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First major watch purchase - Speedy or Seamaster - Please help!

3.7K views 50 replies 39 participants last post by  TwentiethCenturyFox  
#1 ·
Hi everyone,

I've been reading these forums for years, but this is my first post, so apologies if this has been answered before. I know I'm not the first person to be stuck making a decision between the Speedy and the Seamaster. In short, ever since 16 year old me saw the SMP on Bond's wrist, I've wanted one of my own. As I'm turning 40 this year, my wife wants to treat me to a nice watch, so now seemed like the time.

The trouble was, as soon as I started looking at prices (about 2 years ago), I learnt about the Speedy Moonwatch, and I've been caught up in the romanticism of it's stories, the technological and horological feats of it passing the 'ultimate' test of going to the moon. Combined with such a classic style, that will still feel relevant when I pass it to one of my sons, I feel like I can't go wrong. I'm also a big F1 fan, so the motor racing heritage also is a big draw.

To be clear, I don't want a watch that screams 'look at me', but something that is technically interesting, day to day robust (I work in an office, and work out in my Garmin Forerunner), and will go with most outfits. The Speedy seems to fit the bill - as does the Seamaster - and both will look good freshened up on different straps in the future.

As ever, the more you look into these things, the more you come across negative opinions on the Speedy - that it will be tedious / a pain to wind every day, that it's a very basic and obsolete movement and design - riding on it's heritage. That the hesalite will soon become scarred / but the sapphire option has a cloudy edge, so neither are a perfect option. That it's not really that waterproof, and I shouldn't think of getting it wet.

So my head says Seamaster - will take all the knocks, can get it as wet as I like, automatic, in house movement (if I stump for the Master Chronometer). But my heart comes back to the Speedy every time.

What would you do? Have you bought a Speedy Moonwatch and regretted it for any reason? I can't afford to buy both!

Thank you for your thoughts.
 
#3 ·
I've had the speedy earth to mars one. I did like it but the winding can get tedious though some say it's part of their daily routine after a while.

If you like the idea of a speedy, why not go for the automatic ones? There's some interesting ones like DSTOM AND and what not, even some with a moon phase.

But my opinion is already set as you can see in pic below haha

Image


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#4 ·
My first watch was an Omega SMP 2254.50 . Loved the watch dearly. I unforuntately sold that and a few watches later I own a Speedy Pro Hesalite.

They are both rocking watches. I miss my SMP but I wouldn't trade my speedy for one. I bought a Seiko009 for swimming and some extra colour ....

You probably couldn't go wrong either way. They are such different watches though. I like winding it, and polising the crystal is fun. I don't swim with Speedy but I do wash it with baby shampoo and bathe my daughter wearing it
 
#6 ·
My first watch was an Omega SMP 2254.50 . Loved the watch dearly. I unforuntately sold that and a few watches later I own a Speedy Pro Hesalite.

They are both rocking watches. I miss my SMP but I wouldn't trade my speedy for one. I bought a Seiko009 for swimming and some extra colour ....

You probably couldn't go wrong either way. They are such different watches though. I like winding it, and polising the crystal is fun. I don't swim with Speedy but I do wash it with baby shampoo and bathe my daughter wearing it
Thanks RazorFrazer - really helpful to hear from someone who has had both. I don't swim enough for it to be a deal breaker tbh, and I do like the idea of having a connection with a watch that needs a bit of looking after - which it sounds like you have!
 
#5 ·
Thanks - good question re automatic. At the price I'm looking at - and I want to buy new, tbh - that would mean the 40mm Speedy Racing (and I'm not in love with the Clous de Paris detailing on the sub dials), or the 38mm, which I find a little on the small side. I'll definitely check out the Racing next time I go to the dealer, as the one with the silver face does look pretty good - just need to see what the sub dials look like irl.

not fair posting that pic btw - almost sold on the lume alone!
 
#8 ·
I have both, and my speedy is the last watch I’d ever sell (sentimental value). However, if you’re only going to have one watch a seamaster makes more sense. Better WR, thinner, no winding, tougher crystal, etc.

I get the whole emotional connection to the speedy because of the moon, it’s the primary reason I bought one
 
#9 ·
Ah, I’ve also owned both as well. I had a seamaster professional chronograph which I sold (impulsively) to find for an oris. Was a mistake and now I’m back to the SMP although I do think the DSOTM or the moon phase speedy is something I’d like. I also liked the racing speedy as well. Which racing one were you looking at?


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#11 ·
Depends if you only want one nice watch then go Seamaster if you’re up for eventually having two then I’d get the seamaster now and then speedmaster later down the lines. I bought a speedmaster bc of its heritage and what it represented for me at the time so I will never sell it and don’t regret buying it. However it is limited because I cant swim or dive with it. I love the hesalite and winding it every day...it reminds me of the heritage and charm of the watch.


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#14 ·
Hi everyone,

I've been reading these forums for years, but this is my first post, so apologies if this has been answered before. I know I'm not the first person to be stuck making a decision between the Speedy and the Seamaster. In short, ever since 16 year old me saw the SMP on Bond's wrist, I've wanted one of my own. As I'm turning 40 this year, my wife wants to treat me to a nice watch, so now seemed like the time.

The trouble was, as soon as I started looking at prices (about 2 years ago), I learnt about the Speedy Moonwatch, and I've been caught up in the romanticism of it's stories, the technological and horological feats of it passing the 'ultimate' test of going to the moon. Combined with such a classic style, that will still feel relevant when I pass it to one of my sons, I feel like I can't go wrong. I'm also a big F1 fan, so the motor racing heritage also is a big draw.

