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AdamW · 25 January 2021, 08:57 AM

Walked into my AD yesterday who had just put a minty fresh brand new 1861 in the case. I couldn't believe it. And even with a 20% discount and I couldn't pull the trigger. I love the watch but like with other Omegas, I just don't like the bracelet. I have a Seamaster 300 and an older PO and the bracelets have always been a problem for me. They just feel clunky to me, and maybe I've been spoiled by my Rolexes, but the finish IMHO is just so so. Sharp edges and no micro adjustments. UGH.

Natos don't fit me well with the buckle never lining up on the bottom of my wrist. I was thinking about waiting for the new models to come out and see if the bracelet was any better. But would hate to miss out on the deal and a much less expensive watch as the price increases are going to be high.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Hit in the head?

Lew Archer · 25 January 2021, 09:09 AM

Try it on a leather strap. If they’re willing to do 20 percent off, maybe they can work with you on a leather strap.

I have my dad’s Moonwatch from circa 1973 on a black crocodile Omega strap and it works quite well, very comfortable.

I think you may regret passing on this now because of the bracelet, not because of reservations about the watch itself.

And, I agree with you. The current bracelets don’t quite do it for me, probably because I’m accustomed to the vintage bracelet that my father’s watch came with. I switched to a strap for a change of pace after many years on the bracelet and have been happy with the strap. No doubt I’ll switch back when the leather gets too well worn.

Omega does a nice job with their NATO’s. Don’t know if you’ve tried one of theirs before. You mentioned issues with NATO straps. I have an old Seamaster Professional 300m on an Omega NATO and find it very comfortable.

Good luck!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

MTdweller · 25 January 2021, 10:19 AM

You can look for a good aftermarket rubber or leather strap if the factory one doesn’t work for you. Lots of good options online.

logo · 25 January 2021, 10:30 AM

Several options for alternate metal bracelets as well, and you can also commission an adjustable clasp directly from Omega. Personally though, I really like the 1861 bracelet. I wear a modern DJ jubilee as a daily which nothing compares to comfort-wise, but I do find the 1861 bracelet very comfortable and goes with the rest of the watch very well. At 20% discount, I’d snag that watch in a heartbeat.

AJMarcus · 25 January 2021, 10:35 AM

I wear my 1861 hesalite on an OEM leather strap. Very comfortable. Twenty
percent off! It’s a deal I would not refuse. The Speedmaster Moonwatch is a strap monster. Anything you put on it looks great.

AEC · 25 January 2021, 10:42 AM

Sounds like you're not sure you want to buy it, so you probably shouldn't buy it. Normally we're pretty sure about a decision to drop $4k on a thing before we do.

mmalek1 · 25 January 2021, 10:55 AM

As others have stated, there are endless combinations of straps and bracelet configurations. So if you like the watch, get it and enjoy finding the right accessory for you. I am still enjoying the uncle seiko bracelet for less than a 100.00.

Spikedlee · 25 January 2021, 01:51 PM

Buy the watch, remove the bracelet, then sell the bracelet separately on the forums and use the money towards a strap you prefer. That's exactly what I did!

jorge mg · 25 January 2021, 02:55 PM

Great combo !

Is this Ed White bracelet on .005?

It can't be, it has 19mm end links right?

C0d · 25 January 2021, 03:09 PM

Lol. If you don't like the watch dont buy it. No one has a gun to your head.

Stick with Rolex that's where your head is at and there's nothing wrong with it.

Stevec14 · 25 January 2021, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorge mg

Great combo !

Is this Ed White bracelet on .005?

It can't be, it has 19mm end links right?

It’s the Apollo 11 50th anniversary bracelet which is 20mm. Same design as the Ed white

1William · 25 January 2021, 10:13 PM

I would go get the watch and ask for the 20% off and an OEM leather strap. See if they will do it, you never know. The watch is great and there are some great straps and bracelets from the secondary market if OEM ones do not work. Let us know what you decide. I would not let this get away.

OrangeKenny · 25 January 2021, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

Buy the watch, remove the bracelet, then sell the bracelet separately on the forums and use the money towards a strap you prefer. That's exactly what I did!

+1
This is a good approach. Plenty of strap/bracelet options for the Speedy

Cassidy776 · 26 January 2021, 01:15 AM

Passing on a 20% means you really don't want the watch. Using the bracelet as an excuse for not buying is rather silly as, others have stated, there are so many other options in terms of aftermarket bracelets, leather straps, NATO straps, etc.

gnuyork · 26 January 2021, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassidy776

Using the bracelet as an excuse for not buying is rather silly as, others have stated, there are so many other options in terms of aftermarket bracelets, leather straps, NATO straps, etc.

Unless you really like the new bracelet...

David5807 · 26 January 2021, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassidy776

Passing on a 20% means you really don't want the watch. Using the bracelet as an excuse for not buying is rather silly as, others have stated, there are so many other options in terms of aftermarket bracelets, leather straps, NATO straps, etc.

