Speedmaster question from a newbie

[Matt93]

Hi guys,

I visted an Omega AD for the first time yesterday & I really loved the Speedmaster range. I was looking at the Moonwatch with the display caseback when the assistant told me that for less money I could have a "replica" (her words not mine) of the Moonwatch that did not have the display caseback. Instead of the clear caseback the "replica" has an engraved caseback.

Can anyone explain what she meant by this? Which model would be the "replica" Moonwatch?

[Monte Cristo]

I believe she is referring to the 3570.50 which has a steel case back like the original, not a crystal case back like the one you were shown.

[Andad]

Perhaps she meant that the Speedmaster she had for sale was not the actual Speedmaster that went to the moon.

Did it have 321 on the movement?

[caryyee]

The 3570.50 is only a replica model of the original Moonwatch model, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Speedmaster

[Matt93]

Thanks guys. After reading your answers & working my way through the Omega website I think she was trying to explain the difference between the 3570 & the 3573.

Thanks. I never stop learning on this forum :)

[esm]

Originally Posted by Matt93

Hi guys,

I visted an Omega AD for the first time yesterday & I really loved the Speedmaster range. I was looking at the Moonwatch with the display caseback when the assistant told me that for less money I could have a "replica" (her words not mine) of the Moonwatch that did not have the display caseback. Instead of the clear caseback the "replica" has an engraved caseback.

Can anyone explain what she meant by this? Which model would be the "replica" Moonwatch?

WTF?!? The knowledge (or lack of) of the AD salesperson is "amazing"...
So, the "real" speed master moon watch has a clear displayback then?

[jmsrolls]

The Speedmasters worn on the moon were cal. 321 models; surely the 105.012 and probably the 105.003. These models are the REAL moon watches. The cal. 321 was eventually replaced by the cal. 861 and in the mid-1990s, by the cal. 1861. All true moon watches had steel backs as do all models flight certified by NASA.

Technically, the current 3570.50 is a "replica" of the models worn on the moon as it does not have the same cal. 321 movement.

When I bought my first Speedy Pro, a pre-owned 3570.50, in 2004, I tired of explaining the difference between it and the actual watches worn on the moon. That began my search to acquire a 105.012 as worn by Armstrong and other moon walkers. Eventually my efforts were successful:



But regardless of the movement or case back, no serious watch collection is complete with at least one Speedmaster Professional. No other watch has its history and mystery.

Fr. John+

[GregoryZ]

Welcome back, Fr. John!

I agree, the Speedmaster 'Moon Watch' is a must have for any serious collection. I bought mine from an AD back in 1995 and I'm so happy I did. I really feel it's the ultimate 'tool-watch'.

[gimpex]

The Speedmaster 3573 with a clear back was my trap into this money pit ;)

Great watch ... Still wear it but with the green and the white there is so much choice now

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Fr. John

Glad to see you're back. Hope the leg is healing.

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by GregoryZ

Welcome back, Fr. John!

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

Fr. John

Glad to see you're back. Hope the leg is healing.

The SonicWALL at my hospital will not allow me to access TRF. I've been in a rehab facility since Thursday but I will return in the morning to the hospital for reconstructive surgery. I will remain for a couple of days for observation. Depending upon how the surgery goes, I may go home then or to another rehab facility.

In any event, I will be off the forum for a few days.

Fr. John†