To be clear, I don't want a watch that screams 'look at me', but something that is technically interesting, day to day robust (I work in an office, and work out in my Garmin Forerunner), and will go with most outfits. The Speedy seems to fit the bill - as does the Seamaster - and both will look good freshened up on different straps in the future.

As ever, the more you look into these things, the more you come across negative opinions on the Speedy - that it will be tedious / a pain to wind every day, that it's a very basic and obsolete movement and design - riding on it's heritage. That the hesalite will soon become scarred / but the sapphire option has a cloudy edge, so neither are a perfect option. That it's not really that waterproof, and I shouldn't think of getting it wet.

So my head says Seamaster - will take all the knocks, can get it as wet as I like, automatic, in house movement (if I stump for the Master Chronometer). But my heart comes back to the Speedy every time.

What would you do? Have you bought a Speedy Moonwatch and regretted it for any reason? I can't afford to buy both!

Thank you for your thoughts.
If the heart says speedy then a seamaster wont satisfy you in the long run, get the speedy
Image


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#15 ·
In my opinion i think both are great options however, i would tend towards speedy on this because i was once a proud wearer until i had to flip, the winding can be tiring atimes but over all it is the best option.
 
#16 ·
You said it yourself that your heart comes back to the speedy every time. I have a speedy and can’t say enough good things. I personally like winding mine every morning and it really does become part of the daily routine in no time.

Also, I know you said you were only looking at new watches but it may not be a bad idea to check the sales corner on here. That’s where I found mine in excellent shape for a fair price. That may get you to the auto speedy price point.

Go with your heart!


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#20 ·
Actually I change my mind...get the hesalite Speedy since that’s the closest you’ll get to the original moonwatch and then get a G-Shock 5000 or 5610 (super cool Retro vibe) for water activities and manual labor!! :)


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#21 ·
Has to be a SMP. I just dont get the love of the speedy but my watches are always in the sea so that also rules them out. The SMP (along with the speedy of course) is a classic watch that is really tough and looks great in all environments. Fairly low profile case, waterproof, accurate and very reliable. I know you can say the same for the speedy but that hesalite is easy to scuff. With the smp you also have a great choice of colours and dials. It goes without saying, but try them on. You may find one just sings to you when its on your wrist. It can also have the reverse effect. I was close to buying the MC and I still love that watch but it doesn't look right on me as the lugs are so long. Best of luck choosing. Get pics on here when you pull the trigger
 
#24 ·
Thanks thx67, pics will definitely be coming. Completely understand everything that you say, and I think that as soon as the hesalite gets its first scuff I'll be questioning whether i made the right decision. I'm by no means in the sea all the time, but having checked out some more reviews of the 2018 Seamaster 300m Diver, I'm certainly being swayed. Appreciate your input, thank you.
 
#22 ·
Get the speedy. There are also TONS of options for bulletproof budget divers as some others have mentioned. SKX007, GSAR, Helson come to mind. Or even something like a Citizen Nighthawk might be a reasonable choice to pair with the Speedy.

No ones buys a swiss watch for the "practicality" of it, so get the one your heart wants.
 
#27 ·
Do you need a date? Quite frankly for 99% of your watch use (unless you happen to swim/dive regularly) that could be the only distinguishing criteria.

You can use a chronograph for most any timing event that you could use a dive bezel for, they are both excellent sport/dressy watches with good history.

But you will eventually get both, as you will turn 45 in a few [emoji14]
 
#29 ·
Yes, try it on and decide for yourself. If you let others decide for you, you can potentially second guess your choice and end up with "what if I had bought..."

I'm biased, as I looked at both over 10 years ago, and I decided on SMP 2254.50. To me, SMP stands out. Watch face with the wave pattern caught my attention. Hands stand out. Sapphire crystals is bright clear and bright. Just looks better to me.

Speedmaster is muted. Dull plastic face and hands. If I didn't know the history, I would not be impressed with the Speedmaster. And I wasn't born during the moon landing era. So I don't feel any connection with Speedmaster, other than just the history.

You need to look at the watch in person. There is no way to judge based on online photos or forum feedback. Good luck.
 
#30 ·
Follow your heart. Picking any expensive watch over any properly functioning cheap Quartz watch never makes rational sense (it does not tell the time better). You buy it because you like / love it, not because it makes sense.

This (thank God) leads to different choices for different persons.

My heart said speedmaster about three years ago and I still love it. The winding is a few seconds in the morning and sometimes a mindful moment during a busy day at work.
Scratches happen but can be buffed out quite easily with polywatch.

Evertime I look at it I still admire the dail and the way the light interacts with the hesalite.

Have fun with your quest!
 
#32 ·
I've had my hesalite speedy for over two years now and the crystal looks as good as new. I picked up a tube of poly watch immediately after acquiring the watch so I could keep the crystal pristine but have not yet had to break the seal. I've had some scuffs from hitting doorways, seatbelts and whatnot but they've always fixed themselves from rubbing against my cuffs or sweaters.

That said I love the Seamasters as well but have never once regretted my decision. Either way you go you'll be pleased. Have you considered the Seamaster 300 MC?

As other posters have said the only downside of the speedy is lack of WR but I picked up a G-shock for the beach.

Happy hunting!


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