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Old 15 September 2020, 09:26 PM   #1
Hank
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Help me choose my first Omega

I am trying to decide between the latest Seamaster 300 and the Speedmaster hesalite. I already have other chronographs and divers so functionality isn’t really a concern. My head tells me to choose the Seamaster for its superior movement, date function, easy bracelet adjustment and higher WR. My heart tells me to go for the Speedmaster for its rich history and reputation. Please help me out. Thanks.

Seamaster 300


Speedmaster Hesalite



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Old 15 September 2020, 09:41 PM   #2
htc8p
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Difficult question the speedmaster is a little bit vintage and the seamaster more cutting edge.

I got the planet ocean first but flipped it. Then I got the speedmaster. I don’t think I’m going to flip this. It looks so classic


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Old 15 September 2020, 09:57 PM   #3
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The Seamaster is the more premium watch. The Speedy has the history.

Personally I would take the Seamaster and add a rubber strap. It's a flat-out gorgeous watch. I owned a Speedmaster and grew bored with it and flipped it. I missed the premium features that watches like that SMP 300M provide. The date is a big plus too.
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Old 15 September 2020, 10:07 PM   #4
uscmatt99
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I have a Planet Ocean Chrono and Speedmaster Pro Hesalite. The Speedy gets more wear in general due to smaller size, lighter weight, and comfort. I just love the look of the domed crystal on the unique case side-profile of the Speedy as well.
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Old 15 September 2020, 10:18 PM   #5
Wolfgang427
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Seamaster.....
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Old 15 September 2020, 10:29 PM   #6
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Speedy, for sure. With its historic significance and general coolness, it’s a no brainer.
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Old 15 September 2020, 11:52 PM   #7
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Hard choice. Do you like vintage muscle cars or modern sports cars? That will answer the question as best as I can.
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Old 16 September 2020, 12:00 AM   #8
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Both are great and are very classic of the brand. Hard to pick one over the other for an entry into Omega. I wound up picking the 300m.

My opinion of the pros/cons for each:

SMP 300m:
+ Awesome movement. Self-winding.
+ More water resistant. Designed for diving.
+ Tasteful integration of date window
+ Ceramic finishing, premium feel
+ Better legibility in my opinion. Dial is less crowded.
+ Factory rubber strap is incredibly comfortable and well made
- Metal bracelet is very uncomfortable. You HAVE to get the rubber strap for this.
- Less dynamic watch for strap changes. It has to stay on the rubber.
- Less dynamic watch for day-to-day wear. Too sporty. I find that it is not dressy.


Speedmaster:
+ More history. Classic, timeless, enthusiast level horology.
+ Offers chrono complication, if that's your thing.
+ Greater day-to-day wear, in my opinion
+ Strap monster. Looks great on leather, NATO, etc. More dynamic.
+ More comfortable metal bracelet. Can add micro-adjusting clasp via aftermarket.
- Dial is crowded, time can be harder to read
- Movement is manual wind and less magnet-resistant (most versions; some self-winders out there)
- Not sure how robust or accurate the movement is; lacks the METAS master chronometer certification
- Do not take this watch in or near water. Only 50m resistant.
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Old 16 September 2020, 12:11 AM   #9
1William
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Seamaster 300 first for the reasons listed above. A more wearable watch on a day to day basis for me and the manual wind does not really work for me. I would look at the Speedmaster Racing in the 44.25. It does not wear much larger than the Speedmaster 42 mm and it is an automatic. I own one of both.
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Old 16 September 2020, 12:29 AM   #10
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I would go with the Speedmaster personally.


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Old 16 September 2020, 01:02 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TimeAZ View Post

Speedmaster:
- Not sure how robust or accurate the movement is; lacks the METAS master chronometer certification
.
This :)




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Old 16 September 2020, 01:19 AM   #12
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That black dial Seamaster is a fantastic watch. That combined with the rubber strap is one of the best dive watches available at the moment.

This model Seamaster has been a massive success for Omega.
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Old 16 September 2020, 01:42 AM   #13
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If both isn't an option, I'd go speedy. But, one should be coming out soon with an upgraded movement, so I'd wait until then.
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Old 16 September 2020, 01:48 AM   #14
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Since you already have other watches in the collection, I'd go with Speedy and buy a bunch of straps to change out if you get bored. If you were to only have one watch, then Seamaster would be better.

Of course the true correct answer would be to get both eventually.
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Old 16 September 2020, 02:14 AM   #15
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My first watch was a Speedy Reduced almost 25 years ago and I've been hooked every since. Aquired a Speedy Pro "Moonwatch" a few years later and have had several others since. Selling isn't even a question. However, in this past months my Submariner tends to get a bit more wrist time as I find the adjustable bracelet and the stronger water resistance makes me more comfortable wearing it day in and day out - particularly with the hyper vigilant hand washing these days. If that's a concern for you, then maybe the Seamaster is a great choice. I'm thinking of picking one up myself as a next purchase..... If the water resistance / durability isn't that big a concern right now - get the Speedy - it'll be with you forever. Personally, I like the winding mantra. I enjoy taking a few minutes to do it. Also, the watch folds effortlessly into a little "desk clock" - which has been super helpful on too many ZOOM calls.
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Old 16 September 2020, 02:22 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TimeAZ View Post
Both are great and are very classic of the brand. Hard to pick one over the other for an entry into Omega. I wound up picking the 300m.