Yeah, this sounds like an excellent deal but you obviously don't want the watch so pass.

alllexandru · 26 January 2021, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamW

But would hate to miss out on the deal and a much less expensive watch as the price increases are going to be high.

You are buying the 1861 for the deal or because you like?
This is the question you need to ask yourself.

If you dont like the bracelet BUT you do like the 1861 then you can drop another 700-800 dollars for EdWhite bracelet but then we are returning to your want for a good deal

Maybe it is better for you to try the new ones but no deal for next couple of months.

AJMarcus · 26 January 2021, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1William

I would go get the watch and ask for the 20% off and an OEM leather strap. See if they will do it, you never know. The watch is great and there are some great straps and bracelets from the secondary market if OEM ones do not work. Let us know what you decide. I would not let this get away.

Great suggestion. That’s what I’d do for sure. That is, assuming you really do want the Speedmaster.

jorge mg · 26 January 2021, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevec14

It’s the Apollo 11 50th anniversary bracelet which is 20mm. Same design as the Ed white

Thank you :)

Chadridv · 26 January 2021, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

Buy the watch, remove the bracelet, then sell the bracelet separately on the forums and use the money towards a strap you prefer. That's exactly what I did!

that's gorgeous!

brandrea · 26 January 2021, 05:58 AM

Yes ... hit in the head

Cassidy776 · 26 January 2021, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

Buy the watch, remove the bracelet, then sell the bracelet separately on the forums and use the money towards a strap you prefer. That's exactly what I did!

Looks perfect!!!!

AdamW · 27 January 2021, 07:13 AM

OP here. So, the best of both worlds happened! I had found an 1861 new at a tremendous discount, but could get beyond the bracelet. Well lightning struck twice! I went to a different AD today who had a new 1861 with the strap and matched the 20% off!!!!!!! YAY! New Speedy on my wrist and I couldn't be happier! I end an era with a new piece to my collection!

Thanks for all the feedback gang!

FTX I · 27 January 2021, 08:35 AM

Well done. Huge congrats.

1William · 27 January 2021, 09:54 PM

Looks great. Congratulations.

AJMarcus · 27 January 2021, 11:01 PM

Well done! Congratulations

OrangeKenny · 27 January 2021, 11:06 PM

Excellent, congrats!

As a tip; if you want to try nato style straps but the buckle is stopping you, look at Zulu straps. You can slid the watch head around as much as you like to get the preferred alignment.

samson66 · 28 January 2021, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamW

OP here. So, the best of both worlds happened! I had found an 1861 new at a tremendous discount, but could get beyond the bracelet. Well lightning struck twice! I went to a different AD today who had a new 1861 with the strap and matched the 20% off!!!!!!! YAY! New Speedy on my wrist and I couldn't be happier! I end an era with a new piece to my collection!

Thanks for all the feedback gang!

Cool, congrats. When I had my Speedy the OEM leather was my favorite option. Omega makes really great straps. Good move!

AdamW · 28 January 2021, 01:26 AM

Thanks Kenny!

Oyster Sauce · 28 January 2021, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamW

OP here. So, the best of both worlds happened! I had found an 1861 new at a tremendous discount, but could get beyond the bracelet. Well lightning struck twice! I went to a different AD today who had a new 1861 with the strap and matched the 20% off!!!!!!! YAY! New Speedy on my wrist and I couldn't be happier! I end an era with a new piece to my collection!

Thanks for all the feedback gang!

Congrats and well done. If you ever want to pursue a bracelet option, I like the Uncle Seiko route that was suggested earlier.

25 January 2021, 08:57 AM	#1
AdamW "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Adam Location: In my head Watch: this space Posts: 785	Conflicted on a new Speedy 1861 Walked into my AD yesterday who had just put a minty fresh brand new 1861 in the case. I couldn't believe it. And even with a 20% discount and I couldn't pull the trigger. I love the watch but like with other Omegas, I just don't like the bracelet. I have a Seamaster 300 and an older PO and the bracelets have always been a problem for me. They just feel clunky to me, and maybe I've been spoiled by my Rolexes, but the finish IMHO is just so so. Sharp edges and no micro adjustments. UGH. Natos don't fit me well with the buckle never lining up on the bottom of my wrist. I was thinking about waiting for the new models to come out and see if the bracelet was any better. But would hate to miss out on the deal and a much less expensive watch as the price increases are going to be high. Thoughts? Suggestions? Hit in the head? __________________ Adam " I don't have a microwave oven but I do have a clock that occasionally cooks $h!t" - Mitch Hedburgh

