Okay, so I’ve been wanting to share this for a while, and today’s the day. I finally got my hands on a copy of the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, the one with the sapphire crystal and the Caliber 3861 movement. Let me tell you, the whole process was quite the journey, but so worth it.
First off, I started doing a ton of reading. I mean, I was drowning in articles and forum posts. You wouldn’t believe how much stuff is out there about these watches. The original Speedmaster, nicknamed the “Moonwatch,” has a wild history. It went to the moon! This got me even more hyped up about it. I knew I wanted the classic hand-wound movement, not the automatic one. The automatic just doesn’t have the same feel, you know?
Shopping Around
Then came the shopping part. Let me tell you, these things are not cheap, but they are great! I started out on the official OMEGA website. Of course, they have all the info you could ever want, nice pictures, and all that. But I had to check the actual price, too. I looked at some of the popular watch forums and marketplaces. There were some used ones for sale, some in great condition, but the price wasn’t as different from the new ones. So I went to the OMEGA store.
Decisions, Decisions
Then it was time to actually make a decision. I was going back and forth between different versions of the Speedmaster. They have ones with a sapphire crystal, ones with a hesalite crystal, some with a display case back, others with a solid case back. Finally, I decided on the sapphire crystal version. It’s just more scratch-resistant. I know the hesalite is more traditional, but I’m a bit clumsy. I also opted for the display case back so I could see that beautiful Caliber 3861 movement. I mean, the craftsmanship is insane.
After that, it was just a matter of waiting. I went to a few specialty stores near me. There, you could actually try them on. The feeling was amazing, I was so excited that I could make the purchase right there! After all was set and done, I finally walked out of the store with my very own Speedmaster. It felt amazing. The watch is built like a tank, but it’s also super comfortable to wear.
Final Thoughts
- Durability: It’s built to last. I can see myself wearing this thing every day, and I don’t have to worry about it.
- Investment: I know these watches hold their value well, and some even appreciate over time. That’s a nice bonus.
This was a big purchase for me, but I have zero regrets. I love wearing this watch, and it always puts a smile on my face. Even my wife thinks it’s cool, and she’s not even a watch person! If you’re thinking about getting a Speedmaster, go for it! You won’t be disappointed. Just be prepared to do a lot of research and window-shopping.
Also, I know that the Speedmaster was discontinued in 2009, but the ones from the OMEGA catalog are still great. In the end, I felt that the Speedmaster Moonwatch was the right choice for me. It is a unique watch that I will treasure for many years to come.
This whole experience has been a blast. It’s not just about owning a nice watch; it’s about the history, the craftsmanship, and the whole community around it. If you ever get the chance, go check out a Speedmaster in person. It’s a whole different experience than just looking at pictures online.
Alright, that’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it!
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