Speedmaster VS Seamaster - help me choose

Keyzer

I need serious help.

I fell in love with the speedster whilst salivating over the lucky guys on Boards who have one. Its a spectacular watch, a truly iconic piece. I felt I must have one and am working towards getting one.

However, my eye has been turned a number of times in recent weeks by the seamaster. Again, a truly iconic piece and stunningly beautiful.

I'm now in a position where I can't make my mind up on either one.

3rd world problems I know but I fear if I buy one of them then I'll regret having not purchased the other.

Buying both is out of the question.

Mitch Buchannon

I'm in a very fortunate position to own both. I have the Speedmaster Pro Moon and a Seamaster Planet Ocean.
I'm assuming that your looking for the Moonwatch which leaves us with the Seamaster options.
Which Seamaster are you looking at ? There are a few models.
Seamaster 300, Seamaster Planet Ocean, Seamaster Aqua Terra, Seamaster Diver 300m.

I find that both are quite rugged and toolish when they need to be. The Speedmaster doesn't have great water resistance but certainly has enough for daily life. The Seamaster obviously has great water resistance.
The Speedmaster is easier to dress up. There are so many strap options that can totally change the look of the watch. Of course you can change the straps on the Seamaster but I feel that there are less options.

Any other questions just ask away.

Eoin

Flip a coin and if you decide to make it best out of three based on the result, then get the other watch.

FWIW, I'd normally gravitate towards a sportier watch - but I'd have the Speedmaster over the older "Bond" style SMP; I don't think they've aged terribly well.

dudara

I'd choose the Speedmaster over the Seamaster on the basis of classic aesthetics. The Speedy is a more elegant watch.

893bet

Speed master is more versatile.

Buy second hand. Easy flip it on and buy the other.

893bet

Eoin wrote: »

FWIW, I'd normally gravitate towards a sportier watch - but I'd have the Speedmaster over the older "Bond" style SMP; I don't think they've aged terribly well.

Agred! I think it's the bracelet.

Eoin

Yeah, I think you're right about the bracelet.

I'm not sure that versatility is really that much of an issue these days though. Many sports/tool watches look absolutely fine with a suit.

893bet

Eoin wrote: »

Yeah, I think you're right about the bracelet.

I'm not sure that versatility is really that much of an issue these days though. Many sports/tool watches look absolutely fine with a suit.

Absolutely! By versatile I meant it looks great on bracelet, rubber, nato, leather etc.

sparrowcar

I've owned both having sold the a seamaster 300m on after the speedy arrived. I would like to own a seamaster 2254.50 in the future as the one I had was a 2264.50 (quartz version) and I loved it.

However if I had to own only one then it would be the Speedmaster every time. It just oozes class at every turn and wears so well.

Keyzer

Thanks for the feedback chaps. Veering back to the speedie. Such a beautiful piece.

unkel

The Seamaster does it for me. But not with metal but maybe a tan leather or even a nato strap?



Then again I'm hardly objective as I generally much rather a diver than a chrono

dudara

I saw a lovely Seamaster in the window of Weirs Dundrum Town Centre at the weekend - the 007 Aqua Terra (or Milgauss version of the Seamaster). Just a lovely watch and less-divery than the more regular Seamaster.

Wibbs

I think I saw the same one D. I didn't linger too long, but I don't remember the 007 on the dial. That would put me right off TBH.

dudara

Maybe it was the standard model - without the 007. I think that has a pinstripe face.

Eoin

Keyzer wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback chaps. Veering back to the speedie. Such a beautiful piece.

Out of interest, which Seamaster were you considering? If you like the larger look of the PO, there's also a 44mm automatic version of the Speedmaster.

valoren

I own both. The Speedmaster and the 'Bond' Seamaster 2531.
I'm not a fan of the bulky PO's or the new ceramic Seamasters.
The prices certainly don't sway me either :eek:

Both have workhorse movements that have been very reliable and I couldn't have one without the other.

