Explorer 1 or Speedmaster

[subprimero]

If it is to be your only watch, the Explorer.

[2nastie]

I own both. The Speedy Moonwatch Sapphire caseback was my first high-end watch. And my most recent purchase is the Explorer 1.

If I have to give up one, I would give up the Speedy. I love the history of the Moonwatch, but I just enjoy wearing the Explorer 1 a lot more especially for day-to-day. Better case size and it's an automatic. I find manually winding my Speedy a pain at times. Bracelet to bracelet the Explorer is better. The Speedy does offer better strap options...

I don't think you will have problems with customs locally. At the end of the day you will be bringing it back to your country and the local taxes are paid (unless you try to exempt tax... that may require you to ship the watch or papers home). The only customs duty/taxes you will face is your own country's.

[williamstone]

Speedmaster is a total do, No Regrets believe me.
All the best.

[bigfatpauli]

Both are great watches but the Explorer, for me, is arguably the closest to perfect watch ever made so...

[Jonesy2099]

Both are great watches. I’d try to get both if possible. If I had to pick one, the Explorer edges it. Just.

[snowvapor]

I'd go for a speedy, explorer ain't my cup of tea.

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[Rizone]

Explorer for me - too many mind boggling confusing versions of the speedy.

[icemandl6]

The Rolex for sure! I have an Exp 1 and it is a fabulous watch! Comfortable, nicely sized, crazy versatile and it’s a Rolex!

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

This thread is like the Twilight Zone.

[GTS Dean]

The EX-1 is just too plain for me. Is it handsome, rugged, understated, and a Rolex? Yes. But, it is just such a plain watch.

The Speedy with display back is an outstanding watch. A lot of folks prefer the hesalite crystal to the sapphire.

Here is a comparison of the hesalite crystal, and the "sapphire sandwich" front & back.

[SimplyWatches]

Explorer 1 all day my friend!

[ChipWong]

Exp 1 all the way

[JSL420]

I have both, you can’t go wrong with either,

Speedmaster is more historical important, moonlanding is probably one of the greatest achievements in human history. If you pick the speedy, I strongly recommend you go for the hesalite version, it is the one that is flight qualified by NASA, not the sapphire.

Explorer is a simple great looking watch, also it is more accurate and carefree than the speedy, you don’t have to wind it everyday. And the bracelet and clasp are amazing.


Good luck!

[monsters]

I had both. Preferred the character of the speedy, especially with Hesalite, but it wore quite thick.

Explorer 1 definitely had better build quality, and water resistance was additional peace of mind, but just was too "flat" and clinical for me

[dubins930]

I really don’t think there’s a wrong choice here... love the speedy on nato

[scarlet knight]

Both.

[Seattlerf]

Speedy. Can’t live without one. Flipped the explorer 10 years ago and never looked back. But the MOON watch! So classic and cool. The Explorer is classic.

[Rolex fan 61]

Explorer all the way.

[iamjakekim]

Speedy of course.

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[lukajur]

I can only agree with some comments before me here. The bracelet of the modern Moonwatch is not my cup of Tea. On a Strap however there is no beating the warmth of the Hesalite Crystal. I received one for my High School Graduation and 18th Birthday, so I am never letting it go.

However, having said that. I owned an Explorer 1 for a short duration this year, before trading most of my collection towards a 36mm Day Date in White Gold. Honestly, of all the watches I miss the Explorer the most, and I am set on repurchasing one. Maybe once the watch fund allows. A boy can dream!

[Hollie_Rollie]

My vote would be for the speedmaster. Your strap options would be endless


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[edd26]

speedmaster any time. but if you really like an explorer, try 16570 ( fantastic dial, without those stupid 3,6,9 ). you can save some money if you are looking for a second hand watch.

[Euge]

I don’t know.........................




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[ricriu]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

This thread is like the Twilight Zone. Every response seems to be predicated on the thread title. No one is responding to OP's actual question. Has anyone read his post? He's not asking which watch members prefer. He's asking about availability, as well as customs issues.

OP, you didn't say where in the US you're visiting, so we can't give you location-specific availability. Generally, you will have a much easier time sourcing a Speedmaster than any stainless steel sport Rolex, Explorer included. Any decent Omega AD should have Speedies in the case to view, although whether or not they will have the specific model you have in mind is another question. SS sport Rolexes are in very short supply worldwide, although the Explorer is a bit easier to obtain than something like a stainless Submariner or GMT. Still, the odds of walking into an AD and finding an Explorer sitting in the case are slim.

Perhaps if you say where you're going to be (beyond Schipol), people familiar with those areas can give you some specific recommendations of places to look.

I'll be travelling to San Antonio. My plan is to buy one of these 2 watches at Gassan Schipol. From what I've read in this forum, they have one of the best prices. If they don't have it, maybe in the US. I like a little bit more the Speedmaster moonwatch with sapphire back for the visible movement and for the fact that I don't have any chronograph. It won't be my only watch. I already have 2 IWCs (one pilot and one vintage cal 89), one Hamilton khaki field and several Tissot and Gshock. In any case, I hope in the next year to have both watches :).

For the US customs, is there any problem if I have the case box of the watch in my backpack? Anyone knows if Gassan shop can mail back hom3 the box case?

[grymg]

I own a Speedy for the complication but I'd have to say Exp I, it's just out of the Omega's league IMHO.

Display caseback is nice for the Speedy but it's a novelty that kind of gets old. Being that you see the front of the case while wearing it, I like the shape and magnification of the hesalite better.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by |404|

hey haven't owned one (usually). But it works with everything attire wise. But beyond this it works with every known strap in the universe... and every colour combo.

Can't say I'm a fan of that strap. I just looked at some images of different straps and I can't say the explorer does that well either.

The old (vintage) one looks good but this one looks too beefed up. Same with the current SubC and GMT, they don't look good on straps.

The Speedy beats all because the design hasn't changed in ages.

[GMT Aviator]

Have a hesalite and a sapphire sandwich Speedy. Like them both equally for different reasons. Don’t own an Explorer but wouldn’t say no.
If I had to chose between the two all I’ll say is no collection is complete without a Speedy.
You just got to get used to hand cranking it every day or two.
Accuracy has never been a strong point of any of my speedies compared to a Rolex....certainly from the ones I own.

[azs.77]

Explorer all the way


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[doubleclass]

If you go for speedy you won't go wrong but explorer for me it's a classic and more sportive.

[Romeomikehotel]

Originally Posted by Angry-Gardener

Currently on a brown croc Dangerous 9 strap - pure luxury, but does mean I rarely wear it casual style.




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That’s a strictly casual watch if I’ve ever seen one.

I’m sure it looks fine with a suit but let’s call a spade a spade here.



As far as the OP question. I’d probably end up with the Speedy.