Omega

During my recent stay in Geneva , I visited the Omega boutique to have a look at the new Reverse Panda Speedmaster , ref. 310.30.42.50.01.004 and compared it to the Hesalite variant, ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001. The lighting conditions were terrible (very ha...  

I am not into vintage or care about the historical correctness, so I'll go with the Panda, and sapphire crystal is even better.

Best, Emmanuel

As your first speedy the classic model may be more attractive. In my experience plexi does better under natural light and may not be able to give its best indoors, especially in the type of environment you described. Finally, with regards to the caseback,... 

But I could definitely see myself starting a Speedmaster journey with the Panda version. On which watch would you like to install your sapphire caseback? Best, Emmanuel

I think the plexi makes more sense for me (my Sinn 103 also has a plexi which I like very much). I bought the caseback in anticipation of buying the plexi and replacing the caseback to be able to admire the movement.

I wish you the best for the acquisition of the plexi, then!

It’s not a watch high on the priority list. I would have loved the second generation Snoopy but am not willing to pay the current market rate, apart from that i can intellectually appreciate many but they largely don’t work that well on my wrist and the s... 

Best, Emmanuel

But having succeeded at a public tender some 60 years ago as the only thing worth pushing about a proud brand like Omega I find very reductionist 🤷🏻‍♂️

and retains a bit of a more relaxed (i don't dare to say tool) approach. Nothing wrong with all the others variations but can get lost into it personally!

But I had to be honest concerning my feelings here: for whatever reason, the Panda felt attractive in the end. Best, Emmanuel

Why? It highlights how closey arranged the registers are. I prefer a panda dial with some space between the registers. Just looks much better to me. As for a general Speedy comment, I own the white dial and remain enthralled with it. I previously owned a ... 

I think you have a point concerning the close arrangement of the counters. And there's no denying that the white dial variant is very appealing. Best, Emmanuel

White coated on the regular black dial is understandable. Black on my white dial. I appreciate Omega for getting these details right! PS, on the white dial, I really feel it looks much better with straps than bracelet.

Good to know about the strap with the white dial: I’ll have to remember trying this next time!

But there are so many variations it should be possible for most people to find at least one if not more that they like. I had an Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 (trying saying that fast after a few drinks) which was a Ceramic Speedmaster ... 

It's interesting to know that legibility ended up being a problem on your Speedy (a point to always have in mind, I guess). Best, Emmanuel

Marc

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Omega does amazing jog with the finishing on their ceramic cases and the laser ablated dial was really special but as I said if I can't easily use a watch for its primary purpose telling the time it has to go. Marc

. . . even though I can and do enjoy variations on a theme. Especially this one . . . . . . which I had a chance to acquire eighteen years ago on its original white gold bracelet. Don't ask about the seller's price . . . it hurts to think what I passed up...  

including the 25th anniversary white dial and the recent regular production one. By “preference for classicism”, do you mean the hesalite Moonwatch Professional or a vintage piece? In any case, I really thought I would prefer the hesalite, but ended up fi... 

. . . are limited or homage editions, all of which I like. The point I was trying to make is that I'd prioritize a 'classic' regular production version over any of them. Art

I would save up for the VC Overseas reverse panda, with its amazing glossy/glassy black dial. I do like both these Speedies though, particularly the reverse panda. Thanks for the pictures Emmanuel. All the best, Jon

but the price is 3.5 x more, there’s a date at 4:30 which I don’t like and I think the watch is less wearable for smaller wrists like mine. On the good side, it has a 15bar WR and the watch is finished to Geneva seal standards. I guess it’s a matter of pr... 

But looks wise the new one. I like black lacquer, onyx, enamel for a dial vs matte most of the time. The subdials look great too.

you would like the new Reverse Panda. Best, Emmanuel