I too caught Speedy fever and bought new back in 2010, luckily before the price increases. It's gone up so much that if I were to buy now it would be pre-owned. Once you read about the history and pedigree then it induces an itch that must be scratched. Part of me wishes it would have the same price tag as a Daytona. I could then justify in my mind that it is simply too costly for me. It is frustratingly within affordability.

If you made me choose, then I would go for the Seamaster.
I think it just edges the Speedmaster in terms of looks, (Speedy must be on steel bracelet for me) but that's a personal choice.

I would disagree that the Seamaster bracelet is a drawback. It's the most comfortable I've ever worn and is vastly superior to Rolex Sub bracelets from the same era.

fulladapipes

I too have had both: the Speedy and the Planet Ocean 42mm Seamaster. I think on balance the Speedy is more versatile. You can stick it on the bracelet (and Omega make the best bracelets I think), a nato or leather strap. The Seamaster isn't quite up to that, the Planet Ocean anyway.

Mitch Buchannon

fulladapipes wrote: »

I too have had both: the Speedy and the Planet Ocean 42mm Seamaster. I think on balance the Speedy is more versatile. You can stick it on the bracelet, a nato or leather strap. The Seamaster isn't quite up to that, the Planet Ocean anyway.

Currently owning both , I completely agree with the above.

RUK

Speedmaster is the only Omega you will need. It is a great allrouder. Bracelet, strap, nato, leather vintage strap.... stunning. Cant go wrong with it

Captainsatnav

Love love love the new seamaster Aqua Terra...blue dial...question is - blue rubber or steel strap? (paid bonus today...)

unkel

Lucky you

How about blue leather? If the watch was mine, I'd probably switch between blue rubber, steel, blue leather, blue sail cloth and a bunch of NATOs depending on the season, the occasion, etc.

Eoin

Pretty sure it's nearly always cheaper to buy on a bracelet and add a strap later - and I'd be looking at a non-OEM strap anyway; if their NATOs are anything to go by, Omega charge stupid money.

unkel

On the original stainless steel bracelet is best for resale value too. Something that is (or should be) important to all of us in here, even if we think when buying a particular watch that we'll never sell it

Keyzer

I just realised I never updated this thread - I got the speedmaster in the end and I love it.

Northern Monkey

Eoin wrote: »

Pretty sure it's nearly always cheaper to buy on a bracelet and add a strap later - and I'd be looking at a non-OEM strap anyway; if their NATOs are anything to go by, Omega charge stupid money.

I agree with this. Guts of £400 for a rubber strap and deployant for my planet ocean:eek:

btkm8unsl0w5r4

the origional moon watch is self wind and r hesalite glass...not a robust and easy watch to live with. Also be aware the speedmaster wears quite small. Seamaster is a block of a watch, so robust, you could bring that thing anywhere. I have a seamaster 300 and a speedmaster racing...I wear the speedmaster more as its nicer to look at, but the seamaster is a classic piece and will never leave my collection, its the watch I bring on holidays, or to the pool or when I am working on the car or garden.

Keyzer

Ana Uptight Tile wrote: »

the origional moon watch is self wind and r hesalite glass...not a robust and easy watch to live with. Also be aware the speedmaster wears quite small. Seamaster is a block of a watch, so robust, you could bring that thing anywhere. I have a seamaster 300 and a speedmaster racing...I wear the speedmaster more as its nicer to look at, but the seamaster is a classic piece and will never leave my collection, its the watch I bring on holidays, or to the pool or when I am working on the car or garden.

I live just fine with mine ;);)

Gavin1

I have a Bond Seamaster which I love dearly!
For me the Speedmaster is a different beast and a better watch than the Seamaster. However Omega ruin it with their frequent limited editions.

Captainsatnav

Ended up getting the aqua Terra last week. A beaut. Watch for life I'd say.

Cienciano

Captainsatnav wrote: »

Ended up getting the aqua Terra last week. A beaut. Watch for life I'd say.

Put a few photos up on the photos thread. I'm definitely a seamaster man rather than speedmaster.

Captainsatnav

Cienciano wrote: »

Put a few photos up on the photos thread. I'm definitely a seamaster man rather than speedmaster.

Already did last week!