zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Hi Elizabeth,

Welcome to the world of Omega !

I'd say a Speedmaster is a great choice. But that really is my personal opinion. I have no idea about your or your husbands tastes, so can't really comment on what suits you/your husband.

I'll concentrate on the Speedmasters here, maybe someone else can do the Seamasters.

I can offer some impartial advice & some info about the various speedmasters out there.

Firstly, I'd say, unless you are experienced & know what you are looking at, or you have a watchmaker that you trust implicitly, I'd advise against going for a 2nd-hand (or vintage) piece. If you can afford it go for a new watch. Your husband will NEVER forget this gift.

There are various Speedmaster models out there.

Here's a link to the Official Omega Speedmaster webpage

As you can see Omega list 11 "types" of Speedmaster & within each of these "types" there are also metal/colour/strap/bracelet variations.

Lets go through the "types", with a few notes to each.

• Professional - this is basically the watch that went to the moon. It is just as big as it was in 1969. It is a manual wind & has no date. It ONLY comes with a black dial. The "basic model" has a plastic crystal & metal back - this version went to the moon & is still used by NASA astronauts. You can get a version with a saphire crystal & see-through back. The cheapest version is on a leather strap, but if your husband will want a metal bracelet, you'll be cheaper buying the bracelet version & an extra strap. - This would be my choice

  There are also some limited editions available here, ( eg Snoopy, Moon to Mars etc etc. "our favourite AD" will be able to tell you what he has or can get .... see later )

• Moonphase - Same dimensions as the professional. It is basically a professional with the moonphase. Noticeably more expensive.
• Broadarrow - same size as the Professional. This has a more modern, Automatic movement with a date, which has had it's problems in the past. The actual styling is not as classic as the "professional", but this model is loosely based on the late 50's Speedmaster, There are 17 variants. Again, this model is more expensive than the "professional"
• Broadarrow GMT - As the broadarrow, but with a GMT feature. even more money :-(
• Broadarrow Ratrapante - My grannie always said "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" - I have no real comments to make about this watch. It is a more complicated Broadarrow ( & even more expensive) . I dislike the styling. 'nuff said
• Day-Date - A GREAT alternative to the professional. It has an automatic movement & as the name suggests day & date features. The watch is a bit smaller than the "professional". The styling is very similar to the professional. There is a choice of dial colours. This model is a bit cheaper than the "professional"
• Date - Another good alternative. Again self-winding & has "only" the date feature this time. It is somewhat smaller than the "professional" & even cheaper than the "day-date". Again it comes in a choice of dial colours. I must say that this model gets very few posts/questions raised about it here on the forum. However the model has been in the prgram for a few years now, someone must be buying them. The movement is a modified version of a movement that has been around for years & years & years, it is bombproof ( not literally ! )
• Racing Chronometer - this is basically a "modified" version of the "Legend" series below. It has a distinctive dial. If you husband likes motorsport, this could be a good choice. I'm not sure about the pricing , but I'd guess cheaper than the "Broadarrow" & the "Legend"
• Legend - A range dedicated to Michael Schumacher. It has the same automatic movement as in the broadarrow. It is basically a broadarrow, with a different dial. The "Legend" series are a limited edition & each is individually numbered.
• Reduced - this is probably the cheapest Speedmaster. it has an automatic movement & the styling is VERY similar to the "professional". The watch case is noticeabley smaller than the professional. If you look at the ladies speedmasters on the Omega site, these are ALL "reduced" speedmasters, with different colured dials. Some men prefer the smaller watch. I'd say this is an EXCELLENT alternative if you looking for a cheaper & smaller model
• X-33 - This is a watch with an LCD dial & hands above it. it has very unique styling which I think you either love or hate. It has a titanium case ( the only speedmaster in Titanium) which may be good to know if your husband has skin allergies