25 January 2021, 09:09 AM	#2
Lew Archer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: L.A., Calif. Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,217	Conflicted on a new Speedy 1861 Try it on a leather strap. If they’re willing to do 20 percent off, maybe they can work with you on a leather strap. I have my dad’s Moonwatch from circa 1973 on a black crocodile Omega strap and it works quite well, very comfortable. I think you may regret passing on this now because of the bracelet, not because of reservations about the watch itself. And, I agree with you. The current bracelets don’t quite do it for me, probably because I’m accustomed to the vintage bracelet that my father’s watch came with. I switched to a strap for a change of pace after many years on the bracelet and have been happy with the strap. No doubt I’ll switch back when the leather gets too well worn. Omega does a nice job with their NATO’s. Don’t know if you’ve tried one of theirs before. You mentioned issues with NATO straps. I have an old Seamaster Professional 300m on an Omega NATO and find it very comfortable. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

25 January 2021, 10:55 AM	#7
mmalek1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Matt Location: Virginia Watch: This one. Posts: 1,753	As others have stated, there are endless combinations of straps and bracelet configurations. So if you like the watch, get it and enjoy finding the right accessory for you. I am still enjoying the uncle seiko bracelet for less than a 100.00. __________________ ♛16610LV, ♛116710BLNR, ♛214270, ♛116610LN, ♛216570, ♛116900, ♛16600, ♛116400GV, ΩSpeedmaster Silver Snoopy 45th and 50th, ΩSpeedmaster ST1, ΩCK859, Seiko Alpinist SPB089, Casio Oceanus S100, Ball DM1020

28 January 2021, 01:26 AM	#29
AdamW "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Adam Location: In my head Watch: this space Posts: 785	Thanks Kenny! __________________ Adam " I don't have a microwave oven but I do have a clock that occasionally cooks $h!t" - Mitch Hedburgh

25 January 2021, 10:19 AM	#3
MTdweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Real Name: Ty Location: West Coast Watch: the time fly! Posts: 1,475	You can look for a good aftermarket rubber or leather strap if the factory one doesn’t work for you. Lots of good options online.

25 January 2021, 10:30 AM	#4
logo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: North America Posts: 2,301	Several options for alternate metal bracelets as well, and you can also commission an adjustable clasp directly from Omega. Personally though, I really like the 1861 bracelet. I wear a modern DJ jubilee as a daily which nothing compares to comfort-wise, but I do find the 1861 bracelet very comfortable and goes with the rest of the watch very well. At 20% discount, I’d snag that watch in a heartbeat.

25 January 2021, 10:35 AM	#5
AJMarcus "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: AJ Location: USA Watch: Swiss Posts: 5,205	I wear my 1861 hesalite on an OEM leather strap. Very comfortable. Twenty percent off! It’s a deal I would not refuse. The Speedmaster Moonwatch is a strap monster. Anything you put on it looks great.

25 January 2021, 10:42 AM	#6
AEC 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Tony Location: Orchard Park, NY Watch: Idiot Savant Posts: 3,244	Sounds like you're not sure you want to buy it, so you probably shouldn't buy it. Normally we're pretty sure about a decision to drop $4k on a thing before we do.

25 January 2021, 01:51 PM	#8
Spikedlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Watch: Too many to narrow Posts: 585	Buy the watch, remove the bracelet, then sell the bracelet separately on the forums and use the money towards a strap you prefer. That's exactly what I did!

25 January 2021, 02:55 PM	#9
jorge mg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: EU Watch: .005 Posts: 5	Great combo ! Is this Ed White bracelet on .005? It can't be, it has 19mm end links right?

25 January 2021, 03:09 PM	#10
C0d Banned Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Kanata Watch: Dog Posts: 815	Lol. If you don't like the watch dont buy it. No one has a gun to your head. Stick with Rolex that's where your head is at and there's nothing wrong with it.

25 January 2021, 10:13 PM	#12
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,718	I would go get the watch and ask for the 20% off and an OEM leather strap. See if they will do it, you never know. The watch is great and there are some great straps and bracelets from the secondary market if OEM ones do not work. Let us know what you decide. I would not let this get away.

26 January 2021, 01:15 AM	#14
Cassidy776 Banned Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Ventura County Posts: 197	Passing on a 20% means you really don't want the watch. Using the bracelet as an excuse for not buying is rather silly as, others have stated, there are so many other options in terms of aftermarket bracelets, leather straps, NATO straps, etc.

26 January 2021, 05:58 AM	#21
brandrea 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 73,650	Yes ... hit in the head

27 January 2021, 08:35 AM	#24
FTX I "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Flavio Location: N/A Posts: 14,652	Well done. Huge congrats.

27 January 2021, 09:54 PM	#25
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,718	Looks great. Congratulations.

27 January 2021, 11:01 PM	#26
AJMarcus "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: AJ Location: USA Watch: Swiss Posts: 5,205	Well done! Congratulations

27 January 2021, 11:06 PM	#27
OrangeKenny "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Houston, TX Watch: 16570 Polar Posts: 329	Excellent, congrats! As a tip; if you want to try nato style straps but the buckle is stopping you, look at Zulu straps. You can slid the watch head around as much as you like to get the preferred alignment.

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