Warning: WUS type question

[Panerai7]

Thanks Jeff and Jeff So I'm assuming the 321 is the one that's super expensive to service? 700-800 is not insane per se but when the watch cost you 2500-3K then 800 is kind of a lot for a service, no?

[jswing]

Really in-depth, thanks Jeff. Narrows down to what I'm looking for as well. Because watchrecon is a mess when it comes to Speedmasters

Art, one thing to keep in mind is they're expensive to service. I normally prefer new or newish watches, but in this case I bought a 13 yo Speedy because I wanted a particular model that has a hesalite front/sapphire back. It needed a service right away, and it turns out I'll end up paying more for an older model than I would have for a new one. TBH, if I were going to buy a Speedy today, I'd just buy one brand new with the new kit.

That's a good point. I'm not sure what an independent would charge, but the last I heard Omega charges something in the neighborhood of $700 to $800 to service the 1861 movement.

I'm paying about $800 to Nesbitt's for a full service, which includes having to replace a few movement parts. I think Omega is closer to $1000 now, and with a long turn around.

[jswing]

Thanks Jeff and Jeff So I'm assuming the 321 is the one that's super expensive to service? 700-800 is not insane per se but when the watch cost you 2500-3K then 800 is kind of a lot for a service, no?

Mine's not even a 321, it's an 1863 and it still costs $800. I don't even know what a 321 would cost, I'd never buy a watch that old.

[demer03]

Vintage Speedy....all day every day

What are the advantages of vintage speedy over a BNIB? Besides the price obviously, you can pick up a beat up Speedy for 2k.

I mean 1665, 5513 etc, they don't make those anymore so I get that part, but the speedy looks exactly the same. You can scuff it up yourself in 6 months and make it look vintage. Is it flaking and dusting tritium, charm of breaking all the time, flooding while washing hands? Just curious since I'm currently shopping for a Speedy.

For me it's the stepped dial and the bracelet.

[JBZ]

Thanks Jeff and Jeff So I'm assuming the 321 is the one that's super expensive to service? 700-800 is not insane per se but when the watch cost you 2500-3K then 800 is kind of a lot for a service, no?

I don't know how much a 321 would cost to service. I would assume it would be more expensive since it's more complicated and older. The $700 to $800 fee would be for the modern movement (at least that's what I think Omega would charge - and good independent could probably do it for less).

Also, you're not going to find a 321 Speedy for 2.5 - 3K. The "cheaper" ones (model 145.012) in good condition are listing at around 5 - 6K, last I saw.

On edit: Other Jeff seems to be more up-to-date on service prices than I am, so I'd go with what he's saying.

[toxicavenger]

I think movement service prices might be a little hyped for these models.

[Panerai7]

Shoot, that's expensive to go vintage route then. Ben, next time you're in Charlotte area, bring your Speedy with you so I can check it out and appreciate it in person.

[jswing]

Thanks Jeff and Jeff So I'm assuming the 321 is the one that's super expensive to service? 700-800 is not insane per se but when the watch cost you 2500-3K then 800 is kind of a lot for a service, no?

I don't know how much a 321 would cost to service. I would assume it would be more expensive since it's more complicated and older. The $700 to $800 fee would be for the modern movement (at least that's what I think Omega would charge - and good independent could probably do it for less).

Also, you're not going to find a 321 Speedy for 2.5 - 3K. The "cheaper" ones (model 145.012) in good condition are listing at around 5 - 6K, last I saw.

On edit: Other Jeff seems to be more up-to-date on service prices than I am, so I'd go with what he's saying.

Only because I had to send mine for service within the last month. You can definitely get it done cheaper than what I'm paying, but I wanted to go with either Omega or Nesbitt's so I knew it would be done right.

[marchone]

Great overview Jeff. Current models Ref. 3570 solid case back with 1861 movement and Hesalite vs 3573 Sapphire Sandwich with 1863 movement, display back and sapphire crystals also add upgraded movement parts and finishing. Sapphire adds height and a cut raised edge where Hesalite is domed for a significant visual difference.

[Panerai7]

Yes, although I'm not a huge fan of plexi I realize that's the only proper way to get a Speedy, so I'm okay with hesalite

[MDF]

Thanks a lot everyone I'm learning a ton from you guys as usual!

[sierra11b]

I own the 3570.50 but the sapphire sandwich is still all moonwatch. Being able to look at the 1863 is a nice bonus. Could always find a 3572.50.

If you need a date get the 3576.50 which is a sapphire sandwich as well with moonphase. Beautiful.

Speedy all the way. It's the one watch I will not part with.

[dukerules]

Speedy is an itch every watch nerd needs to scratch. I had one for a couple of years, and i liked it much more in theory than in reality. I think the true vintage ones, while superficially looking similar to the modern ones are totally different: stepped dials and beveled subdials, along with the vintage bracelets, make a world of difference to me.

[dukerules]

Speedy is an itch every watch nerd needs to scratch. I had one for a couple of years, and i liked it much more in theory than in reality. I think the true vintage ones, while superficially looking similar to the modern ones are totally different: stepped dials and beveled subdials, along with the vintage bracelets, make a world of difference to me.

[mattcantwin]

Speedy is an itch every watch nerd needs to scratch.

I had one for a couple of years, and i liked it much more in theory than in reality.

I scratched that itch twice and often think of giving it another go; cool watch to own.

[sierra11b]

Yep.

Sold my first for profit because I got in soon and used the proceeds for my wife's DJ.

As an aviation and space geek the choice is simple now, especially now that my youngin is as interested in aviation as I was at his age.

[MDF]

I guess I shouldn't have even asked this question as I love aviation especially military aircraft and several years ago I was also fortunate enough to meet Buzz Aldrin at a fund raising/charity event.

Thanks again for all this info. It helps me quite a bit.

[MDF]

Shout Out to Mark (drster) thanks buddy! Needless to say I'm quite happy!!

[JBZ]

Congrats! Great watch and, of course, drster is top notch.

[deepcdvr]

Congrats! Miss mine terribly


-[/url]

[MDF]

Congrats! Miss mine terribly


-[/url]

Damn cool photo Paul, and I'm glad you're back!

[deepcdvr]

^^^ thanks - won't be here long, though - pretty busy times

[Blackdog]

I have not tried either but would like to try the new Speedy moon watch (the classic new one) or the new Auqua Terra what would you go for?

You mean that you don't own a classic Speedy yet ?!?

I'd say you gotta do something about that ASAP !!

[JP Chestnut]

The AT is a pretty generic design while the speedmaster exudes classic cool. If you buy the AT, get it cheap - they don't hold value well.

On edit: an unread necro-post where the OP picked right!

[hidden by leaves]

Congrats. Looks great, and is simply never a bad choice...