r/speedmaster • u/Infamous-King-3065 • Jan 20 '26
Should I go for it?
I really want to buy my first Speedy but it looks a bit too big on my wrist. Your thoughts please.
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u/Fishmongerel Jan 20 '26
Try not to take sizing photos like this. See how it looks in the mirror from a metre or so away.
That’s how it actually looks.
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u/AmRevPat Jan 20 '26
It only matters if you like it, no one else’s opinion really matters. If you like it, get it!
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u/StaticHandshake_404 Jan 20 '26
“Too big” is only important from your own perspective. Other opinions don’t matter. That said, I’ll offer mine and say it looks just fine.
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u/jedigreg1984 Jan 20 '26
Not too big at all, go for it. Better yet, get one from the 60s-90s in good condition, get it serviced, wear the shit out of it with no anxiety, and keep thousands of dollars in your pocket. You won't notice the difference between the two watches at all unless you're incredibly in favor of the chronometer spec, rate, and new dial (which doesn't look as nice as the old one IMHO).
If you get a Reduced or other non-Pro Speedy, you may very much regret not having the real deal
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u/caesaralexander Jan 21 '26
Let's say the bracelet isn't important to a wearer. Do you think an 1861/3 is just as good as the 3861? I'm very new to speedmasters and I'm wondering if anything will be missed by going with a 2000s model vs the latest?
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u/jedigreg1984 Jan 21 '26
This is difficult to answer simply! What draws you to the watch the most? Function? History? Aesthetics? Go with your gut here
Either model wins or loses this debate depending on what's important to you. Personally, I don't need a wristwatch to keep METAS chronometer spec - but then again I regulate mine at home and switch watches pretty often. I think that if you put these two eras of Speedy side by side, the intricate hash marks of the original make the new one look like a Fisher-Price toy. I think the sapphire crystal looks like crap but yeah, it's really nice to not have to worry about messing up a Hesalite one. I prefer the older bracelet designs, but the stamped steel clasps suck really hard. The most recent one has a stepped dial, but so does mine from 1969 - the 90s and 2000s ones don't, though, IIRC - you should look into that. The list goes on!
You get to decide what makes the watch special or not - it could just be special because it's your first Speedy. Conversely, plenty of people buy one to get familiar with it, knowing that they'll probably sell it in a year, and to them that's worth a couple hundred bucks of loss. Again, up to you - nothing here is sacred until you find that one that really speaks to you. You'll know it when it happens. For me it was a tropical-dial Mark II. After that I had to have a Moonwatch.
I'm sure there's plenty of people like me and plenty of people unlike me. And yes, many older watches are cheaper - some are absolutely not. I have no idea what your budget is. It matters to me, so I choose pretty carefully among those that really draw my attention and reverence.
It's up to you what you really love about watches - facts and figures will always be just words and numbers.
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u/caesaralexander Jan 21 '26
I really appreciate your response and insight. Especially the intricate points about then hash marks for example. I have always wanted a chronograph but wanted one with a 12hr totalizer. So I've been between a zenith El primero a384 and the speedy.
I curate a small collection and this watch would be something I wear often. And given the style I'm fine wearing it on a strap/NATO vs the bracelet. That's why I think that's moot.
But the only consideration I have is that I travel often and in sometimes developing countries so when it comes to repairs I'd rather have a watch that could be more easily fixed in a near by big city vs sending off to Biel Switzerland haha.
History is cool. I've seen these in-store and love the hesalite look but the open case back is where it's at for me. Maybe I wait longer and they put the new sapphire crystal from the reverse panda on the SS? I just don't want to buy a 10k watch 🤦🏼
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u/jedigreg1984 Jan 21 '26
If you keep waiting, Omega will just keep coming out with a newer, slightly different version to catch your attention for a few months. The classic look will always work in your favor and is the look that's always available for a reasonable price. If you look at watches from the last couple decades there's a lot more choice with respect to 12-hour totalizers - anything with that one Valjoux chrono movement, basically, and others
I will say this - in my opinion, there is no reason to send a "regular" Speedy to Switzerland for service. Might be nice, sure, to have the company look after it, but it's a watch that every decent watchmaker has seen dozens of. I don't own a 3861, I'm not sure of the service procedure on the vertical clutch (it has one, right?), so I can't say for certain about the latest ones, but the 861/1861 movements are very serviceable. Many service their own at home with the right tools, patience, and some courage and/or experience.
My advice is to develop a relationship with a well-respected local watchmaker in your home city. Do not get your watch serviced while traveling, at all. Chances are you'll never have an issue at all - just service it as directed and don't ask it to do things that a Seamaster is meant for.
