re: Whose got a Rolex?

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Do you have any knowledge or experience with Michael Young restoring bands?

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My wife sent one of her Rolex bands, stainless steel and gold, to Michael Young for restoration. Looks good as new.

I wear the now out of production green hand GMT Master II, and a Speedy.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional, in the Moonwatch setup.. is the very best entry level chrono that can be purchased dollar for dollar.

I’ve got the crystal backed manual, and love it more than other watches that cost two and three times as much.

Thanks

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I am thinking of getting into the Speedy game, myself. I can't bring myself to go with the automatic movement. I know the manual wind isn't as easy, but I like the idea of investing in watches that are "in-house"--at least in terms of movements. And that manual chrono movement is a beauty.

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If the Speedy's allure to you is the moon watch aspect then the Speedy Pro with its manual wind 1861 movement and acrylic crystal are the natural choice.

Now the original Speedy Pros (the only one I personally would buy) had the Caliber 321 movement in them this is a true legend. It was a lateral clutch, column wheel controlled movement built by Lemania was used in a number of models from other manufacturers, such as Breguet and Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantine. Being a column wheel the chrono pusher action is silky smooth.

In 1970 the demand was so great for the Moonwatch Omega looked for ways to speed up production and cut cost and switched to the Cal. 861. It was a less expensive cam-operated chronograph movement and while good it was nothing like the greatness of the 321. Now I will admit I am overstating the quality of the 321 but I am far more fond of it than the cam-actuated 861/1861. I would also be remiss if I didn't note that some parts for the 321 are getting harder to find most people wouldn't consider a 321 Speedy as a full time daily wear. Any vintage Speedy owner should know the name Al at Archer Watches in Canada, he is the Speedy Guru.


The 9300 movement automatic Speeedys are quite a bit more expensive than the 1861 manual winds BUT they are so much more advanced. Outside Rolex, there really aren't any other mid-tier watch movements that are as good. Fully in-house and insanely accurate for mechanicals. It is a column-wheel movement with a Co-Axial escapement. The hairspring is silicon and it has a free-sprung balance along with two in series mainspring barrels. I also think it looks damn good. My point is the movement of the current automatic Speedmasters should not give you pause, it is a SOTA movement.

The watches are definitely different they are different sizes and thicknesses, vary significantly in price, and one has more nostalgia associated with it. It is likely one will endear itself to you more than the other from the first time you hold them but don't look down on the quality of the 9300 movement as it is an engineering masterpiece. For me all other things being equal (which of course they are not) I would pick the 9300 movement over the 1861 especially for everyday wear.

Have to admit, got pretty lucky with my birth year as compared to some others.

If you don't mind me asking, but your 6265 - you mind giving the backstory of how you came upon it?
I interned for a guy (CEO) who had a huge Daytona collection, including 6239 & 6262.

Oyster Day/Date - bought in ‘84 for a grand and replacement value is now about $5000...great investment !

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Have to admit, got pretty lucky with my birth year as compared to some others.

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I’m a 73’ model. I am SOL. The “red” Sub and Seadweller are awesome. I love them but they are well into 5 figures I remotely cared for.

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I’m a 73’ model. I am SOL. The “red” Sub and Seadweller are awesome. I love them but they are well into 5 figures I remotely cared for.

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Yea I was lucky (didn’t seem like it at the time) I bought my ‘72 1680 a few years before the price went crazy.

Don’t take this wrong but deep down I hate you a little bit. Lol

Nice watch.