Speedmaster Buyer’s Guide
One frequent question asked on the watch forums is "I like Speedmasters but I do not know which to choose !"
This little buyers guide try to help you to make a choice in the large range of speedmaster line
Buying a new Speedmaster
If you want to buy a new Speedmaster you will have a large selection of models to choose from, here is a selection of the most distincive Speedmasters : I have excluded from this list "limited series" models :
I
will sumerize the appreciation of each watch with a table showing the
reasons to choose
and Reasons
NOT to choose each model, I will also give stars 
to each watch depending on their ability to keep a good value on the second
hand market : theses stars have been given observing a very large number of
auctions on e-bay.
– The Speedmaster "Professional"
this is an icon in the whole watch industry , its historical background makes it a real myth
Movement : Omega 861 based on Lemania 1873
The options :
Several options are available for this watch :
Dial : either the "standard" dial or the limited series : this is only a cosmetic change and based on personnal choice
Crystal : The speedmaster professional is available either with the "classic" Hesalite crystal or with a sapphire crystal , the sapphire crystal version is also fitted with a display back and a luxury finish movement . If you are looking for a "dressy" speedmaster this last option is an excellent choice , but if you are looking for a "sporty" watch or the version as close as possible to the NASA version you will probably prefer the hesalite crystal
Bracelet / strap : The speedmaster is sold either on bracelet or strap , I highly recommand you to buy it with the bracelet : if you buy it after as a separate piece it will cost a lot …
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– Because it is THE professional – for its manual wind movement : the Lemania 1873 known to be one of the best chronograph manual wind movement ever produced – because it is the moon watch and its historical background – for is lines which remain nearly unchanged for 50 years and never turned outfashion – Because its excellent price/quality ratio – Because its excellent value on the second hand market
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– waterproof to 50 meters : (30 meters in "display back" version) – because it does not have the date feature – because you do not like manual wind watches
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Value
on the second hand market :
– The Speedmaster "Professional moonphase"
the moonphase add the date and moon feature to the Professional , it shares the same base movement and offers a "dressy" alternative to the moonwatch
Movement : Omega 861 based on Lemania 1873
The options :
Dial : Does exist in white or black dial
Crystal : Sappphire only for the moonphase
Bracelet / strap : (see "professional")
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– Because it is the professional with the classy moonphases – for its manual wind movement : the Lemania 1873 known to be one of the best chronograph manual wind movement ever produced – for is lines which remain nearly unchanged for 50 years and never turned outfashion – Because it add the date feature to the professional – Because its excellent value on the second hand market
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– waterproof to only 30 meters : if you dive this is NOT sufficient – because it alters THE professional model and you prefer "the original" – because you do not like manual wind watches
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Value
on the second hand market :
The Speedmaster Broad Arrow :
The Speedmaster Broad Arrow it the "top of the range" speedmaster , it is powered by one of the best automatic chronograph movement ever produced
Movement : Omega 3303 : made exclusivly for Omega by Piguet
The options :
Dial : the speedmaster broad arrow is aivalable in two dial colors : cream and black.
Crystal : only sapphire for the Broad Arrow
Bracelet / strap : (see speedmaster pro)
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– it is fitted with one of the best automatic chronograph ever produced , whith very high end features : crown wheel mechanism , free sprung balance …. , manufactured by Piguet known to be the supplier of VERY high end movements (Blancpain …) – Because of its design inspired form the very first speedmaster – Because of its performance with an incredible accuracy (it is rated chronometer and the majority of users are more than delighted with the accuracy) – Because it offers automatic and date feature – Because it is rated 100 meters waterproof – Because of the cream dial version which is unique in the speedmaster range |
– Its price one of the most expensive speedmaster on steel – because you are afraid of the issues Omega have faced with the very first models (see "33xx" article on this website )
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Value
on the second hand market :
The Speedmaster Racing :
The Speedmaster "Racing" go back to the roots of Speedmasters , before beeing "space" watches Speedmasters where marketed as "drivers and sporty" watches, the "Racing" offers the fabulous 33xx movement in a simplier finish
Movement : Omega 3301 : made exclusivly for Omega by Piguet (same as the 3303 except the finish)
The options :
Dial : carbon fiber
Crystal : only sapphire
Bracelet / strap : (see speedmaster pro)
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– it is fitted with one of the best automatic chronograph ever produced , whith very high end features : crown wheel mechanism , free sprung balance …. , manufactured by Piguet known to be the supplier of VERY high end movements (Blancpain …) – Because of its performance with an incredible accuracy – Because it offers automatic and date feature – Because it is rated 100 meters waterproof – Because of its unique carbon fiber dial
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– because you are afraid of the issues Omega have faced with the very first models (see "33xx" article on this website ) – Because you do not like Michael Schumacher !