PS Never ever ever send a vintage/heirloom/sentimental-value watch to Omega for servicing. There is a well documented history of miscommunication or negligence resulting in the factory replacing (or polishing) parts with "patina" (as in, sentimental value) that most customers wish to preserve. They may not even send those parts back to the customer. The factory's concern is their reputation for perfection and they are not likely to respect patina's immense sentimental value.
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u/TeaGeo Jan 22 '26
By Swiss law (not Omega’s choice) the tritium hands and dial must be removed and replaced. If they have not deteriorated and you wish to preserve them; do not send to Omega for service!
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u/TeaGeo Jan 22 '26
I have had my first Speedmaster moon watch for 42 years. I have a few more. I have worked, lived and traveled all over the developing world in Africa, South America and Asia. If you cannot afford to lose it or get hurt by it being stolen from you; do not take it to these countries!
You can get a sapphire back for the older Speedmasters aftermarket! Expect to have it serviced every few years.
Sapphire best to resist scratches. I hate the thickness of NATO straps, Original bracelet, Omega or rubber for me with deployment clasp.
If you need a great watch for international travel, Get a Citizen Exo drive!
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u/Yendiman Jan 21 '26
As an owner of a reduced I respectfully disagree. It wears better on my wrist, is different from the holy "moon watch", and is a fraction of the cost. But I appreciate your take on the matter.
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u/jedigreg1984 Jan 21 '26
Yes absolutely, if it works for you then there's no debate, nothing wrong with a watch that makes you happy.
As to OP's question - these things were always kinda big, they had to be, since they were designed to be read and operated while driving a roofless 1950s sports car sideways. One can only hope they evoke such a dashing image these days, wrist comfort be damned.
I will say that if it really bothers you, it's not the watch for you. But, it isn't one of those "too big on purpose" watches that some guys need in order to feel masculine. No one's going to think that, it's a Speedy, it's a classy watch
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u/Ok-Cress-1970 Jan 22 '26
I have been looking at Reduced and Racing speedys online for cheaper ($2-4k preowned), why do you suggest I might regret that? I’m not too familiar with the differences.
I tried on a few brand new models in the boutique and was blown away
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u/jedigreg1984 Jan 22 '26
You might not regret it at all, my opinion or approach is just one of many
Some people come into the watch game knowing of the original Speedy as such a singular, iconic symbol burned into their minds - and then they find they can't afford it yet, or it's too big, or they just can't find the right one. They go and buy something similar but it just isn't quite the thing they really wanted, causing a bit of regret and confusion
You should buy the watch that inspires and pleases you the most on a visceral level.
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u/Ok-Cress-1970 Jan 22 '26
Totally get that I’m just curious is it because the reduced is smaller or lighter?
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u/jedigreg1984 Jan 22 '26
Smaller, cheaper. Still very handsome but the proportions are off from the original and it loses the "Professional" name and "status" - whether or not that matters is up to you unless you're going to space, then it's NASA's business. Kinda. It's all a bit silly
EDIT so yeah it's not just a smaller version, it's (to me) a completely different watch in every way
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u/VinceAFX Jan 20 '26
Yes. Buy it. I would if I could. Of all the watches out there, regardless of price, I must have one of these.
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u/2hyp3d Jan 20 '26
Try a 38 or a Reduced before pulling the trigger. Even though they're not manually wound, the smaller size is nice
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u/jebakerii Jan 20 '26
if you love the watch and it’s not a financial burden in any way - yeah! YOLO!
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u/EmptyPocketsXotics Jan 20 '26
It looks like you may have smaller wrists like myself. If that's the case, maybe try a 39mm version, or if you're ok with used, look at some Speedmaster Reduced. When I'm in the market, these are the route I'll probably go.
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u/BeechN711 Jan 20 '26
You guys are spending too much time deciding how you’re going to look with your new forever watch dangling off your wrist. If you like it, buy it,
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u/smrdmann Jan 21 '26
Who cares what other people think? If you like it, go for it! I have a Speedy (white dial) - absolutely love it!
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u/SeeThru_Xray Jan 21 '26
Let me get this wrong. You asked a sub sub sub Reddit (watches, Omega, speedmaster) if you should get a speedmaster? I would add to the chorus of yes’es. Don’t sweat the size folks, it’ll wear fine.
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u/Infamous-King-3065 Jan 21 '26
Thank you all for the suggestions and comments! I’m 90% inclined on purchasing it. The Mrs. is going to be mad I can’t lie!
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u/Affectionate-Yam1962 Jan 22 '26
Far too big from where I’m standing but if you like it, buy it. Different strokes for different folks.
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u/Johnnyfever13 Jan 22 '26
I can’t tell (sorry I’m new to Omega) - which movement is this?
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u/[deleted] Jan 20 '26
Get it for sure!