for your help!

-Max

 

[mikespens]

This is a compilation of classifieds from the various watch forums:

http://www.watchrecon.com/?adv_form=1

 

[Picard1138]

Mike,

Thanks for this resource. I think this will be very useful!

-Max

 

[ingineer]

Picard;
Be careful and do some homework.
http://www.fratellowatches.com/spee...ed-versus-speedmaster-professional-moonwatch/
Richard

 

[Picard1138]

Richard,

Thank you, I have been and will continue to do so. There are fakes, and reduced sized versions, and all sorts of variations that I'm finding. I am on a mission to get the right thing the first time!

Thanks,

-Max

 

[Landman]

Max, congratulations on your pending wedding and good luck with your search for a Speedmaster. I was a kid in the sixties and fascinated with the astronauts. I drank a lot of Tang as a kid! I've always wanted a Speedmaster too but have never taken the time to do my research. If you find one, please post some pictures and info.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of astronauts and their Speedmasters.

 

[Stearmen]

Max, congratulations on your pending wedding and good luck with your search for a Speedmaster. I was a kid in the sixties and fascinated with the astronauts. I drank a lot of Tang as a kid! I've always wanted a Speedmaster too but have never taken the time to do my research. If you find one, please post some pictures and info.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of astronauts and their Speedmasters.

Oh Tang! I tried some a few years ago, unlike other foods from days gone by, it did not flood me with all my great childhood memories. It tastes awful, all I can figure is, the Astronauts were my heroes so I liked Tang. I have been told since, that it taste great with Vodka. Must be, one part Tang, to three parts Vodka!

 

[Landman]

Vodka and Tang...sounds pretty good. A good name for the drink would be a "Space Station" in honor of the American/Russian International Space Station

 

[RJR]

Try Timezone.com

 

[Talbot]

May I complement you on an excellent choice. There are many Speedmaster models to choose from.

The actual Moonwatch models command a premium these days, however other similar looking models can be picked up reasonably.

I have seen 3510.50 (39mm) Speedy's about on eBay for around USD$1,200. I'm wearing one now.

Omega Speedmaster's are often copied so be careful who you buy from.

If you ever go to the Johnston Space centre, there is a great Omega Speedmaster showcase on the way in to mission control room.

Enjoy your Speedy, and more importantly, enjoy married life!

 

[zzzbrod]

Hi, congrats on the impending nuptials. Married life is indeed wonderful so long as you both care for each other. As for the Omega watch, try this link http://www.chrono24.com/en/omega/speedmaster--mod74.htm

 

[skydog757]

Marriage is indeed a wonderful thing, but I believe purchasing the watch before getting married is probably in your best interest if you really want this watch.

As for Tang, I know that they still make it but I don't know anyone who buys it. Something else that is also still made is Space Food Sticks, although they're more of a novelty item.

 

[Picard1138]

Thank you all! I am now very happily married, and have an Omega Speedmaster. Mine is the full Moon watch (42mm), and is the updated movement that they went to around 1968: The original Speedmaster watches worn on the moon used Caliber 321 movements. By 1968 the Speedmaster was updated to the very similar Caliber 861 movement, which was also used during the Apollo and later space programs, and is basically what is still used today with minimal changes. (see the excellent wikipedia article on the watch here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Speedmaster)

I found my watch on eBay after extensive research on how to spot fakes and the reduced sized versions (which look similar but are very different internally). This watch's serial number puts it in the 1969-1971 year range, and is completely original. I have since had the watch fully serviced, replaced the bracelet with the correct vintage 1171 Omega stainless band, and had a new Omega crystal installed as the previous one was pretty banged up. Here's how the Speedy looks now:



It is set to the Navy master clock, and has been holding time to within one second since it was set last week, winding it once per day. I am wearing it now as my daily wear watch and am looking forward to many decades of service!

-Max

 

[Talbot]

Very nice, and it has gone to a good home!

If you ever get caught needing parts, these folks have lots of OEM Omega: http://www.ofrei.com/page_146.html

 

[Picard1138]

Talbot,

Thank you for the link. I sourced the OEM crown and crystal from Otto Frei. Great company!

-Max

 

[DesertDan]

Congratulations on your new watch (and marriage too!). Perhaps it will become a family heirloom.
I have my father's Seamaster 300 (late 60's era), it is one of my most cherished possesions.

 

[ingineer]

Splendid, You did everything just perfect.
Enjoy
Richard

 

[jamespowers]

Very nice, and it has gone to a good home!

If you ever get caught needing parts, these folks have lots of OEM Omega: http://www.ofrei.com/page_146.html

The best part about Otto Frei is that the place is just twenty minutes away from me. I get parts REALLY fast.

 

[LuvMyMan]

The best part about Otto Frei is that the place is just twenty minutes away from me. I get parts REALLY fast.

O.K. make us all jealous. Does he handle rider mower parts, too? LOL!

 

[jamespowers]

O.K. make us all jealous. Does he handle rider mower parts, too? LOL!

Uh, no.