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“I want to buy a new Speedmaster Professional and need an AD referral!”
First let me say that I am more than happy to take 60-90 seconds to PM or preferably email a referral but I feel I will be doing you a disservice.
Why would you be content with a 20-30% discount on a new Speedmaster Professional knowing that the first time you placed it on your wrist, you would have just lost 20-30% of the discounted price?
Is it because you want the Omega warranty? Valid reason but:
1. Do you expect problems with a movement as reliable as the Lemania?
2. Do you really want to send it to an Omega service center for repair (or even simple regulation) and wonder in what condition it will be when it is returned after weeks or even months of waiting?
Is it because you want the “latest and the greatest”? Not so valid a reason as the Speedmaster Professional is a classic design that has looked basically the same for forty years. The untrained eye would have difficulty distinguishing my 105.012 from the current 3570.50.
Is it because you desire the honor and pleasure of inflicting the first (and inevitable) scratches and dings? Again, another not so valid reason for buying new. There are “previously owned” Speedies out there that have been lovingly cared for with fewer blemishes than some dealer display models.
Is it because you don’t mind taking the “depreciation hit” – paying the “stupid tax”? I can’t argue with that after all, it’s your money. You can waste it if you want.
When I was considering my first Speedmaster Professional, the forum guys in the know advised against buying new. I took that advice and over five or so years, I have bought and sold a dozen or more before setting in with the four I currently own. I have purchased from sellers on the sales corners and on the famous auction site as well. I have sold in like fashion and have yet to be stuck with a Speedy or lose money on the resale.
So where should one look for a “previously owned” Speedmaster Professional? I suggest you look to the Asian market*. The Asian WIS (and noticeably the Japanese WIS) is generally very knowledgeable regarding watches and takes good care of them but they are susceptible to the “latest and greatest” syndrome. (That’s why watch companies such as Omega produce special editions for the Asian market.) When a new model hits the stores, the “old” Speedmaster Professional comes off the wrist and is sold or traded in.
Consider this: a new 3570.50 retails for US$3450 and can be purchased from an AD with a discount for US$2450. That same watch can regularly be purchased used LNIB for less than US$1700 including shipping. Admittedly there may be no warranty remaining but even a full service won’t cost the difference in savings.
These observations are based upon my own experience and offered for your consideration and comment.
Fr. John+
*Note that many of us on the forum have had reliable dealing with these eBay sellers:
jmryshi
sabashioyakiz1
kaberui
They usually have nice watches and stand behind them. My first Speedy Pro came from jmryshi back when his feedback score was less than 100.
This recommendation is based on past experience and I cannot warrant what will happen in the future so the doctrine of caveat emptor (buyer beware) still applies.
First let me say that I am more than happy to take 60-90 seconds to PM or preferably email a referral but I feel I will be doing you a disservice.
Why would you be content with a 20-30% discount on a new Speedmaster Professional knowing that the first time you placed it on your wrist, you would have just lost 20-30% of the discounted price?
Is it because you want the Omega warranty? Valid reason but:
1. Do you expect problems with a movement as reliable as the Lemania?
2. Do you really want to send it to an Omega service center for repair (or even simple regulation) and wonder in what condition it will be when it is returned after weeks or even months of waiting?
Is it because you want the “latest and the greatest”? Not so valid a reason as the Speedmaster Professional is a classic design that has looked basically the same for forty years. The untrained eye would have difficulty distinguishing my 105.012 from the current 3570.50.
Is it because you desire the honor and pleasure of inflicting the first (and inevitable) scratches and dings? Again, another not so valid reason for buying new. There are “previously owned” Speedies out there that have been lovingly cared for with fewer blemishes than some dealer display models.
Is it because you don’t mind taking the “depreciation hit” – paying the “stupid tax”? I can’t argue with that after all, it’s your money. You can waste it if you want.
When I was considering my first Speedmaster Professional, the forum guys in the know advised against buying new. I took that advice and over five or so years, I have bought and sold a dozen or more before setting in with the four I currently own. I have purchased from sellers on the sales corners and on the famous auction site as well. I have sold in like fashion and have yet to be stuck with a Speedy or lose money on the resale.
So where should one look for a “previously owned” Speedmaster Professional? I suggest you look to the Asian market*. The Asian WIS (and noticeably the Japanese WIS) is generally very knowledgeable regarding watches and takes good care of them but they are susceptible to the “latest and greatest” syndrome. (That’s why watch companies such as Omega produce special editions for the Asian market.) When a new model hits the stores, the “old” Speedmaster Professional comes off the wrist and is sold or traded in.
Consider this: a new 3570.50 retails for US$3450 and can be purchased from an AD with a discount for US$2450. That same watch can regularly be purchased used LNIB for less than US$1700 including shipping. Admittedly there may be no warranty remaining but even a full service won’t cost the difference in savings.
These observations are based upon my own experience and offered for your consideration and comment.
Fr. John+
*Note that many of us on the forum have had reliable dealing with these eBay sellers:
jmryshi
sabashioyakiz1
kaberui
They usually have nice watches and stand behind them. My first Speedy Pro came from jmryshi back when his feedback score was less than 100.
This recommendation is based on past experience and I cannot warrant what will happen in the future so the doctrine of caveat emptor (buyer beware) still applies.
). Thanks again for your advice.