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Value
on the second hand market :
The Speedmaster X-33
The Speedmaster X-33 is one of the most sophisticated quartz watch available on the market , it is a real wrist computer
Movement : Omega 1666 made exclusivly for Omega by ETA
The options :
Dial : only one dial version is available
Crystal : only sapphire for the X-33
Bracelet / strap : on this one no hesiatation : buy it with bracelet ! buying the titanium bracelet after would cost a fortune
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– Beacause of its unique features with multiple alarms, countdown … – Because you want to have "the same watch as the modern astronauts" – Because you want a high end quartz multifuntion watch and you feel the X-33 with less "bling" compared to its unique competitor the Breitling B-1 – Because it is in Titanium : totally non allergic and ultra light – Because of its LOUD alarm – Because it offers one of the best readability of all watches : night or day
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– Because you do not want to spend THAT much money in a quartz watch – Because it look "only" funtionnal – Because you prefer the Breitling B-1 – Because quartz watch do not keep their value on the second hand market – waterproof to only 30 meters : if you dive this is NOT sufficient
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Value
on the second hand market (first models) :
Value
on the second hand market (second models) :
The Speedmaster "Reduced"
The Speedmaster reduced offfers the design of the "professional" in a smaller case , but it also exist in a ladies version offering a large choice of dials
Movement : Omega 3220 : based on ETA 2890A2 with Dubois Depraz chronograph module
The options :
Dial : many different dials available particulary in the Ladies versions , including diamond bezel
Crystal : only hesalite crystal for the reduced
Bracelet / strap : many versions of the reduced are only available on straps
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– Because … it is reduced ! if you have small wrist this is an excellent option – Because you are a lady – Because it offer "the moon watch" design and look for a reduced .. price
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–
Because of its modular chronograph module, complicated for maintenance
– Because … it is reduced ! and the trend is to big watches ! – waterproof to only 30 meters : if you dive this is NOT sufficient
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Value
on the second hand market :
The Speedmaster Day / Date
The Speedmaster Day / date was introduced to offer sporty and "young" models to the Speedmaster line , with a complicated dial it a for sure a distinctive watch
Movement : Omega 1151: Based on Valjoux 7751
The options :
Dial : many different dials available
Crystal : only sapphire
Bracelet / strap : Either on bracelet or strap, as the other speedmaster choose it on bracelet as it would cost more to buy it after
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– Because you like complicated dials (some would say "busy") – Because of its excellent price / quality ratio – Because of its features Day, Date , Month , 24 hours display , Chronograph – Because of the choice of colors for dials
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–
Because you do not like the Valjoux 775x and
you want a more distinctive movement
– Because of the "busy" dial – waterproof to only 30 meters : if you dive this is NOT sufficient
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Value
on the second hand market :
The Speedmaster Date
The Speedmaster date is the "entry" model of the speedmaster line , it keeps the original lines and is fitted with a more "economical" but very good movement : the Valjoux 7750
Movement : Omega 1152: Based on Valjoux 7750
The options :
Dial : white or black
Crystal : only sapphire
Bracelet / strap : Either on bracelet or strap, as the other speedmaster choose it on bracelet as it would cost more to buy it after
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the
reasons to choose this one are :
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Reasons
NOT to choose it :
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– Because of its excellent price / quality ratio : many other high end brands charge up to the double price for similar specs watches – Because of its Valjoux 7750 "workhorse" movement – Because you like "simple" chronographs
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–
Because you do not like the Valjoux 775x and
you want a more distinctive movement
– waterproof to only 30 meters : if you dive this is NOT sufficient – Because of the reduced readability due to the metal hands (compared to the white hands)
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Value
on the second hand market :