Omega

In my process of seeking my first serious watch I've fallen for the Omega speedmaster, however after seeing the IWC pilot chronograph
I am having second thoughts, as that to lies just within my budget. Could someone share his or her thoughts on the speedmaster, because it seems to me that the IWC is more capable (automatic, magnetic field protection etc.).
Is the speedmaster really that good of a watch in terms of reliability and toughness? Or do you (bluntly said) just pay for the history and the name?

Kind regards,

Michiel

they all have the anti magnetic cover on the movement, but is that really nesessary? they are a good size at 40mm(auto 38mm, but not a real speedy), well made, hard wearing, reliable and not overly expensive. you could pick up a lightly used one for a very good price compared to IWC. i have a 1964 which works perfectly and a 1998 which also works faultlessly. the fact that Ed Whites watch endured a spacewalk, then the Apollo 1 tragedy where all the crew including Ed sadly burnt to death, but was found in the remains still ticking away and continued to work for a long time afterwards. i think that proves how good they are.

probably one of the best Chrono's made with an excellent history.

best

Graham

You're right about the magnetic protection, it is indeed just a luxury gadget (read the conversation about that earlier today). I was just wondering what would happen to such an IWC if you would wonder of into space with it (of course ignoring the fact that it is an automatic). I could imagine that todays watch making technique has advanced so much that there are more chronographs which match the toughness of the speedmaster.
I am indeed leaning to the speedmaster (impressive story about Ed, did not know that yet), however other opinions are welcome.

The crew of Apollo 1 all wearing speedmasters.

Hi Michiel,

Speedmaster hand down. Have you read these excellent articles on the Speedmaster by Jack Forster?

Part 1: omega.watchprosite.com

Part 2: omega.watchprosite.com=

No doubt after reading these, you will never look at the Moonwatch the same way again.

Who knows, you might need to use it in an unexpected life saving situation. When that happens, you can be sure that the Speedmaster will live up to its expectation.

Pat

This message has been edited by patrickau on 2009-04-07 19:24:42

Think that qualifies it.
I had to have one of these before any other modern watch.

Okay, I am convinced, thanks for push in the right direction

The Omega speedmaster is easily one of the toughest watch you can really own. Also the movement is very reliable. Take for  example the earlier Omegas with the Cal 321. These are the ones with the Lemenia movements like in the other highly priced brands.

Henry     

Dear Michiel,

 

All I can add from personal experience is that my 1999 model Speedy Pro is about my only watch that has been completely trouble free. It just keeps working as it should, looks good and is iconic. It is the watch I recommend to friends (particularly if they are pilots) who are after their first good watch. Even plenty of limited editions if you want to hunt down something more unusual.

 

Btw, automatic winding will still function OK in zero gravity because of inertia.

 

Hope you get one.

 

Andrew

I believe the Omega to be one of the worlds most legible chronographs. Period.  If you need to time an event, and not get out a loupe to read event end, this is your watch. 

I too loved the speedmaster and after learning all about the Apollo missions decided on a purchase. I brought this model in Geneva around 98. However after setting the chrono off one day to measure a parking meter the watch inexplicitly stopped. I did not notice for a while then realised it had "hung". I brushed this off as a glitch and forgot about it but a few months later the same thing happened whilst out with some college friends.The watch had stopped whilst measuring a time span - it was highly embarrasing and I remember a colleague laughing at my speedmaster calling it a "dodgy watch" - the ultimate insult!. I was understandably mortified and unable to defend my pride and joy decided then and there it had to go. I guess I should have taken it to a dealer to have it looked at as it was still well within the manufacturers warranty period but couldn't be bothered frankly.It had let me down twice so I sold it to a second hand dealer in Bond - St London who gave me near enough what I'd paid in Switzerland. Theres no doubting the Speedmasters pedigree - I guess I must have been plain unlucky. Its a real shame because I considered it to be a fantastic looking piece - still do.

Better luck with yours!