My opinion of the pros/cons for each:

SMP 300m:
+ Awesome movement. Self-winding.
+ More water resistant. Designed for diving.
+ Tasteful integration of date window
+ Ceramic finishing, premium feel
+ Better legibility in my opinion. Dial is less crowded.
+ Factory rubber strap is incredibly comfortable and well made
- Metal bracelet is very uncomfortable. You HAVE to get the rubber strap for this.
- Less dynamic watch for strap changes. It has to stay on the rubber.
- Less dynamic watch for day-to-day wear. Too sporty. I find that it is not dressy.


Speedmaster:
+ More history. Classic, timeless, enthusiast level horology.
+ Offers chrono complication, if that's your thing.
+ Greater day-to-day wear, in my opinion
+ Strap monster. Looks great on leather, NATO, etc. More dynamic.
+ More comfortable metal bracelet. Can add micro-adjusting clasp via aftermarket.
- Dial is crowded, time can be harder to read
- Movement is manual wind and less magnet-resistant (most versions; some self-winders out there)
- Not sure how robust or accurate the movement is; lacks the METAS master chronometer certification
- Do not take this watch in or near water. Only 50m resistant.

I really appreciate the detailed feedback. Can I ask you why you feel that the bracelet is “very uncomfortable”? I’ve heard elsewhere that it’s because of the sharp edges. Me personally, the main appeal of the Seamaster is the easy adjustable bracelet. I already have a few watches on rubber including the Daytona Oysterflex, AP ROO and a Panerai. Not to keen on adding another. Thanks again.


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Old 16 September 2020, 02:24 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by trippinjimmy View Post
If both isn't an option, I'd go speedy. But, one should be coming out soon with an upgraded movement, so I'd wait until then.

I wasn’t aware of this. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.


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Old 16 September 2020, 02:25 AM   #18
Hank
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Originally Posted by uscmatt99 View Post
I have a Planet Ocean Chrono and Speedmaster Pro Hesalite. The Speedy gets more wear in general due to smaller size, lighter weight, and comfort. I just love the look of the domed crystal on the unique case side-profile of the Speedy as well.

I am also a sucker for domed crystals.


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Old 16 September 2020, 02:27 AM   #19
Hank
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Originally Posted by texasmade View Post
Since you already have other watches in the collection, I'd go with Speedy and buy a bunch of straps to change out if you get bored. If you were to only have one watch, then Seamaster would be better.

Of course the true correct answer would be to get both eventually.

The Speedy does look great on various straps. Cheers.


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Old 16 September 2020, 02:30 AM   #20
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Help me choose my first Omega

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
Seamaster 300 first for the reasons listed above. A more wearable watch on a day to day basis for me and the manual wind does not really work for me. I would look at the Speedmaster Racing in the 44.25. It does not wear much larger than the Speedmaster 42 mm and it is an automatic. I own one of both.

What a handsome pair of Omegas. I will have to look into the Racing models. How big is your wrist?


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Old 16 September 2020, 03:36 AM   #21
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They are two polar opposite watches. I have both and while I wear the Seamaster more, I like the Speedy more.
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Old 16 September 2020, 03:51 AM   #22
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Of course the true correct answer would be to get both eventually.
Agree, this is the best answer. The good news is you can buy both second hand combined for less than the cost of one Submariner.
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Old 16 September 2020, 05:49 AM   #23
mmaggi
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Quote:
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Speedmaster:
- Dial is crowded, time can be harder to read
Keep in mind that one of the reasons why NASA chose this watch was because the dial is EASY to read with respect to other chronographs.
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Old 16 September 2020, 05:52 AM   #24
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OP - Ask yourself if you choose one over the other, will you regret not having the other?

I want both as well and thinking about waiting until I have the funds to do so. It will also be a good bargaining chip to buy 2 watches from one dealer. Chances are I'll get a greater discount.

But if I had to buy one it would be the Speedy. But that's because I already have 2 diver watches.
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Old 16 September 2020, 06:00 PM   #25
Hank
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Thank you all for your inputs. I will eventually add both pieces to my collection so I decided on the Seamaster first. I will pick up the Speedy when Omega upgrades the movement. Here is the obligatory wrist shot.



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Old 16 September 2020, 07:05 PM   #26
alllexandru
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Congrats! Very nice!
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Old 16 September 2020, 08:42 PM   #27
1William
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Congratulations. Great choice.
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Old 16 September 2020, 09:33 PM   #28
samson66
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank View Post
Thank you all for your inputs. I will eventually add both pieces to my collection so I decided on the Seamaster first. I will pick up the Speedy when Omega upgrades the movement. Here is the obligatory wrist shot.



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Sweet! Didn't waste any time huh! Looks terrific, love those waves. Congrats
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Old 16 September 2020, 10:26 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank View Post
Thank you all for your inputs. I will eventually add both pieces to my collection so I decided on the Seamaster first. I will pick up the Speedy when Omega upgrades the movement. Here is the obligatory wrist shot.



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very nice! I have a FOIS speedmaster and am going to get blue 300m next
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Old 16 September 2020, 11:07 PM   #30
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It was a trick question anyways. You cant go wrong with either! Congrats!
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